Automotive industry to drive global thermoplastic polyurethane films market

Global thermoplastic polyurethane films market is expected to register significant growth on account of increasing application in automotive industry, as per HexaResearch. After-sales/replacement has been a major segment for TPU demand in automotive application. High elasticity, shear strength, grease resistance and low temperature performance of TPU make it an idyllic material for automotive applications compared to other conventional thermoplastics. Growth of major end-use industries such as building & construction and transportation, mainly in Asia Pacific is expected to yield growth opportunities for the market over the forecast period. Growing preference for TPU films in medical devices is expected to complement the market growth over the forecast period. TPU films market is bound by stringent regulations from EPA, REACH and OSHA, which have made produce registration mandatory for manufacturers in the market. Rising concerns regarding the use of petrochemical raw materials which have adverse environmental effects may restrain the market growth. Development of bio-based TPU is expected to provide companies operating in the market with opportunities over the next six years. Companies such as PolyOne, Arkema, DuPont, BASF and Lubrizol are already involved in the production of bio-based TPU compounds. Companies in the market are focused on improving production technologies and developing new additives to improve product specifications and quality. Volatility in spot prices of propylene and aniline, raw materials used to manufacture TPU, is expected to impact profitability of market participants. Growing market penetration of TPU films in automotive industry is expected to drive the market growth. TPU films are widely used to manufacture automotive components such as levers, sensors and instrument panels. This trend is expected to continue over the next six years driving TPU films demand in automotive applications. Growth of manufacturing sector coupled with rapid urbanization in emerging market of Asia and South America have resulted in the need for better residential and industrial infrastructure. Increased construction spending in these markets is expected to fuel the demand for TPU films in construction applications. In comparison to other thermoplastics, TPU offers better surface protection for windmill blades and solar panels. Growing importance for renewable energy generation coupled with growing solar power and wind power installations globally is expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period. Increasing preference for high performance thermoplastics as an alternative to conventional plastics and metals in aircrafts is expected to drive the demand for TPU films in aerospace applications. TPU films are used to manufacture aircraft components such as armrest surfaces, seat cushions, interior panels, masks and wire & cable jacketing. Asia Pacific emerged as the leading region for TPU films market and accounted for over 37% of the market share in 2013. Growing transportation and infrastructure industries in India and China can be credited to the market growth in the region. Increasing TPU production coupled with capacity expansion by TPU manufacturers in China is expected to drive the market growth over the next six years. North American market is characterized by increasing TPU film application in automotive, construction and energy industries. Product innovation by companies operating in the region may positively impact the market. The market in Europe is expected to grow owing to increasing penetration of TPU films in leisure & sports application.