Polyurethane (PU) Resin Market Size & Share, by Resin Type (Solvent-based, Water-based, Others); Application - Global Supply & Demand Analysis, Growth Forecasts, Statistics Report 2025-2037

Polyurethane Resin Sector: Growth Drivers and Challenges

Growth Drivers

• Increasing adoption in 3D printing: Since 3D printing can produce things with complicated geometries, reduce weight and cost, and achieve dimensional accuracy, it is one of the most revolutionary and rapidly expanding fabrication technologies of the contemporary period. According to the Research Nester analysis, the 3D printing industry is anticipated to grow over USD 371.61 by 2037, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.3%. By satisfying the need for high-performance polymers in various applications, polyurethane resin are incredibly adaptable materials that can accelerate the adoption of 3D printing manufacturing. They can be made into rigid polymers, such as hard thermoplastics, or soft, flexible elastomers. Polyurethanes based on PTMEG, polycaprolactone, and polycarbonate provide exceptional value by offering outstanding melt extrusion-printing properties and high performance across numerous 3D printing processes.
  
  The polyurethane family of materials is exceptionally well-suited for the production of advanced, engineering-grade three-dimensional materials due to its remarkable adaptability, durability, hardness, and thermal resistance. In comparison, other polymeric materials, including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyamides, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), and polyolefins, exhibit inferior performance characteristics relative to polyurethanes. Therefore, the growing adoption of polyurethane resin in 3D printing for manufacturing lightweight and durable components is creating new polyurethane (PU) resin market opportunities, especially in aerospace, medical devices, and prototyping.
• Expansion of the electric mobility sector:  Specialized materials that can handle the particular requirements of EV components are becoming increasingly necessary as a result of the global adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles and related technical advancements. The International Energy Agency reported that in 2023, there were 3.5 million more electric cars sold than in 2022, a 35% increase from the previous year. Compared to 2018, which was only five years ago, this is more than six times higher. Excellent thermal profiles, high flexibility, resiliency, and vibration resistance, excellent tensile properties, superior adhesive properties, chemical and abrasion resistance, and durability are some of the key product attributes that strengthen the global polyurethane resin market Additionally, polyurethanes provide processing flexibility while assembling EV parts.
  
  Additionally, polyurethanes contribute to the total weight reduction of electric vehicles and increase their safety, range, and electric efficiency. Low-surface energy plastics, aluminum alloys, fiber-reinforced polymers, polymer composites, and other lightweight materials can all be joined owing to polyurethanes' exceptional bonding qualities. Another issue that polyurethane resin can help with is the car industry's dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions overall.
• Increasing international trade of polyurethane: As international trade networks strengthen, manufacturers benefit from cost-effective sourcing, improved supply chain efficiencies, and improved technological collaborations. This has led to a wider adoption of polyurethane resin in various industries including construction, automotive, and consumer goods. The Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) indicated that polyurethanes ranked as the 506th most traded product globally with a total transaction of USD 7.45 billion in 2023. From USD 9.05 billion to USD 7.45 billion, polyurethane exports fell by 17.7% between 2022 and 2023. Polyurethane trade accounts for 0.033% of global trade.

Source: OEC

Challenges

• Health-related concerns: The use of polyurethane in a wide range of products has increased due to its extensive use in items including paint, mattresses, shoes, and building insulation. This resin releases toxic fumes that can cause a variety of health problems when inhaled. Numerous health problems, such as allergic reactions, skin rashes, breathing problems, unconsciousness, and even blindness, can result from excessive exposure to polyurethane. Additionally, if polyurethane foam gets into the eyes or skin, the area needs to be cleaned and thoroughly washed right once to avoid health problems. It is anticipated that these problems will obstruct polyurethane resin market growth.
• Environmental impact of polyurethane waste: Unfortunately, the indisputable advantages of polyurethane have also resulted in an environmental dilemma. The problem of disposing of polyurethane has grown along with its use and demand in commonplace products. The majority of products made from polyurethane are not easily biodegradable, which means they stay in landfills for a long time and add to the expanding trash issue. The majority of polyurethane is currently disposed of by landfilling, with a lesser percentage being burned. Incineration emits greenhouse gases and possible poisons into the atmosphere, even though it can convert trash into electricity. Therefore, this looming environmental challenge is expected to impede the growth of the polyurethane resin market.