Global Advanced Composites Market

Study Period: 2020–2036

Market Overview

Advanced composites are high-performance materials engineered using specialized fibers and polymer matrices to deliver superior strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, fatigue durability, and thermal stability. These materials are increasingly replacing conventional metals across aerospace, automotive, wind energy, marine, defense, and industrial applications.

The market is expanding due to:

• Rising demand for lightweight materials

• Growth in commercial aircraft production

• Electrification of vehicles

• Expansion of renewable energy infrastructure

• Defense modernization initiatives

• Increasing use in high-performance sporting goods

Advanced composites enable structural optimization, energy efficiency, and extended service life, making them essential in next-generation engineering design.

Market Segmentation Analysis

By Fiber Type

1. Carbon Fiber

• High stiffness and tensile strength

• Aerospace-grade carbon fiber

• Industrial-grade carbon fiber

2. S-Glass Fiber

• Higher strength than E-glass

• Corrosion-resistant applications

• Marine and defense usage

3. Aramid Fiber

• Impact resistance

• Ballistic protection

• Lightweight structural components

Newly Added Fiber Segments

4. Basalt Fiber

5. Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) Fiber

6. Hybrid Fiber Composites

7. Natural Fiber Reinforced Advanced Composites (Specialty segment)

By Resin Type

1. Thermosetting Resins

• Epoxy

• Polyester

• Vinyl ester

• Phenolic

2. Thermoplastic Resins

• PEEK

• PPS

• Polyamide

• Polycarbonate

Newly Added Resin Segments

3. Bio-Based Resins

4. High-Temperature Specialty Resins

5. Recyclable Thermoplastic Matrices

By Manufacturing Process

1. Filament Winding

• Pressure vessels

• Pipes and tanks

• Aerospace structures

2. Injection Molding

• Automotive components

• Consumer electronics housings

3. Pultrusion

• Structural beams

• Reinforcement profiles

Newly Added Processes

4. Resin Transfer Molding (RTM)

5. Automated Fiber Placement (AFP)

6. Compression Molding

7. Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)

8. Prepreg Layup Processing

By End-Use Industry (Expanded View)

1. Aerospace & Defense

2. Automotive & Transportation

3. Wind Energy

4. Marine

5. Construction & Infrastructure

6. Oil & Gas

7. Electrical & Electronics

8. Sporting Goods

Regional Analysis

North America

• Strong aerospace manufacturing base.

• Significant defense expenditure.

• Growth in EV production and lightweight materials.

• Investment in automated composite manufacturing.

Western Europe

• Germany and France leading aerospace production.

• Wind energy expansion driving blade manufacturing.

• Strong R&D in recyclable thermoplastic composites.

Asia Pacific

• Fastest-growing region.

• China expanding aerospace and wind sectors.

• Japan leading in high-performance fiber innovation.

• India emerging in automotive composites adoption.

Eastern Europe

• Growing aerospace supply chain.

• Moderate automotive lightweighting initiatives.

Middle East

• Investment in aerospace MRO facilities.

• Infrastructure expansion driving composite demand.

Rest of the World

• South America increasing wind turbine installations.

• Africa limited but growing infrastructure applications.

Competitive Landscape

Major Companies

• Owens Corning

• Teijin Limited

• Toray Industries, Inc.

• SGL Group

• Solvay

• Hexcel Corporation

• Gurit

Additional Key Players

• Mitsubishi Chemical Group

• TPI Composites

• Cytec Industries (Solvay portfolio)

• Huntsman Corporation

• Arkema

• BASF

• Jushi Group

• Hyosung Advanced Materials

• Kordsa

• Nippon Graphite Fiber Corporation

• Johns Manville

Competitive Strategies

• Expansion of carbon fiber production capacity

• Investment in thermoplastic composite innovation

• Strategic aerospace OEM partnerships

• Automation of fiber placement technologies

• Vertical integration in fiber and resin supply

Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

1. Threat of New Entrants – Low to Moderate

• High capital and technology requirements.

• Certification and qualification barriers in aerospace.

2. Bargaining Power of Suppliers – Moderate

• Limited high-performance fiber producers.

• Resin suppliers concentrated in specialty chemical firms.

3. Bargaining Power of Buyers – High

• Aerospace OEMs negotiate long-term contracts.

• Automotive manufacturers demand cost reduction.

4. Threat of Substitutes – Moderate

• Aluminum and advanced alloys compete in lightweight applications.

• However, composites offer superior strength-to-weight ratio.

5. Competitive Rivalry – High

• Intense innovation competition.

• Price pressure in automotive segment.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

• Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.

• Corrosion resistance.

• Design flexibility.

Weaknesses

• High material cost.

• Complex manufacturing processes.

• Recycling challenges (especially thermosets).

Opportunities

• EV lightweighting demand.

• Hydrogen storage tank production.

• Offshore wind turbine expansion.

• Recyclable thermoplastic composite development.

Threats

• Raw material price volatility.

• Aerospace production slowdowns.

• Stringent certification standards.

Market Drivers

• Rising fuel efficiency regulations.

• Growth in renewable energy infrastructure.

• Electrification of transportation.

• Defense modernization programs.

• Technological advances in automated manufacturing.

Market Challenges

• High initial capital investment.

• Long development cycles in aerospace.

• Recycling and end-of-life management issues.

• Skilled labor shortages.

Trend Analysis

• Increased adoption of thermoplastic composites.

• Automated fiber placement and robotic layup expansion.

• Hybrid composite structures.

• Bio-based resin integration.

• Digital twin integration in composite design.

• 3D-printed composite components.

Value Chain Analysis

Raw Fiber Production (Carbon, Glass, Aramid)
→ Resin Manufacturing
→ Prepreg & Compound Manufacturing
→ Component Fabrication
→ Assembly & Integration
→ OEM Manufacturers
→ End Users

Highest value capture occurs in high-performance fiber production and aerospace-grade prepreg manufacturing.

Quick Strategic Recommendations

For Manufacturers

• Expand carbon fiber production capacity.

• Invest in recyclable thermoplastic composite R&D.

• Automate production to reduce costs.

• Develop hybrid composite solutions.

For Investors

• Focus on aerospace-aligned composite producers.

• Monitor wind energy blade manufacturers.

• Target thermoplastic composite innovators.

For OEMs

• Integrate composites early in design stages.

• Optimize for weight reduction and energy efficiency.

• Develop long-term supplier partnerships.

For Policymakers

• Support advanced material research programs.

• Encourage recycling innovation.

• Provide incentives for sustainable composite production.

Study Timeline

• Historic Period: 2020–2024

• Base Year: 2025

• Estimated Year: 2026

• Forecast Period: 2026–2036