Top 13 Long Fiber Thermoplastics Companies, Worldwide 2024

The Long Fiber Thermoplastics Companies quadrant is a comprehensive industry analysis that provides valuable insights into the global market for Long Fiber Thermoplastics. This quadrant offers a detailed evaluation of key market players, technological advancements, product innovations, and emerging trends shaping the industry. MarketsandMarkets 360 Quadrants evaluated over 30 Long Fiber Thermoplastics Companies of which the Top 13 Long Fiber Thermoplastics Companies were categorized and recognized as the quadrant leaders.

Long fiber thermoplastics (LFTs) are composite materials comprising the thermoplastic polymer matrix and discontinuous reinforcement fibers with a length-to-a-diameter-aspect-ratio greater than the critical aspect ratio. These composites have been widely used in various applications due to their superior mechanical properties, excellent processability, low density, recyclability, low cost, and excellent corrosion resistance.

The 360 Quadrant efficiently maps the Long Fiber Thermoplastics companies based on criteria such as revenue, geographic presence, growth strategies, investments, channels of demand, and sales strategies for the market presence of the Long Fiber Thermoplastics quadrant. While the top criteria for product footprint evaluation included Fiber (Glass, Carbon, Others), Resin (Polyamide (PA), Polypropylene (PP), Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), Polyphthalamide (PPA), Others), Manufacturing Process (Injection Molding, Pultrusion, Direct-LFT (D-LFT), Others), End-Use Industries (Automotive, Electrical & Electronics, Consumer Goods, Sporting Goods, Others).

Key trends highlighted in 360 Quadrants:

• The market size for long fiber thermoplastics (LFT) is anticipated to experience robust growth over the coming years. It is projected to increase from USD 3.5 billion in 2022 to USD 6.1 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.3% during this period.
• The key factor driving the expansion of the LFT market and creating growth opportunities for long fiber thermoplastics companies is the rising demand for high performance materials offering properties such as high strength-to-weight ratios, good tensile strength, and electrical conductivity. The demand for LFT is increasing across end-use industries like automotive and electrical & electronics. In the automotive sector, LFT is being used for parts including bumpers and instrument panels due to its lightweighting and performance benefits over conventional materials. The electrical & electronics industry is also increasingly adopting LFT for applications such as enclosures and brackets. With rising consumption across these key end-use segments, the LFT market is poised for strong growth over the near term.
• In 2023, injection molding showed its versatility as the leading manufacturing process for long fiber thermoplastics, capturing a substantial 73% market share, followed by the pultrusion process and D-LFT Process. This dominant position demonstrates the injection molding process's ability to efficiently produce high-quality, fiber-reinforced thermoplastic components at high volumes for major industries like automotive and electrical/electronics. Owing to its speed, consistency, and applicability to various materials, injection molding is likely to continue playing a key role in manufacturing innovative long fiber thermoplastic products that meet the needs of diverse markets and is therefore gaining the attention of various long fiber thermoplastics companies.
• The polypropylene (PP) resin led the long fiber thermoplastics market with a substantial 61.5% share, highlighting its versatility and cost-effectiveness for automotive applications in 2023. PP's lower density compared to engineering plastics allows it to contribute to improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. When reinforced with glass or carbon fibers, PP also provides electrical resistance and lightweight strength for manufacturing electronic components.
• Looking ahead, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin represents an area of emerging potential for long fiber thermoplastics companies seeking lightweight material substitutions across end-use segments. With its well-rounded performance properties including electrical and chemical resistance, thermal stability, and more, PBT can serve as an appealing option to meet diverse application requirements while enabling lightweighting benefits crucial for sectors such as automotive. Through ongoing innovation in resin technologies, long fiber thermoplastic producers have an expanding material palette at their disposal to optimize properties and address the needs of various markets. As advances in PBT resins and other novel materials progress, long fiber thermoplastics companies can leverage these developments to engineer creative solutions that deliver robust performance with lightweight, sustainable design.
• The versatility of long fiber thermoplastics stems from the wide range of fiber options available to meet different performance needs. Glass fiber leads among fiber types, with its optimal blend of mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and insulating properties that make it the predominant choice for automotive and electrical/electronic applications. From structural body panels to sound-dampening shields, glass fiber enables lightweight yet sturdy thermoplastic components.
• While currently more specialized, carbon fiber presents exciting potential for high-end sectors like aerospace and sports equipment as it becomes more accessible. With continued fiber technology advancements and innovative combinations, long fiber thermoplastics companies can leverage the diverse fiber landscape to customize materials for an expanding array of applications. The possibilities are wide open thanks to the array of fiber types that can be leveraged to enhance properties.
• The long fiber thermoplastics market shows exciting growth potential, especially in Europe and Asia Pacific. In 2023, Europe took the lead with a 33.0% global market share, demonstrating strong demand in the region. Europe is poised for continued expansion at an impressive 9.3% CAGR between 2022-2027. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific holds a substantial 30.3% market share currently, positioning it as the second largest market globally based on volume. With long fiber thermoplastics gaining traction across major economies like Europe and Asia, long fiber thermoplastics companies can leverage these high-growth regions to drive innovation, identify new applications, and take advantage of increasing adoption rates. If current trends persist, Europe and Asia Pacific will remain pivotal markets fueling the advancement of long fiber thermoplastics worldwide. The landscapes in these regions present promising opportunities for manufacturers and end-use industries alike.
• The long fiber thermoplastics market displays healthy competition, with a mix of established global leaders and emerging regional players working to meet growing demand worldwide. Major long fiber thermoplastics companies like Celanese, SABIC, LANXESS, and Solvay leverage their resources and expertise to solidify their presence across different geographies and applications. At the same time, agile regional players are identifying unique opportunities to serve their local markets. This diverse combination of global corporations and regional specialists drives innovation as well as geographic expansion.
• With major investment in R&D and production capabilities, leading enterprises continue advancing long fiber thermoplastic solutions. The competitive landscape creates an environment for technological improvements while ensuring end users can access these next-generation materials on a global scale. Overall, the dynamic marketplace paves the way for breakthroughs and expanded adoption that will catalyze future growth. For instance, demonstrating the innovation in advanced mobility applications, Celanese Corporation announced in June 2023 that it would be showcasing an expanded portfolio of advanced materials and systems. Among the highlights were an All-in-1 battery module prototype utilizing tab cooling, structural thermoplastic cooling channels and an electrical connection plate. Also featured was a Hybrid thermoplastic/aluminum cooling plate. Through these and other developments, Celanese aims to accelerate innovation for next-generation mobility solutions. The expanded portfolio highlights the company's commitment to leveraging its materials expertise and design capabilities to enable automotive electrification.