Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) Foam Market

Market Overview

The global expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam market size was valued at USD 998.90 million in 2022. It is projected to reach USD 1,844.17 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.05% during the forecast period (2023-2031). 

The term expanded polyethylene foam refers to polyethylene-based foams. Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) Foam is a multifunctional bead foam that provides energy absorption, impact resistance, thermal insulation, chemical resistance, and complete recyclability. EPP can be produced in various densities, from 15 to 200 grams per liter, which can then be molded into densities between 18 and 260 grams per liter. Automotive manufacturers employ expanded polyethylene foam extensively due to its extensive performance benefits, lightweight, enhanced functionality, durability, and recyclable nature.

It possesses exceptional energy absorption, impact resistance, thermal insulation, and chemical and water resistance, among other qualities. EPP is available in the grades required for various applications based on its technical specifications. According to their densities, there are two varieties of EPP foams: low-density EPP grade and high-density EPP grade. High-density EPP grade foams are primarily employed in car passenger safety components and automotive bumpers. In contrast, low-density EPP foams are utilized for industrial packaging.

Highlights

• The synthetic polypropylene segment is the major contributor to the market by raw material.
• The Molded EPP segment is the major contributor to the market by form.
• The automotive segment is the highest contributor to the market by application.
• Asia-Pacific is the most significant revenue contributor by region.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Material's Non-Toxic and Recyclable Nature

Foam made of expanded polypropylene is environmentally friendly. It is entirely non-toxic and simple to recycle. Polypropylene recycling is becoming an effective and economically sound solution on a wide scale. With the aid of a skilled EPP recycling machine, the entire recycling process is simple. EPP can be compressed into ingots using the GREENMAX EPP Recycling Machine provided by INTCO Recycling, and these EPP ingots are supplied to manufacturers for usage in other goods. Five processes comprise the recycling process: collection, sorting, cleaning, reprocessing via melting, and creating new goods with recycled PP. As a result, the first three stages are the same for recycling most other goods. The final two, though, are crucial. Collectible PP materials are placed into an extruder during the reprocessing stage, where they are melted at 2,400 °C and then crushed into granules. The creation of new items can then begin with these pellets.

Market Restraint

Decline in the Motorbikes Industry

The coronavirus epidemic made the decline that the automotive sector has been experiencing for a few years worse. The automotive sector has been identified by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a significant contributor to the overall decline in industrial output, and a protracted period of sector contraction would only have a longer-term negative impact on the global economy, both in the short and long term. The global market for EPP foam is constrained by the decline in vehicle manufacturing, which also reduces the production of automotive parts. American-based automakers were relying on selling off their existing inventory, but now they have to worry about running out of supplies during the lockdown. The eventual production loss is anticipated to significantly impact auto sales and the nation's economy.

Market Opportunities

Increasing Demand from Packaging Industry

EPP foam has unique qualities that make it perfect for packing food, including multiple impact resistance, exceptional energy absorption, water and chemical resistance, clean and easy to handle, and material recyclability. Increasing demand for packaged foods has led to tremendous global expansion in the food packaging business. The use of EPP foam in conjunction with food products is authorized. It is suitable for food delivery containers, beverage coolers, and similar items due to its structural strength and thermal insulation capabilities.

Additionally, EPP can be steam cleaned into sterility and does not support the growth of microorganisms. EPP foams are also often used to make dunnage, reusable industrial packaging because of their resilience and natural capacity to absorb shock during transport. Transport containers, cold-chain transport boxes, and fast-food packaging are in high demand in regions including North America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

The global expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam market is bifurcated into four regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. 

Asia-Pacific is the most significant revenue contributor and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 7.25% during the forecast period. It was previously anticipated that China's economic growth rate in 2020 would be low compared to the previous year. The fiercer market competition in China's food and beverage sector has made it possible for businesses to enter foreign markets in search of new resources and commercial prospects. China's food processing sector is also maturing and expanding moderately. Dairy, infant food, and confectionery goods are particularly popular processed and packaged frozen foods, which is expected to be the industry's main driver. 

North America is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 7.15% during the forecast period. The US economy depends heavily on the food and beverage sector. Delivery services and e-commerce are becoming more and more popular. The beverage sector in the United States has significantly increased due to shifting customer behavior. In addition, American retailers generate the majority of beverage sales in North America. Customers are increasingly ordering groceries and other food products online due to the widespread use of the internet and rising demand for convenience. A rising number of services, including Amazon Fresh, let customers buy fresh vegetables without leaving their homes. 

Germany's manufacturing industry, which makes up around 80% of all industrial production, is its most significant sector. The largest manufacturing segments are machinery and equipment, automotive, primary metals and fabricated metal products, computers, electronic and electrical equipment, and primary metals. The vehicle industry in Germany is the biggest in all of Europe. With 41 assembly and engine production facilities, Germany dominates the European automotive market and produces one-third of all the cars sold on the continent. Makers from many areas, including equipment manufacturers, suppliers of materials and components, manufacturers of engines, and integrators of complete systems, are located in Germany, one of the top manufacturing hubs for the automobile industry.

Saudi Arabia aims to become the region's new center for the automobile industry. Although the nation imports many cars and auto parts, it is currently working to entice original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to establish production facilities to grow the domestic auto industry. To benefit investors in the industry and reduce costs, it plans to construct an auto city. In Riyadh, a manufacturing facility for light vehicles is also being designed. Furthermore, discussions to build factories in the nation are currently being held with Toyota and other significant firms. If all of these developments are effective, the market is anticipated to boost during the forecast period. 

Segmental Analysis

The global expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam market is segmented by raw material, form, and application.

Based on raw material, the global market is bifurcated into synthetic polypropylene and bio-based polypropylene.

The synthetic polypropylene segment is the major contributor to the market and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 6.95% during the forecast period. By polymerizing propylene, synthetic polypropylene is produced. Approximately 90% of EPP foams are made using synthetic polypropylene. The two main kinds of synthetic polypropylene are homopolymer and copolymer. The most popular type of PP used for ordinary purposes is polypropylene homopolymer. These homopolymers are great for lightweight applications like packaging, textiles, healthcare, pipelines, automotive, and electrical since they comprise polypropylene in a semi-crystalline solid state. Polypropylene homopolymer is a little softer, more resilient, and has better impact strength than polypropylene copolymer.

Bio-based polypropylene is made from raw materials such as corn, sugarcane, and beet, and it shares many of the same properties as synthetic polypropylene. It has significant potential to replace synthetic polypropylene. However, less than 10% of EPP foams are produced using bio-based polypropylene. The demand for a synthetic polypropylene substitute has been driven by growing environmental concerns related to the production and usage of synthetic polypropylene. Injection molded components are made using bio-based polypropylene as a more affordable alternative to synthetic polypropylene for usage in industrial, automotive, and construction settings.

Based on form, the global market is bifurcated into Fabricated EPP, Molded EPP, and Other Forms.

The molded EPP segment is the major contributor to the market and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 7.05% during the forecast period. The steam-chest molding procedure joins individual EPP beads into the finished product form, creating a robust and lightweight shape. Molded EPP is a reliable form of packaging. It is considered a substitute for fabricated EPP with enough lead time for tool building, where tool costs are justified by volume. Excellent shock-absorbing qualities can be found in EPP Molded Foam. Optimal packaging is utilized mainly in automotive bumper systems and requires packaging to absorb transit and handling shock. EPP is mechanically and thermally bonded to create a solid, consistent material.

Extrusion or autoclaving foaming is used to create the enlarged polypropylene beads. Extrusion foaming is used to generate thermoplastic and cross-linked PP foam sheets. Different densities of expanded polypropylene can be created, ranging from 15 to 200 grams per liter. Fabricated Expanded polypropylene foams typically come in low-density grades, making them perfect for high-mixed and low-volume packaging. When compared to other materials, such as polyethylene foam, EPP has superior cushioning qualities at lower densities and lower costs. EPP can be produced in various forms and sizes, such as profile shapes or three-dimensional assemblies, to offer the safest packaging for the most delicate products in demanding shipping situations.

In a multi-step, patented process, additives, and polypropylene resin are combined to create extruded pellets, which are subsequently treated under strictly controlled circumstances to produce reliably formed EPP foam beads. EPP foam is exceptionally robust and long-lasting. EPP foam can be used as beads in bean bags since it quickly rebounds to its original size and shape after being crushed or bent. The airy and cushioning properties of the EPP beads can be crushed without losing them. Compared to EPS beads, EPP beads provide several advantages. Compared to EPS beads, they don't have as strong of an odor. Other EPP uses include plastic furniture and plastic lids with live hinges.

Based on this, the global market is bifurcated into automotive, dunnage, furniture, food packaging, HVAC, sports and leisure, and other applications.

The automotive segment is the highest contributor to the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.30% during the forecast period. The most significant demand for EPP foams at the moment is in the automotive industry. As E.U. pollution standards have been stricter and legislation governing the recycling of retired vehicles has been enacted, there has been an increase in the demand for EPP foams over time. EPP foams are increasingly used in seating and other automotive parts, resulting in a 10% reduction in the vehicle's overall weight. Fuel usage dropped by 7%. The proportion of recyclable materials in reusable cars is rising concurrently. Additionally, as there are more electric vehicles on the road, EPP foam is becoming increasingly popular because it helps make electric vehicles more lightweight, thermally insulated, and capable of absorbing more energy.

According to estimates, the market for EPP furniture would increase due to the growing desire for new furniture from developing nations like India, Mexico, Indonesia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. The rising demand for furniture is fueling the market for EPP foams in these countries due to rising commercial construction activities and increasing furniture exports from the nations mentioned above. Growing brand awareness among millennials and rising furniture spending helped the market post-increasing sales over the study period. The growth of the furniture market in emerging countries is accelerated by the rise in e-commerce platforms offering numerous designs and furniture products. 

About 14% of the market for expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam's overall application categories are related to food packaging. Higher chemical resistance, weldability/sealing qualities, good barrier properties, high strength, better surface gloss, and low cost are the main drivers of EPP's expanding utilization in the food packaging sector. EPP foams are suited for food packaging because they have qualities like great optical clarity and low moisture-vapor transmission. Products, including caps and closures, crates, bottles, and pots, are made from molded EPP. These thin-walled polypropylene containers are frequently chosen for use in food packaging. For hardness and durability, it also provides excellent flexibility and fatigue resistance. 

Significant drivers of the HVAC market's growth over the projection period include the rising construction industry in specific emerging economies and the expansion of end-user markets like the data center market. A few key reasons impacting the market's growth are changes in urbanization, industrialization, and migration, which have increased the number of companies, manufacturing facilities, and residential complexes that employ HVAC systems. The Population Reference Bureau estimates that 56% of the world's population lived in an urban region in 2020. The source claims that North America is the most urbanized continent in the world, with 82% of the people residing in cities.

Recent Developments

• October 2021- With the release of NEOPOLEN P 9434 LB, BASF expanded the Neopolen color grade family with a new product. The product exhibits strong chemical, static, and dynamic loading tolerance, a low tendency to absorb water, and high thermal insulating qualities. The product is exceptionally well suited for toys and recreational items, dunnage trays in automotive manufacturing, etc.
• April 2021- BEWI declared that it had agreed with IZOBLOK to purchase the majority (54.21%) of the business. The contract terms were fulfilled in July 2021, and BEWI ASA became an indirect majority shareholder of IZOBLOK SA.