Automotive Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) Foam Market

Automotive Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) Foam Market Outlook

A versatile closed-cell bead called Automotive Expanded Polypropylene(EPP) foam is known for its unique characteristics including energy absorption, thermal insulation, buoyancy, and chemical resistance. The material has high strength and 100 percent recyclability which makes it applicable for various uses. EPP is capable of molding into various ranges from 15 to 200 grams per litre which are further fused into the steam chest molding process that results in the formation of a lightweight shape.

The market is likely to create an absolute dollar opportunity of USD 398.1 Million by the end of 2032. The global market holds ~48% of the global expanded polypropylene foam market.

The global automotive expanded polypropylene foam market is valued at USD 478.61 million in 2023. The market is further expected to grow and surpass a valuation of USD 898.42 million by end of the forecast period i.e., 2023 to 2033. This industry is likely to grow with a CAGR of 6.5% in the forecast duration.

Report Attributes	Details
Market size (2023 A)	USD 478.61 million
Base Year for Estimation	2023
Forecast duration for this research	2023-2033
Forecasted Market value (2033 F)	USD 898.42 million
Global Market Growth rate (2023-2033 E)	CAGR of 6.5%
Key Companies Profiled	FURUKAWA Electric Co. Ltd. Sonoco Protective Solutions Hanwha Corporation DS Smith Plastics BASF SE The Woodbridge Group JSP Corporation Kaneka Corporation SSW Pearl Foam GmbH Other Market Players

What are the factors responsible for increased demand in the market?

Because of its performance advantages for energy management, lightweight, improved functionality, durability, and recyclability, EPP is frequently used by automotive manufacturers. Applications include seating, bumpers, stowage systems, door panels, pillars, floor levelers, parcel shelves, headrests, tool kits, sun visors, and myriad filler parts.

This foam is popular for internal and external components including under carpet-floor leveling systems, side impact protection, and front impact protection assemblies installed in automotive. With an ideal cost-effective material, low tooling costs, and shorter lead time EPP foam dominates other types of cellular foams present in the market.

These Foams are available in different types like polyurethane foams, polyethylene foams, olefins, polystyrene foams, etc. vehicle manufacturers are opting more for polypropylene foams in comparison to other foams due to their excellent chemical and heat resistance as well as the freedom of geometric design it offers to attract customers. The growing applicability of these foams in automobiles for interior trims, bumpers, battery cases, trays, fender liners, instrumental panels, and door trims continues to create high demands in the market.

The addition of eco-friendly polypropylene foams by leading corporations like JSP Corporation and Hanwha Group is creating significant attraction among automakers. These manufacturers are doing innovations with their offerings and are guaranteeing multiple impact resistance, buoyancy, and moldability in their offerings.

A bead foam that is utilized in the applications such as industrial and automobile packaging is known as expanded polypropylene foam. This foam shows unique and exceptional properties like impact resistance, thermal insulation, water & chemical resistance, and outstanding energy absorption. Owing to their unique abilities of cushioning and their flexibility that offers tremendous protection to composite shapes, these foams are widely used in industrial packaging.

There are basically two types of EPP foams such as low and high-density expanded polypropylene foams which are available in various densities. An expanded polypropylene foam with high-grade density displays outstanding strength and reduced properties of weight.

These foams are utilized in applications where the critical parameter is the management of energy. This is the precise reason that such foams are used in automobile applications such as bumpers and other passenger safety parts. On the other hand, low-density foams are utilized in the applications such as industrial packaging, while medium-density foams are applicable to furniture and other consumer products.

The widespread benefits of EPP foam material in impact resistance, energy, and shock absorption is fuelling its adoption in diverse vehicles. With impressive elasticity, thermal resistance, recyclability, oil resistance, non-toxicity, and shock-proof nature, EPP foam makes an integral part of the automotive manufacturing vertical. The automotive industry is proliferating, which is also expected to trigger growth in the market throughout the forecast period 2023- 2033.

What are trends in the Automotive sector that favor growth in EPP?

Growth in Fuel Efficient Lightweight Vehicles to take demand for EPP upward.

Growing concerns about the environment are forcing automobile manufacturers to focus on redesigning and altering components to make a lightweight new design. Expanded polypropylene foam producers in the automobile industry are being compelled by the growing trend toward lightweight vehicles to provide in-demand products that will appeal to a broad customer base.

This foam reduces weight, improves shock absorption, and reduces vibration and dampening of automobiles when mixed with metals. Hence, manufacturers are focused on greater use of this foam to leverage on accelerating trend of lightweight automobiles.

The Emergence of Bio-based Plastic Propelled the demand for EPP in Automotive.

While the bio-plastics industry is accelerating rapidly, demand for bio-based polypropylene is likely to grow. There have been several regulatory initiatives envisioned for the promotion of bioplastics to arrest the growing carbon emissions. Rising government regulations on carbon emissions have the potential to trigger the adoption of bio-based polypropylene in the market.

The Physical Properties of EPP give it an Edge over other Cellular Foams.

The excellent physical properties as compared to other commercially available cellular foams, it has witnessed several applications in the vehicle industry including safety and sound deadening.

In addition, these foams are used in heat recovery units, hot water valve insulation, and other lightweight rigid structures. As this foam can sustain multiple impacts and return to its original shape without any deformation, it is highly used for safety applications. EPP foam is widely used in other vehicle parts and systems such as seating and other interior components.

Regional Outlook

The market is divided into a number of geographic areas, including Asia-Pacific, Japan, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Latin America. In the market, the North American region has dominated. This is attributed to the rising manufacture of automobiles in the region. Asia Pacific region is likely to register a high compound annual growth rate throughout the projected period due to the rise in the manufacturing of premium and lightweight vehicles in developing countries such as Korea, China, and India.

Apart from North America and Asia-Pacific region, Europe is also exhibiting good growth in the EPP foam market. This growth of the market in Europe is due to its application in construction, consumer products, and building & construction. Growing construction activities are fuelling the growth of the market in the MEA region. On the other hand, Latin America is likely to register a higher growth rate throughout the projected period due to growing industrialization.

Segmentation

• By Product Type :

  • Synthetic Polypropylene
  • Bio-Based Polypropylene
  • Other Product Types

• By Product Form :

  • Fabricated EPP
  • Molded EPP
  • Other Product Forms

• By Sales Channel :

  • OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
  • Aftermarket

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Oceania
  • MEA