Report

The global polypropylene market size was at around 90.32 MMT in 2024 . It is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.50% from 2025 to 2034 , reaching a volume of 140.26 MMT by 2034 .

The polypropylene (PP) market is witnessing robust growth across various end-use industries, such as automotive, packaging, and building & construction. In the automotive sector, PP is increasingly utilised for producing lightweight components that enhance fuel efficiency. In July 2024, Borealis launched Borcycle GD3600SY, a glass-fiber reinforced PP compound with 65% post-consumer recycled (PCR) polymer, aimed at automotive applications. The product, part of the Borcycle M range, will first be used in Peugeot 3008 center console carriers, highlighting a move towards more sustainable practices in the automotive sector. Packaging remains a key market for PP due to its durability and flexibility, while the building & construction industry benefits from its strength and versatility. The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on supply chains, but recovery is expected, with continued growth in the polypropylene market.

The polypropylene (PP) market is witnessing increased demand, particularly in the building & construction sector. PP's durability makes it ideal for the construction industry , supporting infrastructural developments and residential housing projects. Additionally, its versatility is valued in industrial applications, where its strength and flexibility provide practical solutions. The growing need for sustainable materials is further boosting the polypropylene market's expansion.

The U.S. construction industry is contributing to the expansion of the polypropylene market, especially for infrastructural projects. Polypropylene's adaptability meets diverse application areas, driving demand. However, import tariffs and trade deals could influence market trends, while immigration reforms might impact the availability of skilled labour, shaping the sector's growth prospects in the future.

Table: Production of Personal Cars and Commercial Vehicles in Selected Major Economies, 2022

Key Trends and Developments

Increasing use in the automotive sector; expansion of the packaging sector; growing medical applications of polypropylene; and increasing recycling activities are impacting the polypropylene market growth

Jan 2024

LyondellBasell agreed to acquire 35% interest in Saudi Arabia-based National Petrochemical Industrial Company (NATPET) from Alujain Corporation (Alujain) for an amount of USD 500 million.

Dec 2023

Nayara Energy announced it will start the operations of polypropylene plant in H1 2024, marking the company's entry into the sector.

Oct 2023

LyondellBasell announced the launch of cutting-edge translucent polypropylene compounds featuring visual effects, UV resistance, and durability.

Nov 2022

Lummus Technology announced the launch of the Novolen PPure polypropylene (PP) portfolio, a new grade range of polymers fit for producing automotive, healthcare components, and food packaging materials.

Growing demand for natural polypropylene in the automotive sector

With increasing concerns about the economy and environment, lightweight materials in the automotive industry have become a priority. This is because fuel usage can be reduced by around 5-7% by reducing the vehicle weight by 10%. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for more lightweight and environmentally friendly cars, made up of polypropylene.

Rising medical applications

The ability of polypropylene to handle stringent sterilisation procedures makes them suitable for use in medical applications. Polypropylene is used in the manufacturing of medical devices and also for the packaging of drugs. Thus, the increasing demand for disposable syringes, pharmacy prescription bottles, membranes for membrane oxygenators, and reusable plastic containers, positively influence the demand for polypropylene.

Investments and partnerships for recycling polypropylene

The recyclable nature of polypropylene is providing opportunities to the market. The market is also witnessing investments and partnerships for the recycling of polypropylene.

Rising demand for packaging materials

The flexibility and low-cost nature of polypropylene made it replace conventional materials like paper and cellophane in various packaging forms. The increasing demand for jars, yoghurt containers, hot beverage cups, and food packing is likely to create growth opportunities for the market players.

Polymer Type Insights

The homopolymer segment leads the polypropylene market, commanding a notable market share. Homopolymer is produced through the polymerisation of a single monomer, it is highly favoured by end-users for its durability and versatility. The polypropylene market is growing across various industry segments, including medical, automotive, electrical, building & construction, and packaging. Its versatility and durability make it suitable for diverse applications, from medical devices to automotive parts, electrical components, and packaging solutions.

The polypropylene market features different types of copolymers, including random copolymers and block copolymers. Ethylene random copolymer is created through polymerization, using a monomer like propene. These copolymers provide improved properties, making them ideal for various applications across multiple industries.

Process Insights

Injection molding plays a crucial role in the polypropylene industry, significantly impacting its market share. It is extensively used to create various products, with blow molding also contributing to the polypropylene industry expansion across sectors. In July 2022, Sabic introduced a range of PP compounds for foam injection molding (FIM), including PPc F9005, PPc F9007, and PPc F9015 grades. These compounds provided lightweight, aesthetically superior, and sustainable solutions for automotive interiors, enhancing surface quality and reducing weight.

The polypropylene market continues to expand across various end-use industries, including automotive, medical equipment, housewares, consumer goods, storage container packaging, musical instruments, and furniture. Injection molding is a key process in the production of polypropylene products, offering versatility and efficiency. Injection molding applications in these diverse sectors highlight polypropylene's durability and flexibility, meeting the demands of multiple industries effectively.

In September 2023, SABIC collaborated with IML specialists to showcase certified renewable polypropylene (PP) resins in mono-PP thin-wall plastic containers, produced through blow molding. This bio-derived in-mold labeling (IML) solution incorporated resonating container design, offering lightweight, durable packaging that supports sustainability and recycling in existing PP streams. Taghleef supplied custom BOPP films for high-quality labelling.

The blow molding process using polypropylene offers excellent chemical resistance, moisture barrier properties, and stability at high temperatures. Additionally, polypropylene maintains clarity at low temperatures, making it ideal for a wide range of packaging applications requiring durability and versatility.

End use Insights

The polypropylene industry is growing its market share in automotive end-use, credits to its lightweight and durable qualities. In July 2024, Sumitomo Chemical partnered with Honda to supply Noblen Meguri, a recycled polypropylene material, for the N-VAN e: electric vehicle grille. This innovative material supports sustainability, while its use in electrical & electronics further boosts market share.

The polypropylene market in the automotive sector continues to grow, driven by its lightweight and durable properties. Polypropylene is increasingly used in automotive applications, including electrical fittings. This trend highlights the material's versatility and importance in enhancing automotive performance and design.

The electrical & electronics industry is driving demand for polypropylene due to its lightweight, durable properties. In December 2022, a study highlighted the use of polypropylene-based triboelectric nanogenerators (PP-TENGs) for powering sensors, showing their potential in battery-free electronics industry and applications like smartwatches.

The polypropylene market in the building & construction industry is growing due to polypropylene versatility. It is used in sidings, moisture barrier membranes, films & sheets, and carpet textiles. Additionally, it finds applications in plastic parts and industrial adhesives & tapes, providing durability and performance for diverse construction needs.

Application Insights

The polypropylene market for film and sheet applications is seeing growth due to its versatility and durability. As polypropylene's market share increases, it is widely used in products like polypropylene fiber for carpet yarns and carpets. In December 2024, Inteplast Group acquired CoolSeal USA, which manufactures sustainable seafood packaging using polypropylene sheets, expanding Inteplast's eco-friendly packaging portfolio. Polypropylene fiber strength and lightness make it ideal for various applications across multiple industries.

The polypropylene fiber market in the textile industry has grown significantly due to its durability and versatility. Known for its chemical resistance, polypropylene fiber is increasingly used in fabrics for various applications. Its resistance to chemicals makes it ideal for producing textiles that require strength and longevity, driving demand in diverse markets.

Polypropylene films are becoming increasingly popular in packaging and medical applications due to their durability and excellent gas barrier properties. These films, an alternative to polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), help preserve product freshness. In June 2024, Stratasys introduced SAF Polypropylene for the H350 3D printing system, offering cost efficiency, superior part quality, and applications across automotive, medical, and industrial sectors.

Polypropylene is prized in food packaging due to its chemical resistance, inertness, and low odor, ensuring safety and freshness. It complies with FDA regulations, making it ideal for food packaging. In September 2024, Braskem introduced bio-attributed polypropylene (PP) from used cooking oil, maintaining chemical resistance and FDA regulations, while supporting sustainability in food packaging within the restaurant and snack food sectors.

Regional Insights

Polypropylene is commonly used in end-use industries like packaging, automotive, building & construction, and medical. Its demand is rising, especially in North America, with expanding packaging applications. In October 2023, Asahi Kasei introduced its 3D printing filament sales in North America, starting with XYRON and later expanding to Thermylene polypropylene.

Despite challenges like COVID-19, the polypropylene industry in Europe, including Eastern Europe, saw growth. Industrial output, consumerism, and manufacturing as market drivers, helping the industry expand. Mitsui Chemicals Group marked its entry into the European polypropylene industry by launching the first European production site for polypropylene compounds in the Netherlands, named Mitsui Prime Advanced Composites Europe (ACE). This facility strengthens the region's polypropylene production capabilities and market development.

The demand for polypropylene in Asia Pacific is growing across sectors including automotive, electrical & electronics, building & construction, medical, and packaging. China and India are driving this growth through industrial expansion. In November 2024, W.R. Grace & Co. supported Nayara Energy's launch of a 450,000-ton/yr polypropylene plant in Gujarat, using advanced catalysts and technology to produce high-quality polypropylene for various applications.

The demand for polypropylene is growing in Central & South America, driven by the construction industry. Increased construction activities and infrastructure development are boosting this demand, leading to more polypropylene applications across the region. Braskem, a prominent chemical company, plays a vital role in driving polypropylene production in South America.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

In the global polypropylene market, companies are focusing on strategic partnerships and capacity expansions to strengthen their position. Significant advancements in polymer type developments, such as isotactic polar polypropylene (iPPP), are emerging alongside traditional polypropylene. Key players in the global polyisobutylene industry are also innovating, aiming to meet growing demand for more efficient and diverse polypropylene solutions, with continued emphasis on improving both product quality and production capacity in the evolving market.

� LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V.
� China Petrochemical Corporation
� PetroChina Company Limited
� Braskem S.A.
� Exxon Mobil Corporation
� Formosa Plastics Corporation
� Reliance Industries Limited
� TotalEnergies SE
� SABIC
� Borealis AG
� BASF SE
� INEOS Group
� LG Chem
� DuPont
� Others

Global Polypropylene Market Segmentation

The global polypropylene market report highlights segmentation by polymer type, process, application, and end-use, with detailed categorisation into sub-segments. It examines regional and country levels, focusing on volume and revenue growth. Industry trends indicate emerging shifts, influencing the market's structure and dynamics across various segments. Companies are using these insights to adapt and capitalise on the changing demand across different region and applications.

Market Breakup by Application:

� Fiber
� Film & Sheet
� Raffia
� Others

Market Breakup by End Use:

� Automotive
� Building & Construction
� Packaging
� Medical
� Electrical & Electronics
� Agriculture
� Others

Market Breakup by Polymer Type:

� Homopolymer
� Copolymer

Market Breakup by Process:

� Injection Molding
� Blow Molding
� Extrusion Molding
� Others

Market Breakup by Region:

� North America
??� United States of America
??� Canada

� Europe
??� United Kingdom
??� Germany
??� France
??� Italy
??� Others

� Asia Pacific
??� China
??� Japan
??� India
??� ASEAN
??� Australia
??� Others

� Latin America
??� Brazil
??� Argentina
??� Mexico
??� Others

� Middle East and Africa

??� Saudi Arabia
??� United Arab Emirates
??� Nigeria
??� South Africa
??� Others