Polyethylene (PE) Foams Demand, Production Capacity, Volume and Price Range and Industry Outlook Report Till 2036

Polyethylene (PE) foams

Polyethylene (PE) foams are durable, lightweight, closed-cell foams. PE foams provide great resistance to weather and oil and can be used for carrying different kinds of goods that are susceptible to weathering and other threats.

In terms of PE foams market by type, Cross-Inked Polyethylene (XLPE) foam is the largest segment of the global PE foam market and is expected to remain the largest segment during the forecast period. XLPE foams are chemically cross-linked PE foams. The main application of XLPE foams is in the packaging of fragile goods owing to their outstanding vibration-dampening and insulation properties. They also offer high resistance to moisture and chemicals. These foams are highly durable, lightweight, tear resistant, shock absorption properties and low permeability.

In terms of PE foams demand by application, construction segment dominates the market. PE foams are used in the construction industry to fill gaps, as a barrier to water, oil, and fuel, eliminates draughts, seals roofing, and it is consistent, durable, and insulating. PE foams are ideal for expansion joints and provides sound proofing and noise control for floor joists and sports flooring. PE foams are also used in pharmaceutical packaging owing to its hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and latex-free properties. It is widely used in the medical industry to pack and protect surgical equipment from the outside environment. Thus, the robust use of polyethylene foams in the medical industry is boosting the growth of the market.

Asia Pacific dominates the PE foams market on the back of strong construction industries in emerging countries like China, India, and Japan.

Toray, Kaneka Corporation, JSP Corporation, Sealed Air, Zotefoams are the top PE manufacturers globally.

Rising demand for PE foams from the Construction industry

The global market for PE foam is being driven by its increasing demand in the building and construction industry. XLPE foams have excellent thermal insulation, moisture resistance, and sound absorption properties, making it suitable for house and commercial construction projects.

Rise in the income levels and the increasing government investments globally are boosting the PE foams demand in the construction industry. Various development projects and the increasing demand for modernisation of architecture, in emerging economies for the construction of malls, building, offices, apartments, etc are increasing the demand for PE foams.

Rising demand in the Automotive industry

PE foams are used in the automotive industry to lower the weight of the automobiles for efficient fuel consumption and better performance. XLPE foams are used in under the hood applications, in dashboards, headliners, in doors, seat liners, door panels, etc. With the rising demand for EV’s and HEV’s in the automobile industry, the demand for PE foams is anticipated to grow over the forecast years.

Volatility of raw materials

The cost of polyethylene foams is largely influenced by the price and accessibility of raw materials, including naphtha, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) resin, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resin, and additives. Fluctuations in the prices of these raw materials can greatly impact the overall manufacturing cost structure of the products. The persistent global demand for these raw materials, along with limitations in their supply, has led to increased prices and impacted the cost structure of polyethylene foams.

Negative impact of PE foams on the environment  

The negative impact of PE foam on environment may hinder the market growth in the coming years. PE foams release toxic fumes and release poisonous gases into the atmosphere during combustion and the raw materials used in the production of these foams have been found to be difficult to recycle. Research programmes are centred for the development of CO2-based polyols to reduce the dependency on petroleum reserves and aid in sustainability are expected to boost the PE foams market in the forecast period .