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Global Core Materials for Composites Market

The global core materials for composites market is valued at USD 4.2 billion, driven by rising demand in aerospace, automotive, and wind energy, with trends toward recyclable and bio-based materials.

Region:Global

Author(s):Shubham

Product Code:KRAA3105

Pages:95

Published On:August 2025

About the Report

Base Year 2024

Global Core Materials for Composites Market Overview

  • The Global Core Materials for Composites Market is valued at approximately USD 4.2 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. Growth is primarily driven by rising demand for lightweight and high-strength materials in aerospace, automotive, wind energy, and construction sectors. The market is further propelled by the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies and the increasing emphasis on sustainability, with manufacturers investing in recyclable and bio-based core materials to meet evolving industry standards .
  • Key players in this market include the United States, Germany, and China, which lead due to their robust industrial base, technological innovation, and significant investments in research and development. The presence of major aerospace, automotive, and wind energy manufacturers in these regions further strengthens their market leadership .
  • In 2023, the European Union adopted Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 on batteries and waste batteries, issued by the European Parliament and the Council, which sets requirements for recycled content and sustainability in manufacturing, including composite materials. This regulation mandates that a defined percentage of materials used in production must be recycled or bio-based, compelling manufacturers to innovate and adopt eco-friendly practices .
Global Core Materials for Composites Market Size

Global Core Materials for Composites Market Segmentation

By Type:The core materials for composites are categorized into foam core materials, honeycomb core materials, balsa wood core materials, other natural core materials, composite sandwich panels, and others. Foam core materials, such as PVC and PET, are the leading segment due to their lightweight properties, versatility, and strong performance in thermal insulation and structural applications. These materials are extensively used in aerospace, wind energy, and automotive industries for their high strength-to-weight ratio and durability .

Global Core Materials for Composites Market segmentation by Type.

By Application:Core materials for composites are used across aerospace & defense, wind energy, marine, automotive & transportation, construction & infrastructure, industrial equipment, and other sectors. The aerospace & defense segment is the largest application area, driven by the need for lightweight, high-strength materials to improve fuel efficiency and performance. Wind energy is another key sector, with growing demand for composite materials in turbine blades and related infrastructure, supported by global investments in renewable energy .

Global Core Materials for Composites Market segmentation by Application.

Global Core Materials for Composites Market Competitive Landscape

The Global Core Materials for Composites Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Hexcel Corporation, Gurit Holding AG, Armacell International S.A., 3A Composites GmbH, BASF SE, Solvay S.A., Owens Corning, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Sika AG, Toray Industries, Inc., Huntsman Corporation, Teijin Limited, 3M Company, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Covestro AG, Diab International AB, Euro-Composites S.A., Plascore, Inc., Evonik Industries AG, and SABIC contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Hexcel Corporation

1948

Stamford, Connecticut, USA

Gurit Holding AG

1835

Wattwil, Switzerland

Armacell International S.A.

2000

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

3A Composites GmbH

1992

Sins, Switzerland

BASF SE

1865

Ludwigshafen, Germany

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)

Global Revenue from Core Materials for Composites

Revenue Growth Rate (CAGR, 3- or 5-year)

Market Share in Core Materials for Composites

Geographic Presence (No. of countries/regions served)

Product Portfolio Breadth (No. of core material types offered)

Global Core Materials for Composites Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing Demand for Lightweight Materials:The global lightweight materials market is projected to reach $200 billion in future, driven by industries seeking to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The automotive sector alone is expected to account for approximately 40% of this demand, as manufacturers aim to meet stringent regulations. Additionally, the aerospace industry is increasingly adopting lightweight composites, with a projected growth of 5% annually, further propelling the core materials market in None.
  • Advancements in Composite Manufacturing Technologies:Innovations in manufacturing processes, such as automated fiber placement and resin transfer molding, are enhancing production efficiency and reducing costs. For instance, the adoption of automated systems can decrease labor costs by up to 30%, making composite materials more accessible. Furthermore, the global investment in composite technology is expected to exceed $15 billion in future, indicating a robust growth trajectory for core materials in None.
  • Rising Applications in Aerospace and Automotive Industries:The aerospace sector is projected to consume over 1.5 million tons of composite materials in future, driven by the need for lightweight, high-strength components. Similarly, the automotive industry is expected to utilize around 1 million tons of composites, particularly in electric vehicles, which are anticipated to grow by 25% annually. This surge in application is significantly boosting the demand for core materials in None, creating a favorable market environment.

Market Challenges

  • High Initial Costs of Composite Materials:The initial investment for composite materials can be substantial, with costs ranging from $20 to $50 per kilogram. This high price point poses a barrier for many manufacturers, particularly small and medium enterprises. As a result, the adoption rate of composites in various industries remains limited, hindering overall market growth in None. Addressing these cost challenges is crucial for wider acceptance and utilization of core materials.
  • Limited Awareness Among End-Users:Many potential end-users remain unaware of the benefits and applications of composite materials, which can impede market growth. A survey indicated that over 60% of manufacturers in None lack knowledge about the advantages of composites, such as weight reduction and durability. This knowledge gap can lead to underutilization of advanced materials, stalling innovation and adoption in critical sectors like aerospace and automotive.

Global Core Materials for Composites Market Future Outlook

The future of core materials for composites in None appears promising, driven by technological advancements and increasing environmental awareness. As industries shift towards sustainable practices, the demand for bio-based composites is expected to rise significantly. Additionally, the integration of smart technologies into composite materials will likely enhance their functionality, making them more appealing to manufacturers. Overall, the market is poised for growth, with innovations paving the way for new applications and increased adoption across various sectors.

Market Opportunities

  • Expansion in Emerging Markets:Emerging economies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America are witnessing rapid industrialization, leading to increased demand for composite materials. The automotive and construction sectors in these regions are projected to grow by 15% annually, creating significant opportunities for core material suppliers to penetrate these markets effectively.
  • Innovations in Recycling of Composite Materials:The development of recycling technologies for composite materials is gaining traction, with the potential to reduce waste and lower costs. The global composite recycling market is expected to reach $1 billion in future, providing opportunities for companies to invest in sustainable practices and attract environmentally conscious consumers in None.

Scope of the Report

SegmentSub-Segments
By Type

Foam Core Materials (e.g., PVC, PET, SAN, PMI foams)

Honeycomb Core Materials (e.g., aluminum, aramid, thermoplastic, paper)

Balsa Wood Core Materials

Other Natural Core Materials (e.g., cork, recycled wood)

Composite Sandwich Panels

Others

By Application

Aerospace & Defense

Wind Energy

Marine

Automotive & Transportation

Construction & Infrastructure

Industrial Equipment

Others

By End-User

OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers)

Tier 1 & Tier 2 Suppliers

Distributors & Traders

Fabricators & Processors

Others

By Distribution Channel

Direct Sales

Online Sales

Distributors

Others

By Material Source

Virgin Materials

Recycled Materials

Bio-based Materials

Others

By Price Range

Low Price Range

Mid Price Range

High Price Range

Others

By Product Form

Sheets

Rolls

Blocks

Custom Shapes

Others

Key Target Audience

Investors and Venture Capitalist Firms

Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., U.S. Department of Commerce, European Chemicals Agency)

Manufacturers and Producers

Distributors and Retailers

Aerospace and Defense Contractors

Automotive Manufacturers

Construction and Infrastructure Companies

Financial Institutions

Players Mentioned in the Report:

Hexcel Corporation

Gurit Holding AG

Armacell International S.A.

3A Composites GmbH

BASF SE

Solvay S.A.

Owens Corning

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

Sika AG

Toray Industries, Inc.

Huntsman Corporation

Teijin Limited

3M Company

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

Covestro AG

Diab International AB

Euro-Composites S.A.

Plascore, Inc.

Evonik Industries AG

SABIC

Table of Contents

Market Assessment Phase

1. Executive Summary and Approach


2. Global Core Materials for Composites Market Overview

2.1 Key Insights and Strategic Recommendations

2.2 Global Core Materials for Composites Market Overview

2.3 Definition and Scope

2.4 Evolution of Market Ecosystem

2.5 Timeline of Key Regulatory Milestones

2.6 Value Chain & Stakeholder Mapping

2.7 Business Cycle Analysis

2.8 Policy & Incentive Landscape


3. Global Core Materials for Composites Market Analysis

3.1 Growth Drivers

3.1.1 Increasing Demand for Lightweight Materials
3.1.2 Advancements in Composite Manufacturing Technologies
3.1.3 Rising Applications in Aerospace and Automotive Industries
3.1.4 Growing Focus on Sustainable Materials

3.2 Market Challenges

3.2.1 High Initial Costs of Composite Materials
3.2.2 Limited Awareness Among End-Users
3.2.3 Regulatory Compliance Issues
3.2.4 Supply Chain Disruptions

3.3 Market Opportunities

3.3.1 Expansion in Emerging Markets
3.3.2 Innovations in Recycling of Composite Materials
3.3.3 Collaborations with Research Institutions
3.3.4 Development of Bio-based Core Materials

3.4 Market Trends

3.4.1 Increasing Use of Sandwich Structures
3.4.2 Growth in 3D Printing of Composites
3.4.3 Integration of Smart Technologies in Composites
3.4.4 Shift Towards Circular Economy Practices

3.5 Government Regulation

3.5.1 Environmental Regulations on Material Usage
3.5.2 Safety Standards for Composite Materials
3.5.3 Incentives for Sustainable Manufacturing
3.5.4 Import/Export Regulations Affecting Material Trade

4. SWOT Analysis


5. Stakeholder Analysis


6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis


7. Global Core Materials for Composites Market Market Size, 2019-2024

7.1 By Value

7.2 By Volume

7.3 By Average Selling Price


8. Global Core Materials for Composites Market Segmentation

8.1 By Type

8.1.1 Foam Core Materials (e.g., PVC, PET, SAN, PMI foams)
8.1.2 Honeycomb Core Materials (e.g., aluminum, aramid, thermoplastic, paper)
8.1.3 Balsa Wood Core Materials
8.1.4 Other Natural Core Materials (e.g., cork, recycled wood)
8.1.5 Composite Sandwich Panels
8.1.6 Others

8.2 By Application

8.2.1 Aerospace & Defense
8.2.2 Wind Energy
8.2.3 Marine
8.2.4 Automotive & Transportation
8.2.5 Construction & Infrastructure
8.2.6 Industrial Equipment
8.2.7 Others

8.3 By End-User

8.3.1 OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers)
8.3.2 Tier 1 & Tier 2 Suppliers
8.3.3 Distributors & Traders
8.3.4 Fabricators & Processors
8.3.5 Others

8.4 By Distribution Channel

8.4.1 Direct Sales
8.4.2 Online Sales
8.4.3 Distributors
8.4.4 Others

8.5 By Material Source

8.5.1 Virgin Materials
8.5.2 Recycled Materials
8.5.3 Bio-based Materials
8.5.4 Others

8.6 By Price Range

8.6.1 Low Price Range
8.6.2 Mid Price Range
8.6.3 High Price Range
8.6.4 Others

8.7 By Product Form

8.7.1 Sheets
8.7.2 Rolls
8.7.3 Blocks
8.7.4 Custom Shapes
8.7.5 Others

9. Global Core Materials for Composites Market Competitive Analysis

9.1 Market Share of Key Players

9.2 Cross Comparison of Key Players

9.2.1 Company Name
9.2.2 Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)
9.2.3 Global Revenue from Core Materials for Composites
9.2.4 Revenue Growth Rate (CAGR, 3- or 5-year)
9.2.5 Market Share in Core Materials for Composites
9.2.6 Geographic Presence (No. of countries/regions served)
9.2.7 Product Portfolio Breadth (No. of core material types offered)
9.2.8 R&D Investment as % of Revenue
9.2.9 Number of Patents/Innovations in Core Materials
9.2.10 Key End-Use Segments Served
9.2.11 Sustainability/ESG Initiatives
9.2.12 Supply Chain Reliability
9.2.13 Customer Base (Major OEMs/Industries served)
9.2.14 Brand Recognition

9.3 SWOT Analysis of Top Players

9.4 Pricing Analysis

9.5 Detailed Profile of Major Companies

9.5.1 Hexcel Corporation
9.5.2 Gurit Holding AG
9.5.3 Armacell International S.A.
9.5.4 3A Composites GmbH
9.5.5 BASF SE
9.5.6 Solvay S.A.
9.5.7 Owens Corning
9.5.8 Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
9.5.9 Sika AG
9.5.10 Toray Industries, Inc.
9.5.11 Huntsman Corporation
9.5.12 Teijin Limited
9.5.13 3M Company
9.5.14 DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
9.5.15 Covestro AG
9.5.16 Diab International AB
9.5.17 Euro-Composites S.A.
9.5.18 Plascore, Inc.
9.5.19 Evonik Industries AG
9.5.20 SABIC

10. Global Core Materials for Composites Market End-User Analysis

10.1 Procurement Behavior of Key Ministries

10.1.1 Government Procurement Policies
10.1.2 Budget Allocations for Composite Materials
10.1.3 Decision-Making Processes
10.1.4 Supplier Selection Criteria

10.2 Corporate Spend on Infrastructure & Energy

10.2.1 Investment Trends in Composite Applications
10.2.2 Budgeting for Sustainable Materials
10.2.3 Long-term Contracts with Suppliers

10.3 Pain Point Analysis by End-User Category

10.3.1 Quality Assurance Issues
10.3.2 Supply Chain Disruptions
10.3.3 Cost Management Challenges

10.4 User Readiness for Adoption

10.4.1 Training and Skill Development Needs
10.4.2 Awareness of Composite Benefits
10.4.3 Infrastructure Readiness

10.5 Post-Deployment ROI and Use Case Expansion

10.5.1 Performance Metrics Tracking
10.5.2 Case Studies of Successful Implementations
10.5.3 Future Expansion Plans

11. Global Core Materials for Composites Market Future Size, 2025-2030

11.1 By Value

11.2 By Volume

11.3 By Average Selling Price


Go-To-Market Strategy Phase

1. Whitespace Analysis + Business Model Canvas

1.1 Market Gaps Identification

1.2 Business Model Framework


2. Marketing and Positioning Recommendations

2.1 Branding Strategies

2.2 Product USPs


3. Distribution Plan

3.1 Urban Retail Strategies

3.2 Rural NGO Tie-ups


4. Channel & Pricing Gaps

4.1 Underserved Routes

4.2 Pricing Bands Analysis


5. Unmet Demand & Latent Needs

5.1 Category Gaps

5.2 Consumer Segments


6. Customer Relationship

6.1 Loyalty Programs

6.2 After-sales Service


7. Value Proposition

7.1 Sustainability Initiatives

7.2 Integrated Supply Chains


8. Key Activities

8.1 Regulatory Compliance

8.2 Branding Efforts

8.3 Distribution Setup


9. Entry Strategy Evaluation

9.1 Domestic Market Entry Strategy

9.1.1 Product Mix Considerations
9.1.2 Pricing Band Strategy
9.1.3 Packaging Solutions

9.2 Export Entry Strategy

9.2.1 Target Countries Identification
9.2.2 Compliance Roadmap Development

10. Entry Mode Assessment

10.1 Joint Ventures

10.2 Greenfield Investments

10.3 Mergers & Acquisitions

10.4 Distributor Model Evaluation


11. Capital and Timeline Estimation

11.1 Capital Requirements

11.2 Timelines for Implementation


12. Control vs Risk Trade-Off

12.1 Ownership Considerations

12.2 Partnerships Evaluation


13. Profitability Outlook

13.1 Breakeven Analysis

13.2 Long-term Sustainability Strategies


14. Potential Partner List

14.1 Distributors

14.2 Joint Ventures

14.3 Acquisition Targets


15. Execution Roadmap

15.1 Phased Plan for Market Entry

15.1.1 Market Setup Activities
15.1.2 Market Entry Strategies
15.1.3 Growth Acceleration Plans
15.1.4 Scale & Stabilize Initiatives

15.2 Key Activities and Milestones

15.2.1 Milestone Tracking
15.2.2 Activity Scheduling

Research Methodology

ApproachModellingSample

Phase 1: Approach1

Desk Research

  • Industry reports from global composite material associations and trade organizations
  • Market analysis publications from leading research firms focusing on composite materials
  • Government publications and white papers on material standards and regulations

Primary Research

  • Interviews with R&D heads at major composite material manufacturers
  • Surveys with procurement managers in aerospace and automotive sectors
  • Field interviews with engineers and product developers in composite applications

Validation & Triangulation

  • Cross-validation of data from multiple industry sources and expert opinions
  • Triangulation of market trends using historical data and current market dynamics
  • Sanity checks through expert panel discussions and feedback loops

Phase 2: Market Size Estimation1

Top-down Assessment

  • Analysis of global composite material consumption trends across key industries
  • Segmentation of market size by material type (e.g., foam, honeycomb, etc.)
  • Incorporation of growth forecasts based on emerging applications in renewable energy

Bottom-up Modeling

  • Volume estimates based on production capacities of leading manufacturers
  • Cost analysis derived from raw material pricing and production processes
  • Estimation of market share based on sales data from key players in the industry

Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

  • Multi-variable regression analysis incorporating economic indicators and industry growth rates
  • Scenario modeling based on technological advancements and regulatory impacts
  • Development of baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic market forecasts through 2030

Phase 3: CATI Sample Composition1

Scope Item/SegmentSample SizeTarget Respondent Profiles
Aerospace Composite Materials100Materials Engineers, Procurement Managers
Automotive Composite Applications80Product Development Engineers, Supply Chain Managers
Construction and Infrastructure Composites70Project Managers, Structural Engineers
Marine Composite Materials60Design Engineers, Manufacturing Managers
Wind Energy Composite Solutions90Renewable Energy Specialists, R&D Managers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the Global Core Materials for Composites Market?

The Global Core Materials for Composites Market is valued at approximately USD 4.2 billion, driven by the demand for lightweight and high-strength materials across various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, and construction.

What are the main drivers of growth in the Core Materials for Composites Market?

Which regions are leading in the Core Materials for Composites Market?

What types of core materials are used in composites?

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