Polyetherimide (PEI) Market - By Grade (Unreinforced, Reinforced), By Form (Sheet, Rod, Granule, Film), By Application (Automotive, Aerospace, Electronics, Pharmaceutical, Industrial, Consumer, Food) & Forecast, 2024-2032

Polyetherimide Market Size

The global polyetherimide market, which reached a valuation of USD 740.9 million in 2023, is expected to witness a steady growth rate of 4.8% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for high-performance thermoplastics across key industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
 

PEI's exceptional properties, including thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance, make it a preferred material for applications requiring durability and performance under extreme conditions. The automotive and aerospace industries, in particular, are focusing on lightweight and high-strength materials to enhance fuel efficiency and overall performance, further driving the adoption of PEI.
 

In addition to its traditional applications, the market is also benefiting from innovations in processing technologies that allow for more efficient manufacturing and broader application possibilities. The medical sector is increasingly incorporating PEI in the production of sterilizable components, while the industrial machinery sector is utilizing it for parts that require high strength and resistance to harsh environments. As industries continue to seek advanced materials to meet stringent regulatory and performance standards, the demand for PEI is expected to grow, ensuring a positive outlook for the market through 2032.
 

A significant pitfall for the polyetherimide (PEI) market is the high production costs associated with its complex manufacturing processes. The specialized nature of PEI's production requires advanced technology and expertise, leading to higher expenses. Additionally, the limited availability of raw materials further exacerbates supply chain stability, making it challenging for manufacturers to maintain consistent production levels. These factors can result in higher prices for end-users, potentially limiting market growth and adoption, especially in cost-sensitive industries.
 

Polyetherimide Market Trends

The polyetherimide (PEI) market is witnessing several key trends that are shaping its growth and adoption across various industries. One of the most prominent trends is the increasing demand for lightweight and high-performance materials in the automotive and aerospace sectors. As these industries strive to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, PEI's exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and thermal stability make it an ideal choice for components like under-the-hood parts, electrical connectors, and interior components. Furthermore, the electronics industry is increasingly utilizing PEI in applications that require high-temperature resistance and excellent electrical insulation, such as connectors, sensors, and circuit boards.
 

Another significant trend in the PEI market is the growing focus on sustainability and environmentally friendly manufacturing practices. Companies are investing in research and development to create PEI materials with lower environmental impact, including options that are recyclable or derived from bio-based sources. Additionally, advancements in processing technologies are making it possible to produce PEI more efficiently, reducing waste and energy consumption. These trends, combined with the expansion of PEI applications into new areas such as medical devices and industrial machinery, are expected to drive the market's growth in the coming years.
 

Polyetherimide Market Analysis

The reinforced grade segment of the market is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating it will reach a substantial milestone of USD 505.1 million in 2023 with a CAGR of 5.1% from 2024 to 2032. This robust expansion is driven by the increasing demand for materials with enhanced mechanical properties, particularly in high-performance applications across the automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries. Reinforced PEI offers superior strength, stiffness, and dimensional stability, making it ideal for components that require durability under extreme conditions. As industries continue to prioritize lightweight, high-strength materials to improve efficiency and performance, the reinforced grade segment is expected to see continued growth and widespread adoption.
 

The granules form segment of the polyetherimide market is poised for significant growth, with projections suggesting it will reach USD 400.6 million in 2023 and achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% from 2024 to 2032. This growth is driven by the widespread adoption of PEI granules in various manufacturing processes, such as injection molding and extrusion, where their ease of handling and processing efficiency make them highly desirable. The increasing demand for high-performance thermoplastics in industries like automotive, electronics, and medical devices is further fueling the expansion of the granules form segment, as manufacturers seek reliable and versatile materials to meet stringent performance and quality standards.
 

The Asia Pacific polyetherimide (PEI) sector is set for remarkable growth, with its market value projected to reach USD 192.2 million in 2023. This growth is driven by the rapid industrialization and expansion of key industries such as automotive, electronics, and aerospace in the region. The increasing demand for high-performance materials that offer thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance is fueling the adoption of PEI across various applications. Additionally, the rising focus on lightweight and durable materials in manufacturing processes, coupled with supportive government policies and investments in advanced technologies, is further bolstering the growth of the PEI market in the Asia Pacific region.
 

Polyetherimide Market Share

In the industry, several major market players are driving innovation and competition. SABIC, a global leader in chemicals and plastics, along with Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, renowned for its advanced polymer solutions, are key contributors to the market's growth. Ensinger and RTP Company are also significant players, known for their high-performance engineering plastics that cater to a variety of industrial applications. Westlake Plastics Company and PolyOne Corporation further bolster the market with their extensive product lines and technological advancements in polymer materials.
 

European companies such as Centroplast Engineering Plastics GmbH, Röchling SE & Co. KG, and Lehmann & Voss & Co. bring a wealth of expertise in engineering plastics and specialty compounds. Aikolon Oy, based in Finland, rounds out the list with its innovative solutions in polymer technology. Together, these companies are shaping the future of the industry through their advanced materials and cutting-edge technologies, ensuring continued development and application across various sectors.
 

Polyetherimide Market Companies

Top companies operating in the industry include:

• SABIC
• Ensinger
• Aetna Plastics
• Westlake Plastics Company
• Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials
• RTP Company
• Centroplast Engineering Plastics GmbH
• Rochling SE & Co. KG
• PolyOne Corporation
• Lehmann & Voss & Co.
• Aikolon Oy
   

Polyetherimide Industry News

• In August 2022, SABIC expanded its ULTEM resin offerings with a new polyetherimide (PEI) resin, ULTEM 3310TD, designed for single-mode fiber optics. This resin features a lower coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) compared to standard grades, allowing for efficient high-volume molding, reducing costs, and improving design flexibility.
   
• In March 2022, Airbus Atlantic integrated resources from Airbus facilities in Nantes and Montoir-de-Bretagne with STELIA Aerospace sites globally. This consolidation aims to strengthen its role in the aerostructure supply chain, managing over 500 direct suppliers and more than 2,000 indirect suppliers.
   

The polyetherimide market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates and forecasts in terms of revenue and volume (USD Million) (Kilo Tons) from 2024 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Grade

• Unreinforced
  • By Form
  • By Application
• Reinforced
  • By Form
  • By Application
  • Glass Fiber Reinforced
    • By Form
    • By Application
  • Carbon Fiber Reinforced
    • By Form
    • By Application

Market, By Form

• Sheets
• Rods
• Granules
• Films

Market, By Application

• Automotive
  • Under hood components
  • Interiors
  • Fuel Systems
  • Bumper
• Aerospace
  • Interiors
  • Antenna Construction
• Electronics
  • Semi-conductors
  • Switches
  • Coils & Fuses
• Pharmaceuticals
  • Surgical Probes
  • Fixtures
• Industrial
  • Fluid Handling
  • Oil & Gas
  • Telecom & Communication
  • Marine Cleats
• Consumer Products
  • Appliances
  • Kitchenware
• Food

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA