The global unsaturated polyester resins market was valued at USD 7.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 12.5 billion by the end of 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2025 to 2035. Market growth is driven by increasing demand from construction, automotive, marine, and electrical industries, where unsaturated polyester resins are widely used for lightweight and corrosion-resistant composite applications. Rising infrastructure development and the growing adoption of fiber-reinforced plastics are expected to further support long-term industry expansion.
The unsaturated polyester resins market across the globe is influenced through strategic moves of key chemical and materials companies to spur innovation, expansion of capacity and sustainability. Areas that BASF stands out include direct attention to the development of sustainable resin technologies, investment in low-styrene, and environmentally-friendly formulations.
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Unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) market is witnessing steadiness due to an increasing demand for these resins in construction, automotive, marine, and electrical & electronics industries due to their superior mechanical properties and resistance to chemical attack.
Market Segmentation
To understand the UPR landscape, the market can be broken down into several critical segments:
By Sourcing Type
- Fossil-based: Currently the majority share; relies on petroleum-derived feedstocks.
- Bio-based: The fastest-growing sub-segment, utilizing renewable resources like plant-derived diacids and glycols to reduce carbon footprints.
By Service Type
- Standard/Off-the-shelf Resins: High-volume, general-purpose resins for construction and consumer goods.
- Custom Formulations/Consulting: Bespoke resin systems tailored for specific mechanical or chemical resistance needs (e.g., aerospace or high-end marine).
By Application
- Pipes and Tanks: Corrosion-resistant solutions for water and chemical transport.
- Building Panels: Roofing sheets, cladding, and architectural components.
- Wind Turbine Blades: Essential for the structural integrity of renewable energy infrastructure.
- Marine Hulls & Decks: Dominant in boat building due to excellent water resistance.
- Automotive Components: Body panels, fenders, and under-the-hood parts for lightweighting.
By Industry Vertical
- Building & Construction: The largest vertical, accounting for over 38% of the market share.
- Automotive & Transportation: Driven by the push for fuel efficiency and EV range extension.
- Marine: Transitioning toward sustainable vessel designs.
- Electrical & Electronics: Used in insulating components and printed circuit boards (PCBs).
Regional Analysis
- Asia-Pacific (APAC): The undisputed leader, holding a volume share of nearly 60% in 2025. China and India are the primary engines of growth due to rapid urbanization and the "National Infrastructure Pipeline" initiatives.
- North America: Steady growth focused on high-performance sustainability and the rehabilitation of mature infrastructure using advanced piping technology.
- Europe: A major hub for innovation in low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) and bio-based resins, driven by strict REACH regulations.
Market Drivers and Challenges
Drivers
- Lightweighting Trend: The automotive industry’s shift to EVs requires lighter materials to offset heavy battery weights, making UPR-based composites ideal.
- Infrastructure Boom: Global investments in "smart cities" and renewable energy grids (especially wind) are creating massive demand for durable, low-maintenance materials.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to epoxy resins, UPR remains the most economical choice for large-scale composite manufacturing.
Challenges
- Raw Material Volatility: Fluctuations in the prices of styrene, maleic anhydride, and phthalic anhydride can disrupt profit margins.
- Environmental Regulations: Increasing pressure to reduce styrene emissions and improve the end-of-life recyclability of thermoset composites.
Market Trends
- AI-Driven Resin Discovery: In 2025 and 2026, companies began using AI-driven frameworks to predict resin performance, drastically shortening the R&D cycle for new formulations.
- UV-Curing Systems: A shift toward UV-curing technology is gaining traction to enhance production efficiency and reduce energy consumption in manufacturing.
- The "Circular" Push: Increased investment in chemical recycling technologies to recover monomers from old composite structures.
Future Outlook
By 2035, the UPR market will likely be defined by "Smart Resins." These formulations will not only be bio-sourced but will also feature self-healing properties or integrated sensors (via carbon nanotubes) to monitor structural health in bridges and wind turbines. The industry is expected to move away from "open-mold" processes in favor of "closed-mold" techniques (RTM/Infusion) to satisfy both quality and environmental standards.
Key Market Study Points
- Dominance of Orthophthalic Resins: Still the go-to for cost-sensitive projects, holding over 44% volume share.
- Growth of DCPD: Expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.03% due to its low viscosity and superior surface finish.
- Urbanization: Remains the primary macro-economic driver for the next decade.
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Competitive Landscape
The market is moderately fragmented, with a mix of global giants and specialized regional players.
- Market Leaders: Polynt-Reichhold Group, AOC, INEOS Composites, and Ashland Inc.
- Emerging Challengers: Aekyung Chemical (South Korea), Eternal Materials (Taiwan), and Scott Bader (UK).
Recent Developments
- KPS Acquisition: In late 2024, KPS Capital Partners acquired INEOS Composites, signaling a major consolidation in the sector.
- Bio-Resin Breakthroughs: In March 2025, Ashland Inc. launched a new line of bio-based resins specifically for the automotive interior market.
- Capacity Expansion: AOC opened a new production line in Nanjing, China, in August 2024, while AK VINA (Vietnam) completed a 37-kiloton capacity expansion in 2025 to meet Southeast Asian demand.
- Sustainable Innovation: In May 2025, Bowden Chemicals secured significant government grants to develop circular, bio-sourced UPR variants.
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