Market Trends of Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) Foam Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) Foam Market according to our research experts:
Increasing Usage in the Automotive Industry
- The automotive sector is currently the largest consumer of EPP foams. The demand for EPP foams has increased over the years as the EU regulations on emissions have become more rigorous, and laws on recycling vehicles withdrawn from use have been introduced.
- Excellent recoverability and the ability to absorb the impact energy of EPP foams increase the usage of EPP foams in bumpers. In a collision, molded EPP parts built into bumper bar systems reduce pressure and minimize the amount of impact energy transmitted to the chassis.
- Increasing usage of EPP foams in seating and other automotive components reduces the overall weight of the vehicle by ~10%. The fuel consumption was reduced by ~7%. The share of recyclable materials in vehicles that can be reused is increasing simultaneously.
- In addition, increasing electric cars are promoting the EPP foam market's growth, as EPP plays a significant role in making electric cars lightweight and thermally insulated and enhancing energy absorption capabilities.
- EPP foams are also used in the manufacturing of door pads, headliners, and mats. They make it possible to maintain a constant air temperature in the cockpit and generate ideal conditions for battery operations.
- According to the IEA 2021 Outlook, worldwide electric car sales doubled in 2021 and reached 6.6 million. The sales increased strongly in 2022, with 2 million electric cars sold across the globe in the first quarter of 2022.
- The Asia-Oceania and Americas regions recorded 46.73 million and 16.15 million of total automotive production in 2021, registering an increase of 6% and 3%, respectively, compared to 2020. However, Europe recorded 16.34 million of automotive production in 2021, a decrease of 4% compared to 2020.
- The aforementioned aspects may result in the automotive application dominating the market.
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Asia-Pacific Region to Dominate the Market
- The Asia-Pacific region dominated the global market share. In Asia-Pacific, China is the largest economy in terms of GDP.
- China is the largest consumer and manufacturer of EPP foams in the Asia-Pacific region. The growing manufacturing activities in the country are increasing the consumption of plastics and polymers in the region, which is expected to drive the expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam market.
- The country's automotive sector has been shaping product evolution, with the country focusing on manufacturing products that ensure fuel economy and minimize emissions, owing to the increasing environmental concerns (due to mounting pollution in the country).
- The Chinese automotive manufacturing industry is the largest in the world. In 2021, the automotive production in the country reached 26.08 million, which increased by 3%, compared to 25.23 million vehicles produced in 2020. The increase in automotive production is estimated to drive the demand for EPP foam.
- Additionally, the market competition in China has become increasingly fierce in the food and beverage industry, which has enabled companies to tap into overseas markets to seek more resources and business opportunities.
- The Indian packaging industry has made a mark with its exports and imports, thus driving technology and innovation growth in the country and adding value to the various manufacturing sectors. The packaging industry is enacting the role of catalyst in promoting the huge growth of the market studied in India. Furthermore, the country has been exhibiting a significant demand for packed foods for the past few years. This scenario is expected to continue during the forecast period, thus boosting the demand for the market studied.
- The Indian furniture market is also very strong. According to InvestIndia (National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency), the total rental furniture and appliances market in India reached INR 33,500 crores during FY21. The market is expected to garner USD 61.09 billion by the end of 2023.
- Due to all such factors, the market for expanded polypropylene foam in the region is expected to have steady growth during the forecast period.
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