EMI Wave Shielding Materials Market

Market Overview

The global EMI wave shielding materials market size was valued at USD 6.43 billion in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 10.76 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.91% during the forecast period (2024–2032). The increasing demand for consumer electronics and the rise in global industrialization have benefited EMI shielding and allowed it to grow during the forecast period. Moreover, the proliferation of wireless communication technologies and the growing complexity of electronic systems drive the need for advanced shielding solutions to protect sensitive components from electromagnetic interference.

The process of building a barrier to lessen or stop the leakage of strong electromagnetic fields that could interfere with delicate devices and signals is known as EMI (electromagnetic interference) shielding. Conduction and radiation are used as EMI shielding techniques. Various materials are used to reflect or absorb electromagnetic radiation in the path of electromagnetic interference. These materials include metal shielding, conductive paints and coatings, conductive polymers, EMI and EMC filters, and EMI shielding laminates and tapes.

Radio wave coupling, electrostatic fields, and electromagnetic fields can all be decreased with EMI shielding. The release of energy in electromagnetic waves or traveling subatomic particles, especially high-energy particles that cause ionization, is known as radiation. By filtering incoming and outgoing interferences, EMI shielding materials like metals, conductive coatings, laminates, and others are used to stop electronic devices from malfunctioning.

Highlights

• Conductive coatings and paints dominate the type segment
• Consumer electronics dominate the end-user segment
• Radiation dominates the method segment
• Asia-Pacific is the largest shareholder in the global market

Market Dynamics

EMI Wave Shielding Materials Market Drivers

Rising Global Industrialization and Demand for EMI Wave Shielding

Industries are increasingly reliant on electronic and wireless devices to drive automation, productivity, and efficiency in their operations. However, this dependence also brings challenges, particularly in industrial settings where the electromagnetic environment is becoming denser due to the widespread use of electronic machinery and equipment. With multiple devices operating simultaneously, the risk of electromagnetic interference (EMI) rises significantly. EMI can disrupt critical industrial equipment's proper functioning, leading to data corruption, operational inefficiencies, and even safety hazards. In light of these risks, EMI shielding plays a crucial role in mitigating interference and ensuring the uninterrupted operation of industrial machinery.

For example, a notable initiative is underway in South Korea's southern industrial city of Daegu. A substantial investment of 10.5 billion won (USD 7.9 million) is being allocated to construct a large-scale electromagnetic interference shielding test facility. This facility will serve as a dedicated space for researchers and private companies to test autonomous vehicles and drones in a controlled environment, free from interference that could compromise their performance. This investment underscores the recognition of the importance of EMI shielding in safeguarding critical industrial equipment and facilitating the development and deployment of advanced technologies. By addressing the challenges posed by electromagnetic interference, such initiatives enhance operational reliability, efficiency, and safety across various industrial sectors.

EMI Wave Shielding Materials Market Restraint

Limited Effectiveness of Traditional Methods

Traditional EMI shielding methods often involve applying layers of shielding materials, such as metal or conductive coatings. However, these approaches have proven inadequate in effectively preventing electromagnetic interference (EMI), particularly in modern electronic devices. The continual reduction in electronic device size and increasing complexity pose significant challenges to conventional shielding techniques like metal enclosures and conductive coatings. As modern electronics embrace higher operating frequencies and incorporate more wireless technologies, the nature of EMI challenges is evolving rapidly.

The advent of 5G communication technologies has further underscored the critical importance of EMI shielding for electronic devices. For instance, the widespread adoption of mobile phones, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth devices has led to the pervasive presence of electromagnetic radiation in modern society. Reports indicate a doubling number of wireless local area network (WLAN) connected devices in major cities worldwide between 2016 and 2021. This proliferation highlights the urgent need for robust EMI shielding solutions to protect electronic devices from the detrimental effects of electromagnetic interference.

EMI Wave Shielding Materials Market Opportunities

Rising Adoption of the Use of Innovative Electronics in Various Industries

The widespread adoption of advanced electronics across various industries presents an opportunity for EMI shielding market growth. One notable expansion area lies in the increasing prevalence of digital healthcare solutions, including telemedicine and medical devices. As the healthcare industry increasingly relies on electronic systems, the demand for effective EMI shielding becomes paramount to safeguarding patient safety and data integrity. Moreover, the integration of components within semiconductor packages, such as antennas and integrated circuits (ICs), is driving the need for package-level EMI shielding solutions. This trend enables product designers to develop more compact and efficient products tailored to specific applications, further propelling the demand for EMI shielding solutions.

In general, the favorable market environment for EMI shielding solutions is bolstered by the growing adoption of innovative electronics across various industries. Likewise, the emphasis on technological advancements and environmental concerns contributes to the increasing demand for EMI shielding solutions. For example, the mature application of fifth-generation (5G) connectivity has spurred advancements in mobile computing and various frequency transmissions. This has necessitated the integration of antennas in System in Package (SiP) modules, enabling product designers to create compact products tailored to specific applications. This exemplifies how the rising adoption of innovative electronics drives the demand for advanced EMI shielding solutions in diverse industries.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

Based on region, the global EMI wave shielding market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. 

Asia-Pacific is the most significant global EMI wave shielding market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. The region hosts the largest electronics and telecommunications sectors globally, driving substantial demand for EMI shielding solutions across consumer electronics, laptops, smartphones, and various electronic devices. For instance, an established supplier of EMI (electromagnetic interference) shielding systems, Indian Industries, L.P., focuses on cutting-edge technologies and all-inclusive services. Indian Industries is aware of the growing difficulties caused by electromagnetic interference in the modern, high-tech environment. The company aims to offer state-of-the-art solutions that shield electronic components and equipment from electromagnetic interference (EMI), guaranteeing their electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), optimal performance, and dependability.

Moreover, factors like quick industrialization, a burgeoning medical device industry, and the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure further contribute to the growth of the EMI shielding market in this region. Robust electromagnetic shielding solutions are becoming increasingly important to maintain signal integrity, reduce interference, and guarantee dependable communication with the increased demand for consumer devices like air conditioners, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, and televisions.

The North American region emerges as the fastest-growing global EMI shielding market, driven by the increasing adoption of EMI shielding to protect electronic systems from external electromagnetic threats that could compromise data integrity and security. The region's high rate of electronic device adoption across various sectors, including consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace and defense, and healthcare, underscores the need for robust EMI shielding solutions. Moreover, heightened awareness and understanding of the potential effects of electromagnetic interference among regulatory bodies, manufacturers, and consumers are driving the demand for shielding solutions.

According to Hutchinson, nearly all military applications necessitate some EMI emissions management, which is why MIL-STD-461 is a military specification. The method of testing equipment for electromagnetic compatibility is outlined in U.S. Military Standard MIL-STD-461. The company also states that it has existed for a long a long because interference has always been a serious worry, even before emissions were invented. Compact, high-power units that are sometimes developed by multiple manufacturers and combined at the weapons platform level are employed in the construction of aerospace and defense platforms. Such factors propel regional market growth.

Segmental Analysis

The global EMI wave shielding market is bifurcated into type, end-user, and method.

Based on type, the global EMI wave shielding market is segmented into conductive polymers, conductive coatings and paints, metal shielding products, and EMI/EMC filters.

The conductive coating segment holds the largest share. Conductive coatings represent a versatile solution for a wide range of EMI shielding applications due to their ability to be applied to various surfaces, including plastic, metal, glass, and ceramics. This adaptability allows seamless integration into diverse manufacturing processes without significantly increasing the bulk or weight of the components or devices they shield. Moreover, conductive coatings offer several advantages, particularly in consumer electronics. Devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones benefit from the application of these coatings as they provide an affordable and efficient method of EMI shielding. By effectively mitigating electromagnetic interference, conductive coatings ensure these electronic gadgets' uninterrupted performance and reliability, enhancing the user experience and satisfaction.

Based on end-users, the global EMI wave shielding market is segmented into telecommunication, consumer electronics, automotive, medical, and aerospace and defense.

The consumer electronics segment owns the largest market share. EMI shielding serves as a protective barrier, safeguarding electronic components from unwanted electromagnetic interference that could disrupt device functionality. As consumers increasingly rely on these interconnected devices in their daily lives, the importance of robust EMI shielding solutions becomes paramount to maintaining seamless connectivity and uninterrupted operation. Moreover, several factors contribute to the rising demand for EMI shielding in the telecommunications sector. The advent of IoT and cloud computing has increased connected devices, amplifying the need for reliable EMI protection to ensure data integrity and device reliability. The wide coverage of satellites and the ongoing development of 4G and 5G networks further fuel the demand for advanced EMI shielding solutions.

Based on this method, the global EMI wave shielding market is bifurcated into radiation and conduction.

The radiation segment dominates the global market. Radiation shielding involves employing materials or barriers to mitigate the transmission of hazardous radiation, thereby reducing risks to individuals, property, and the environment. This practice encompasses implementing protective measures to restrict or halt radiation penetration, ultimately minimizing potential harm. As with traditional radiation shielding, EMI wave shielding protects sensitive electronic devices from external electromagnetic interference, which could otherwise lead to malfunctions, data corruption, and operational inefficiencies. With the ubiquity of electronic devices and wireless technologies in modern industries, the demand for effective EMI shielding materials is rising.

Recent Developments

April 2023: NanoEMI announced that they are working on the development, production, validation, and deployment of pure, high-quality graphene flakes. The company joined the Graphene Flagship as an Associated Member in 2022 and is now focusing on composites that can mitigate the problem of electromagnetic interference (EMI). NanoEMI has demonstrated the effectiveness of its composites in blocking electromagnetic radiation, with up to 70 dB per 1 mm of sample thickness. This makes their technology a formidable competitor to traditional metal-based solutions currently dominating the market.

August 2022: Panasonic Industry Co., Ltd. announced a joint research project on ultra-light EMC shielding material technology with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the National Research and Development Agency, which led to research that was conducted to reduce the weight of satellites used for space exploration through wireless in-flight communication and power supply, which conventionally account for a significant percentage of their mass. To achieve this objective, advanced electromagnetic shielding technology is required to ensure electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). It reflects that this collaboration will initiate new technologies in the EMI wave shielding materials market.