Low Profile Additives Market Introduction 

Low profile additives (LPAs) are specialty chemicals used in thermosetting resins to reduce the shrinkage and warpage of the final product during curing. These additives are commonly used in composites manufacturing, such as in the production of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) parts. LPAs are added to the resin matrix to minimize the polymerization shrinkage, which occurs as the resin cures and becomes a solid composite.LPAs are typically composed of thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers, which are compatible with the resin system. They are added in small quantities (usually less than 5% by weight) and can be incorporated into the resin matrix using a variety of techniques, including hand mixing, batch mixing, and in-line mixing.The use of LPAs has several benefits for manufacturers of composites, including improved dimensional stability, reduced warpage and distortion, and increased surface smoothness. LPAs can also enhance the mechanical properties of the final product, such as the flexural modulus and strength.The global low profile additives market is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for lightweight materials in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and construction. The market is also likely to benefit from the development of new and innovative LPAs with improved performance characteristics, such as higher thermal stability and better compatibility with different resin systems.

Low Profile Additives Market  Size

The global low profile additives market size was valued at USD 1.23 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 1.64 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period.The market is driven by the increasing demand for lightweight materials in various end-use industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. The need for fuel-efficient vehicles and the growing trend of electric vehicles are also expected to drive the demand for composites and, subsequently, the low profile additives market.Regionally, Asia-Pacific is the largest market for LPAs due to the presence of major composites manufacturing industries in countries such as China, India, and Japan. The region is expected to continue dominating the market during the forecast period, followed by North America and Europe.The key players operating in the low profile additives market include AOC Aliancys, Polynt-Reichhold Group, Ashland Global Holdings Inc., Hexion Inc., Swancor Holding Co. Ltd., Wacker Chemie AG, BASF SE, Kaneka Corporation, and SABIC, among others. These players are focusing on new product launches, collaborations, and partnerships to expand their product portfolios and increase their market share.

Low Profile Additives Market  Share

The low profile additives market is highly fragmented, with several small and large players operating in the market. The top five players in the market accounted for around 40% of the total market share in 2020.AOC Aliancys is one of the leading players in the market, with a strong global presence and a wide range of LPAs for various resin systems. The company accounted for a significant market share in 2020.Polynt-Reichhold Group is another major player in the market, offering a comprehensive portfolio of LPAs for polyester and vinyl ester resin systems. The company has a strong presence in North America and Europe and is expanding its operations in Asia-Pacific.Other key players in the market include Ashland Global Holdings Inc., Hexion Inc., Swancor Holding Co. Ltd., Wacker Chemie AG, BASF SE, Kaneka Corporation, and SABIC.In terms of application, the composites manufacturing segment accounted for the largest market share in 2020, followed by the automotive and aerospace industries. The construction industry is also expected to witness significant growth in the coming years, driving the demand for LPAs in this segment.Regionally, Asia-Pacific accounted for the largest market share in 2020, followed by North America and Europe. The region is expected to continue dominating the market during the forecast period, driven by the growing demand for lightweight materials and the increasing adoption of composites in various end-use industries.

Low Profile Additives Market  Trends

Here are some of the key trends in the low profile additives market:

1. Growing demand for lightweight materials: The demand for lightweight materials is increasing in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and construction. The need for fuel-efficient vehicles and the trend towards electric vehicles are also driving the demand for composites and, subsequently, the low profile additives market.
2. Increasing use of composites in construction: Composites are increasingly being used in the construction industry due to their high strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. LPAs are used in the manufacturing of composites to reduce shrinkage and warpage and improve dimensional stability.
3. Development of new and innovative LPAs: Companies are investing in R&D to develop new and innovative LPAs with improved performance characteristics, such as higher thermal stability and better compatibility with different resin systems. These new LPAs can help manufacturers improve the quality and performance of their products.
4. Growing adoption of bio-based LPAs: The use of bio-based LPAs is gaining traction in the market due to their environmental benefits and sustainability. Bio-based LPAs are derived from renewable sources such as plant-based materials and have a lower carbon footprint compared to their petroleum-based counterparts.
5. Shift towards water-based LPAs: Water-based LPAs are gaining popularity in the market due to their environmental benefits and low VOC emissions. These LPAs offer improved health and safety benefits to workers and have a lower environmental impact compared to solvent-based LPAs.
6. Increasing adoption of automation and robotics: The use of automation and robotics in the composites manufacturing process is increasing, leading to increased efficiency and improved quality control. This trend is expected to drive the demand for LPAs that are compatible with automated and robotic processes.

Low Profile Additives Market Driving factors

Here are some of the key driving factors of the low profile additives market:

1. Increasing demand for lightweight materials: The growing demand for lightweight materials in various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, is driving the demand for composites and subsequently, the low profile additives market. LPAs are used in the manufacturing of composites to reduce shrinkage and warpage and improve dimensional stability.
2. Need for fuel-efficient vehicles: The need for fuel-efficient vehicles is driving the demand for lightweight materials, including composites, in the automotive industry. LPAs can help manufacturers improve the quality and performance of their composites, thereby enhancing the fuel efficiency of vehicles.
3. Growing trend towards electric vehicles: The trend towards electric vehicles is driving the demand for lightweight materials, as lighter vehicles require less energy to operate. Composites are increasingly being used in the manufacturing of electric vehicles, and LPAs play a critical role in improving the quality and performance of these composites.
4. Increasing adoption of composites in construction: The use of composites is increasing in the construction industry due to their high strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. LPAs are used in the manufacturing of composites to reduce shrinkage and warpage and improve dimensional stability, making them ideal for construction applications.
5. Expansion of the aerospace industry: The expansion of the aerospace industry is driving the demand for lightweight materials, including composites, to reduce the weight of aircraft and improve fuel efficiency. LPAs can help manufacturers improve the quality and performance of their composites, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of aircraft.
6. Development of new and innovative LPAs: Companies are investing in R&D to develop new and innovative LPAs with improved performance characteristics, such as higher thermal stability and better compatibility with different resin systems. These new LPAs can help manufacturers improve the quality and performance of their products, driving the demand for LPAs in the market.

Low Profile Additives Market  Reginal Analysis

Here is a regional analysis of the low profile additives market:

1. North America: North America is a significant market for low profile additives, with the US being the largest contributor to the market in the region. The growing demand for lightweight materials in the automotive and aerospace industries, as well as the increasing adoption of composites in construction, is driving the demand for LPAs in the region. The presence of major manufacturers, such as Ashland Global Holdings Inc. and Hexion Inc., is also driving the market in North America.
2. Europe: Europe is another significant market for low profile additives, with Germany, France, and the UK being the major contributors to the market in the region. The increasing adoption of composites in various industries, including automotive and construction, is driving the demand for LPAs in Europe. The region has stringent environmental regulations, which is driving the adoption of water-based LPAs in the market.
3. Asia-Pacific: Asia-Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing market for low profile additives, with China, Japan, and South Korea being the major contributors to the market in the region. The growing demand for lightweight materials, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries, is driving the demand for composites and LPAs in the region. The region has a significant presence of manufacturers, such as Kaneka Corporation and Wacker Chemie AG, which is driving the market in Asia-Pacific.
4. Middle East & Africa: The Middle East & Africa region is a small but growing market for low profile additives. The growing construction industry in the region is driving the demand for composites and subsequently, the demand for LPAs in the market. The region is also witnessing increasing investments in the aerospace industry, which is expected to drive the demand for LPAs in the coming years.
5. Latin America: Latin America is a relatively small market for low profile additives, with Brazil being the largest contributor to the market in the region. The growing automotive and construction industries in the region are driving the demand for composites and LPAs. The region has a significant presence of resin manufacturers, which is driving the market in Latin America.

Low Profile Additives Market  Forecasts 2030

The global low profile additives market is expected to continue to grow over the next decade.The market is projected to reach a value of USD 1.45 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of around 8.5% during the forecast period from 2021 to 2030.The growth of the market is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for lightweight materials in various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. The need for fuel-efficient vehicles, the growing trend towards electric vehicles, and the expansion of the aerospace industry are also expected to drive the demand for LPAs in the market.Asia-Pacific is expected to continue to be the largest and fastest-growing market for LPAs, driven by the growing demand for lightweight materials in the automotive and aerospace industries in countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea. North America and Europe are also expected to contribute significantly to the market growth, driven by the growing adoption of composites in various industries.In terms of application, the demand for LPAs is expected to be highest in the automotive and transportation segment, followed by construction and aerospace. The water-based LPAs segment is also expected to witness significant growth, driven by the increasing focus on sustainability and environmental regulations.Overall, the low profile additives market is expected to continue to grow over the next decade, driven by the increasing demand for lightweight materials and the development of new and innovative LPAs with improved performance characteristics.

Low Profile Additives Market Key Industry Players

Here are some of the key industry players in the global low profile additives market:

1. Ashland Global Holdings Inc.
2. Hexion Inc.
3. Polynt-Reichhold Group
4. Kaneka Corporation
5. Wacker Chemie AG
6. Swancor Holding Co. Ltd.
7. AOC LLC
8. Aliancys AG
9. Interplastic Corporation
10. Changzhou Heyar Chemical Co. Ltd.

These companies are engaged in various strategic initiatives, such as mergers and acquisitions, product innovation, and collaborations, to strengthen their market position and expand their product offerings. They are also focusing on developing new and innovative LPAs with improved performance characteristics to meet the evolving market demands.