Chan Ye Xin Xi Wang·2025-05-11 00:08Core Viewpoint - The demand for polymer foam materials is increasing due to rising living standards and the need for comfort, safety, and environmental protection. The market size of China's polymer foam materials industry is projected to grow from 1.2 trillion yuan in 2019 to 2.3 trillion yuan in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.9% [1][14]. Industry Overview - Polymer foam materials are characterized by a porous structure, low density, and excellent thermal insulation, sound absorption, and fire resistance properties. They can be categorized into various types, including polyurethane, polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene foams [3][5]. - The industry has evolved through four stages: initiation (1980-1992), development (1993-2005), rapid development (2006-2015), and transformation (2015-present) [5]. Industry Chain - The upstream of the polymer foam materials industry includes raw materials such as plastics, rubber, catalysts, and foaming agents, primarily sourced from the petrochemical industry. The midstream involves the production of polymer foam materials, while the downstream encompasses applications in construction, packaging, consumer electronics, and transportation [8]. Market Demand and Applications - Polymer foam materials are widely used in construction for insulation, soundproofing, and fire protection, in the automotive industry to reduce weight and enhance safety, and in packaging to protect products and reduce costs. The packaging market in China is expected to reach approximately 1.2 trillion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 3.99% [12][14]. Competitive Landscape - The industry is becoming increasingly competitive, with numerous companies entering the market. Key players include Changzhou Tiangsheng New Materials Group Co., Ltd., Hubei Xiangyuan New Materials Technology Co., Ltd., and others. Companies must enhance their technology, product quality, and cost efficiency to remain competitive [18][20]. Development Trends 1. Environmental Focus: The industry is moving towards environmentally friendly practices, including the reduction or elimination of harmful substances in production processes [24]. 2. Multifunctionality: Future developments will focus on enhancing the functionalities of polymer foam materials, such as adding flame retardant, anti-static, and antibacterial properties [25]. 3. Intelligent Manufacturing: The industry is transitioning towards smart and automated manufacturing processes, integrating information technology with production techniques to drive sustainable development [27].