The nylon market has experienced notable trends in recent years, driven by various factors influencing supply, demand, and technological advancements. One significant trend is the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly nylon alternatives. With increasing environmental awareness, consumers and industries alike are seeking materials with reduced carbon footprints and less dependency on fossil fuels. This shift has prompted the development of bio-based nylons derived from renewable sources such as castor oil or biomass, offering comparable performance to traditional nylon while aligning with sustainability goals.
The automobile industry is undergoing huge growth in the APAC region and its connection with nylon is boosting the market’s operations in the region. There is large-scale infrastructural development on the way and improvisation related to the socio-economic trends are leading the Nylon Market operations towards expansion.
Moreover, the market has witnessed a surge in the adoption of recycled nylon materials. Recycling technology advancements have enabled the production of high-quality recycled nylon from post-consumer waste, such as discarded fishing nets, carpets, and plastic bottles. This trend not only addresses environmental concerns associated with plastic waste but also caters to consumer preferences for products with recycled content, driving the demand for recycled nylon across various industries including fashion, automotive, and consumer goods.
Furthermore, the nylon market has seen a shift towards customization and innovation to meet diverse industry needs. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on developing specialty nylons tailored to specific applications, such as high-performance fibers for automotive components, durable textiles for outdoor apparel, and engineering plastics for electronic devices. This trend is fueled by advancements in polymer chemistry and manufacturing processes, enabling the production of nylons with enhanced properties such as improved strength, flexibility, and chemical resistance.
In addition to product innovation, market players are also investing in digitalization and Industry 4.0 technologies to optimize production processes and enhance operational efficiency. Automation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence are being leveraged to streamline manufacturing operations, minimize downtime, and improve product quality in the nylon industry. This trend towards digital transformation is reshaping the competitive landscape, with companies embracing smart manufacturing practices to stay agile and competitive in the global market.
Moreover, the nylon market is witnessing geographical shifts in production and consumption patterns. While traditional manufacturing hubs in North America and Europe continue to play a significant role, there is a notable expansion of nylon production capacity in emerging markets, particularly in Asia Pacific. Countries like China, India, and South Korea are becoming major players in the global nylon market, driven by factors such as rapid industrialization, urbanization, and growing consumer demand. This shift towards Asia Pacific is reshaping trade dynamics and supply chains, with implications for market participants across the value chain.
Furthermore, the nylon market is influenced by macroeconomic factors and geopolitical developments, which can impact supply availability, pricing dynamics, and market sentiment. Trade tensions, currency fluctuations, and regulatory changes can create uncertainties for market participants, influencing investment decisions and strategic planning. Additionally, factors such as energy prices, raw material availability, and transportation costs play a crucial role in shaping the competitiveness of nylon producers and their ability to meet market demand.
The Nylon Market Size was valued at USD 30.02 Billion in 2022 and nylon industry is projected to grow from USD 31.03 Billion in 2023 to USD 55.35 Billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.47% during the forecast period (2023 - 2030). nylon or polyamide is manufactured by polymerizing caprolactam or adipic acid & hexamethylene diamine. It is a highly versatile polymeric material used in various industries for different applications. Be it automotive applications or sports, the adoption of the product is significant. For instance, polyamide fiber is used in airbags of vehicles as well as in professional volleyball nets.
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst ReviewNylon Market Trends
Nylon is extensively used in the automotive industry due to its high workability, strength, and toughness, and thus it is widely used in the automotive industry. The polymer supports both the molding and extrusion processes, so it can be used to manufacture a variety of auto parts. Properties, such as high-temperature resistance and chemical resistance, make it the material of choice for harsh environments. For instance, auto parts, which are exposed to extreme temperatures & fluids, such as engine lubricants, are developed from polyamide. PA 6 & PA 6,6 parts are relatively lighter than metallic components. This factor can significantly improve the efficiency of conventional IC-powered vehicles. Due to the high prices of gasoline and rising environmental concerns, the vehicle economy is becoming the main aspect when purchasing vehicles.
Additionally, The automotive sector has witnessed a paradigm shift toward electric vehicles over the past few years. Major automakers, such as Ford, General Motors, Volkswagen, Toyota, and Tata Motors, are already bidding high on the electric future. Maintaining a high power-to-weight ratio is a key challenge for the electric vehicle industry. Since lighter vehicles influence the battery size, employing lighter materials can be crucial in reducing the overall weight of the electric vehicle. Developing economies, such as China and India, are likely to witness an increase in demand for mobility solutions during the forecast period owing to the volume growth in the population. The rising purchasing power of consumers in developing economies is likely to push demand for both commercial and passenger vehicles. Advanced engineering materials are likely to be widely employed in auto parts manufacturing due to their superior properties. Thus rising demand for the material from the automotive industry is anticipated to drive market growth.
The bespoke producer of tailored nylon resins, Nylon Corporation of America (NYCOA), has announced the release of NY-Clear, an amorphous 6I/6T nylon intended for packaging and precision-molded applications, in 2024. Compared to competing products on the market, NY-Clear transparent nylon provides superior clarity and robust permeation resistance, with up to 30% more resistance against the transmission of oxygen, CO2, and water vapor.
The world's first enzymatically recycled nylon 6,6 product was introduced today by Australian eco-tech firm Samsara Eco and its partner, sportswear company lululemon, in 2024. Lululemon has produced samples of its renowned Swiftly Tech long-sleeve top using recycled nylon 6,6 developed with Samsara Eco's technology. This is the first time this kind of nylon has been recycled in this manner.
To generate new revenue streams and reduce carbon emissions, LG Chem Ltd. and food and biotechnology company CJ CheilJedang Corp. have decided to establish a green joint venture focused on bio-nylon in 2024. A head of agreement (HOA) has been struck by the two businesses to construct a joint venture plant that will create environmentally friendly nylon using PMDA, a type of biomaterial made by fermenting corn, sugarcane, and other crops.
The Nylon Market segmentation, based on Type, includes Nylon 6 {Resin & Fiber}, Nylon 6,6 {Resin & Fiber}. Nylon 6 fibers dominate the global market due to their strong adoption in the textile industry. Due to its high mechanical strength, toughness, and wear resistance, it is used to manufacture webbing products such as dog leashes, safety belts, luggage straps, sports goods, and others.
Based on Application, the Nylon Market segmentation includes Automotive, Electrical & Electronics, Appliances, Film & Coating, Wire & Cable, Consumer, Industrial & Machinery, and Others. The automotive segment accounts for a significant nylon market share in the global market. Due to the high usability of the resin and fiber in automobiles in the form of tire cords, airbags, and injection molded components, results in high revenue generation from the automotive segment. The demand for plastics is continuously increasing in the automotive industry to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce vehicle weight. With the increasing sales of electric vehicles and the establishment of proper electric vehicle infrastructure, engineering plastics are expected to play a major role.
Figure 2: Nylon Market, by Type, 2023 & 2030 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The market in Asia Pacific stood at USD 13.32 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to remain dominant owing to the rising demand from automotive and films & coating applications for the packaging industry during the forecast period. The demand in the region is predominantly driven by emerging economies such as China and India. China accounts for more than half of the total consumption and production in the region. Also, to decrease its dependence on imports, major producers are coming up with production facilities in China to cater to the rising demand in the country and the surrounding region. On the other hand, PA 6 and caprolactam are oversupplied in the regional market, which has resulted in lower operating rates.
Figure 3: NYLON MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2023 (%)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
North America is one of the largest producers of the product. The automotive industry drives the regional market. The U.S. has witnessed a rapid increase in electric vehicle sales in recent years, which is likely to continue during the forecast period. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, electric vehicle sales increased by 85% in 2021 relative to the previous year. This factor includes increased demand for commercial and passenger vehicles over the last decade. The ban on single-use plastics in the U.S. is expected to further increase the demand for nylon films in the region.
The European market is expected to grow moderately over the forecast period, backed by strong demand from the automotive industry. Lawmakers in Europe are introducing attractive norms such as subsidies to increase the sales of electric vehicles. For instance, Germany has increased the subsidy granted on electric vehicles and extended the environmental bonus criterion to e-vehicle owners until the end of 2025. Similarly, France has also increased the subsidy amount. Meanwhile, countries such as Sweden have announced an exemption from vehicle tax for e-vehicle owners. This factor is expected to increase electric vehicle sales and consumption in the automotive industry during the forecast period. Moreover, the EU has voted for a complete ban on single-use plastic by 2021, which is expected to boost the consumption of recyclable plastic films during the forecast period.
Major market players are spending a lot of money on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the Nylon market grow even more. Market participants are also taking a range of strategic initiatives to grow their worldwide footprint, with key market developments such as new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations. Competitors in the Nylon industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in an increasingly competitive and rising market environment.
The major market players are investing a lot of money in R&D to expand their product lines, which will spur further market growth for Nylon. With significant market development like new product releases, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations, market participants are also undertaking various strategic activities to expand their global presence. To grow and thrive in a market climate that is becoming more competitive and growing, competitors in the Nylon industry must offer affordable products.
Manufacturing locally to cut operating costs is one of the main business tactics manufacturers use in the global Nylon industry to benefit customers and expand the market sector. The Nylon market has recently given medicine some of the most important advantages. Major Nylon market players, including AdvanSix Inc., Invista, Ascend Performance Materials, Nylon Corporation of America, Inc. (NYCOA), Laxness, Domo Chemicals, and others, are attempting to increase market demand by funding R&D initiatives.
NILIT is a manufacturer of nylon fibers and polyamide resins. It is involved in the polymerization, spinning, and texturing of nylon yarns for apparel and textile applications.
Also, DOMO Chemicals is a producer of advanced engineering plastics. It offers a portfolio of polyamide 6/6.6 intermediates and resins, engineered materials, performance fibers, fertilizers, and the distribution of petrochemical products.
BASF announced in January 2022 its intention to increase its nylon 6.6 production in Freiburg, Germany. Additionally, BASF has also decided to build in Schlampel a new plant for hexamethylenediamine HDMA; which is used as a raw material for producing nylon-66 plastics and coating. This plant will be operational by 2024.
September 2021: AdvanSix launched 100% post-industrial recycled (PIR) grades to its industry-leading portfolio of Aegis PA6 Resins and Capran Biaxially Oriented Polyamide (BOPA) films. The new products offer customers a way to address their sustainability goals by incorporating materials built on recycled monomers reclaimed from waste streams into their end products without compromises or trade-offs on performance.
June 2023 saw Advansix, a USA-based company, launch their Aegis Resins and Capran BOPA Films brand, that are made with recycled materials sourced from consumers and industries. The aim of this initiative is to help customers realize their sustainability objectives.
March 2022: In India BASF was planning on expanding the production capacity for its polyamide by March 2022. This rise in scale is targeted at satisfying the increasing need for nylon 6 as well as nylon 6,6 in automotive, electronics, consumer goods and industrial manufacturing sectors.
Nylon Type Outlook
Nylon Application Outlook
Nylon Regional Outlook
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