Cast polymers is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of synthetic cast products, such as cultured marble, solid surface, and engineered stone used in different household and commercial applications. These products are utilized in the construction of vanity tops, kitchen slabs, countertops, bathtubs, fireplace surrounds, and kitchen sinks. Cast polymer products are chemically bonded, polymeric materials that are molded and hardened to form a solid material. These products are stronger and less brittle than naturally available products, such as marble, granite, and other stones.

The cast polymers market is valued at USD 9.08 Billion in 2017. The growth of the construction & remodeling industry across the globe, along with increased demand for high-quality cast polymers products is expected to fuel the growth of the cast polymers market during the forecast period. Based on type, the cast polymers market has been segmented into solid surface, engineered stone, and cultured marble. Solid surface is a man-made product, which is usually composed of marble dust, acrylic, or polyester resins and pigments. It is primarily used for seamless countertop installations. In terms of value, the solid surface segment is projected to lead the cast polymers market during the forecast period, owing to the wide use of solid surface products in kitchen and bathroom applications. The engineered stone segment of the market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2017 and 2022, in terms of value due to increased demand for engineered stones from the residential and non-residential sectors. The increased demand for these stones from the residential and non-residential sectors can be attributed to the high performance offered by engineered stones in comparison to other materials. Based on end user, the cast polymers market has been classified into non-residential and residential segments. The non-residential segment of the market is projected to grow at a higher CAGR than the residential segment during the forecast period, in terms of value. The growth of the non-residential segment of the cast polymers market can be attributed to the increased demand for these materials from non-residential constructions such as hospitals, and schools, among others. Based on material, the cast polymers market has been classified into alumina trihydrate, calcium carbonate, resins, natural stone/quartz, and others. Alumina trihydrate, calcium carbonate, and resins are the major raw materials used for manufacturing cast polymers. The alumina trihydrate segment is estimated to lead the cast polymers market in 2017, in terms of value. The growth of this segment of the market can be attributed to the versatile properties such as high durability and scratch resistance offered by alumina trihydrate. Moreover, it is cost-effective. In terms of value, the natural stone/quart segment of the cast polymers market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific cast polymers market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, in terms of value. Rapid industrialization in the Asia Pacific region and increased demand for cast polymers from non-residential units such as corporate offices, public toilets, malls and shopping complexes, hospitals, and schools, among others, are driving the growth of the Asia Pacific cast polymers market. The key factors contributing to the increased demand for cast polymers across the globe include rise in the construction activities in emerging economies, worldwide and increase in disposable income of consumers that have resulted in the procurement of high-quality and advanced construction materials. In the past few years, the construction industry has grown by a considerable margin, especially in the emerging economies such as India, China, UAE, and Indonesia. Moreover, the remodeling industry is also witnessing significant growth in the US, Germany, and Japan. High prices and limited availability of raw materials used for manufacturing cast polymers are expected to restrict the growth of the cast polymers market during the forecast period. The high costs of cast polymers can be attributed to technical complexities involved in the manufacturing of these products in comparison to the naturally available products and substitutes such as ceramics and concrete. Moreover, the cast polymers market is dominated by a few players, which leads to the limited availability of products made from cast polymers.

Cast Polymers Market vendors are placed into 4 categories based on their performance and reviews in each criterion: “visionary leaders,” “innovators,” “dynamic differentiators,” and “emerging companies".

Visionary leaders are the leading market players in terms of new developments such as product launches, innovative technologies, and the adoption of growth strategies. These players have a broad product offering that caters to most of the regions globally. Visionary leaders primarily focus on acquiring the leading market position through their strong financial capabilities and their well-established brand equity.

Dynamic Differentiators are established players with very strong business strategies. However, they have a weaker product portfolio compared to the visionary leaders. They generally focus only on a specific type of technology related to the product.

Innovators in the competitive leadership mapping are vendors that have demonstrated substantial product innovations as compared to their competitors. The companies have focused on product portfolios. However, they do not have very strong growth strategies for their overall business, when compared with the visionary leaders.

Emerging companies have niche product and service offerings. Their business strategies are not as strong as that of the established vendors. The emerging vendors include the new entrants in the market, emerging in terms of product portfolio and geographic reach, and require time to gain significant traction in the market.