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Phenolic Resins Market Analysis

ID: MRFR//4143-HCR | 158 Pages | Author: Chitranshi Jaiswal| December 2024

The overall dynamics of The Phenolic resin market are governed by ever-changing trends observed within it over time. Over the years, there has been significant growth in the application of phenolic resins, which are commonly used in the production of adhesives, molding materials, and coatings. One major driving force behind this trend is the high demand witnessed by the construction industry along with the automotive and electronics sectors, among others acting as end-use industries. As these sectors continue growing globally, therefore an increased need for high-performance materials such as phenolic resins. Environmental considerations also influence the global dynamics of phenolic resins. There has been an increase in preference for eco-friendly and bio-based chemicals due to increased sustainable concerns. Consumer behavior shifts, along with strict rules on the environment, have led manufacturers to invest in developing renewable source-derived phenolic resins.
The construction industry is experiencing an increase in demand in several locations, hence fueling market growth. The demand for vehicles that use less petrol and are lightweight is expected to drive the phenolic resin market over the forecast period's automobile market. The invention of new products and technological innovation are the factors driving the phenolic resin market. Market drivers include increasing demand for molding applications. Phenolic resins improve market growth through their application in underwater pipelines, 3D printers, and underground drainage systems, among others. Knowledge about usage and application triggers the market upswing. The phenolic resin market is driven by rising demands for synthetic structures that are lightweight, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. This leads to better overall vehicle performance in terms of safety through the incorporation of molded components made from phenolic resin materials, thus making the industry more efficient.
The geographical dynamics are also an important factor in influencing the growth of the phenolic resins market. The Asia-Pacific, dominated by fast industrialization and infrastructure development, is the largest consumer and producer of phenolic resins globally. Another significant aspect is the competitiveness of the market for phenolic resins. The industry has many players who would do anything to try and outdo each other through technology, product variety, and strategic partnerships. Consequently, there is a constant race among market players to develop new formulations that can satisfy changing needs alongside enhanced performance characteristics.

Global Phenolic Resins Market Overview


The Phenolic Resins Market Size was valued at USD 17.19 billion in 2023. The Phenolic Resins industry is projected to grow from USD 18.14 Billion in 2024 to USD 26.39 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.80% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Innovation of new products, technological advancements, and growing demand from the construction industry are the key market drivers contributing to market growth.


Phenolic Resins Market


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review


Phenolic Resins Market Trends




  • Rising awareness of environmental sustainability is driving the market growth.




The rising awareness of environmental sustainability drives Market CAGR for Phenolic Resins. Phenolic resins are known to release formaldehyde during manufacturing, which can adversely affect human health and the environment. As a result, there is a rise in demand for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional phenolic resins. Manufacturers are developing new formulations of phenolic resins with lower formaldehyde emissions and exploring alternative raw materials, such as bio-based phenols and lignin.


Additionally, one of the major trends in the phenolic resin market is the increasing demand for lightweight materials in various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. Phenolic resins are widely used in lightweight composite materials due to their low density and high strength-to-weight ratio. These composites are increasingly used to produce fuel-efficient vehicles, lightweight aircraft, and high-performance building materials.


The third trend in the phenolic resin market is the increasing demand from emerging markets in various regions. Rapid industrialization and urbanization in different countries drive demand for phenolic resins in various applications, such as laminates, coatings, adhesives, and insulation materials. The growing middle class in these countries is also increasing demand for consumer goods, such as electronics, furniture, and packaging, which are major applications for phenolic resins. As a result, manufacturers are spreading their production capacities and establishing new regional facilities to cater to the growing demand.


For instance, the Phenolic Resins market is witnessing several trends shaping its growth trajectory. These include the increasing demand for environmentally friendly products and the rising adoption of synthetic Phenolic resin. Manufacturers are expected to continue to innovate and develop new products to meet the changing needs of end-use industries, driving the Phenolic Resins market revenue.

Merak, Indonesia, the production site of BASF SE, received investments in the expansion of polymer dispersions capacity, which would have taken place in January 2023. The growth is in line with the prevailing inclination towards high–quality packaging in ASEAN, which hosts major paper and board manufacturers.


Phenolic Resins Market Segment Insights


Phenolic Resins Application Insights


The Phenolic Resins market segmentation, based on application, includes wood adhesives, molding, laminates, foundry, and insulation. The wood adhesives category generated the most income. Wood adhesives are a major application segment of the phenolic resins market, and they are widely used in producing plywood, particleboard, and other engineered wood products. The demand for wood adhesives is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, owing to the increasing demand for engineered wood products in the construction and furniture industries.


Phenolic Resins Type Insights


The Phenolic Resins market segmentation, based on type, includes resol & novolac. The novolac segment dominated the market. Novolac resins are a type of phenolic resin commonly used to manufacture electrical laminates, adhesives, coatings, and molded parts. They are characterized by their low molecular weight and high cross-linking density, which make them ideal for high-temperature applications. The demand for novolac resins is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, owing to the increasing demand for electrical laminates in the construction and automotive industries.


Figure 1:  Phenolic Resins Market, by Type, 2022 & 2032 (USD billion)


Phenolic Resins Market, by Type, 2022 & 2032


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review


Phenolic Resins Regional Insights


By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The North American market area will grow significantly due to many end-use industries in the region. The region is a major producer and consumer of phenolic resins, with the US being the largest market in the region. The increasing demand for lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles is driving the growth of the automotive industry in the region, which, in turn, is expected to boost the demand for phenolic resins in the coming years. The construction industry in North America is also witnessing significant growth, which is expected to fuel the demand for phenolic resins in the region.


Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The U.S., Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.


Figure 2:  PHENOLIC RESINS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)


PHENOLIC RESINS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review


Europe's Phenolic Resins market accounts for the second-largest market share. The region is witnessing a growing demand for phenolic resins in the automotive and construction industries. The region is also witnessing an increasing demand for insulation materials, which is expected to boost the demand for phenolic resins in the coming years. Further, the German Phenolic Resins market held the largest market share, and the UK Phenolic Resins market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.


The Asia-Pacific Phenolic Resins Market is the highest growing market, dominating the  market from 2023 to 2032. It is due to the rapid industrialization and urbanization in the region. The region is witnessing significant growth in the construction industry, which is expected to boost the demand for phenolic resins. The automotive industry in the region is also witnessing significant growth, which is expected to fuel the demand for phenolic resins in the coming years. Moreover, China’s Phenolic Resins market held the largest market share, and the Indian Phenolic Resins market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.


For instance, the phenolic resins market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand from end-use industries such as automotive, construction, and electronics. The market is expected to rise further in the coming years, driven by rapid industrialization and urbanization in emerging economies.


Phenolic Resins Key Market Players & Competitive Insights


Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development to expand their product lines, which will help the Phenolic Resins market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking various strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. The Phenolic Resins industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate.


Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics manufacturers use in the Phenolic Resins industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. The Phenolic Resins industry has offered some of the most significant medical advantages in recent years. Major players in the Phenolic Resins market, including Hexion Inc. (US), Hitachi Chemical Co. Ltd. (Japan), Sumitomo Bakelite Co. Ltd. (Japan), and SI GroupInc. (US), DIC Corporation (Japan), BASF SE (Germany), Kolon Industries Inc. (South Korea), Momentive Specialty Chemicals (US), Dujodwala Paper Chemicals Ltd. (India), Georgia-Pacific Chemicals LLC (US), and others are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.


ASK Chemicals (Ashland-Südchemie-Kernfest GmbH), founded in 2010 and located in various countries such as Germany, USA, Japan, South Korea, etc., is a German chemical group a supplier of high-performance industrial resins and materials. ASK Chemicals produces various resins, sizings, release agents, binders, and other products. In November 2021, ASK Chemicals Group acquired SI Group's industrial resins business in the United States. This acquisition should help ASK Chemicals Group, Düsseldorf (Germany), bolster its position as a reputed developer of high-performance industrial phenolic resins. The acquisition will reinforce the company's position in the foundry sector and accelerate its growth in the industrial phenolic resins business, which is touted to be an attractive venture with promising opportunities.


Hexion Inc., or Hexion, founded in 1899, located in Columbus, Ohio, is a chemical company that produces thermoset resins and related technologies and specialty products. Hexion offers resins for various applications like adhesives, coatings, chemical intermediaries, electronics, composites, etc. In April 2021, Hexion sold its phenolic specialty resins business worth USD 425 million and two more businesses to a group of private-equity firms that comprise Black Diamond and Investindustrial. Hexion's phenolic specialty resins business covers Bakelite, touted as the first-ever synthetic plastic. Other brands are Cellobond, Resonance, and Durite.


Key Companies in the Phenolic Resins market include



  • Exxon Mobil Corporation (US)

  • Sinopec Limited (China)

  • Royal Dutch Shell PLC (Netherlands)

  • BP PLC (UK)

  • Total S.A (France)

  • Chevron Corporation (US)

  • Croda International PLC (UK)

  • Fuchs Petrolub AG (Germany)

  • BASF SE (Germany)

  • Sasol Limited (South Africa)

  • Lukoil (Russia)

  • Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (India)


Phenolic Resins Industry Developments


July 2022: DIC Corporation acquired Guangdong TOD New Material Co., Ltd., a Chinese coating resin manufacturer. This acquisition will help DIC Corporation to expand its phenolic resins capacity by operating at near full production capacity in Asia.


June 2023: Hexion Inc. acquired the phenolic resin business of Momentive Performance Materials. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Hexion's position in the global phenolic resin market.

November 2022, ASK Chemicals Group acquired SI Group's industrial resins business. It includes such purchases as resin manufacturing sites located within Brazil, India and South Africa; licensed technology; and tolling agreements. The purchase strengthens ASK Chemicals' position in the foundry market while marking its entrance into the phenolic industrial resins business.


Phenolic Resins Market Segmentation


Phenolic Resins Type Outlook



  • Resol

  • Novolac


Phenolic Resins Application Outlook



  • Wood Adhesives

  • Molding

  • Laminates

  • Foundry

  • Insulation


Phenolic Resins Regional Outlook



  • North America

    • US

    • Canada



  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • UK

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Rest of Europe



  • Asia-Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Rest of Asia-Pacific



  • Rest of the World

    • Middle East

    • Africa

    • Latin America



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