Polyurethanes (PU) Market is expected to exceed USD 93 billion by 2026. Growing shift towards the use of lightweight and eco-friendly polymers in application industries such as automotive & construction to reduce environmental impact has increased demand for sustainable plastic solutions.
Some major findings of the polyurethanes market report include:
- The demand for polyurethane products is on rise globally owing to their superior benefits such as high flexibility, effective bonding, impact resistance and high load bearing capacity.

- Growing demand for lightweight and high-performance adhesives & sealants in Europe to promote fuel-efficient vehicles in line with regulations towards rising carbon footprint will spur polyurethanes market growth.

- Rise in the use of premium quality plastic materials in the manufacturing of chairs, tables & beds owing to their economic feasibility is expected to provide healthy growth opportunities for polyurethanes market growth.

- Some of the major players operating in the polyurethanes market are Huntsman Corporation, Nippon Polyurethane Corporation, Mitsui Chemicals and BASF.

- Companies are upgrading technologies in polymer manufacturing to develop PU based foams, adhesives & sealants and coatings which is increasing their penetration in packaging, construction & electronics industries.

- Stiffer regulations in Europe & North America market due to rising environmental degradation has surged the development of high-quality plastics as replacements for traditional heavy metals.

Rising construction activities coupled with growing government initiatives towards infrastructure development is expected to anticipate product demand. Polyurethane products provide a clean minimalistic look and improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the product. High versatility and unique physical properties have further increased the product adoption in various construction activities. Growing consumer demand for thermal insulation in households to improve energy conservation is likely to have a positive impact on polyurethanes market growth.
Polyurethane elastomers are widely used in the manufacturing of footwear, auto components and construction materials owing to their high tear strength, load resistance and superior adhesiveness. The product offers an ideal solution for low temperature conditions which require high tear resistance and tensile properties and thereby help in reducing material degradation.
Increasing focus towards the use of recyclable and sustainable packaging solutions in Asia Pacific shows favorable circumstance for product demand. Several vendors in the region are developing packaging solutions which offer high gloss finish with new design innovations. This has substantially created demand for recyclable materials which are highly durable and help in protection of pressure sensitive products.
Companies are involved in new product developments and collaborations to improve their market share. For instance, In May 2018, Huntsman Corporation, a U.S. based manufacturer & distributor of polyurethane products launched two thermoplastics polyurethanes for footwear industry. These new products showcase innovations introduced in rubber industry and provide improved slip-resistance on wet and dry surfaces.