Global Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Overview
Western Market Research predicts that the Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market was valued at USD xxxx units in 2025 and is expected to reach USD xxxx units by the year 2036, growing at a CAGR of xx% globally. Inorganic phase change materials, primarily comprising salt hydrates and certain metallic alloys, are engineered to absorb and release large amounts of thermal energy during the process of freezing and melting. Unlike their organic counterparts, inorganic PCMs are prized for their high latent heat of fusion, higher thermal conductivity, and, most crucially, their non-flammable nature. As the global community moves toward "Net Zero" energy targets, the ability of these materials to provide thermal buffering in buildings and industrial processes has positioned them as a vital component in the decarbonization of the global economy.
The Global Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Report 2026 provides an extensive industry analysis of development components, patterns, and market sizes. By calculating both historical and present market values, the report forecasts potential market management through 2036. This research involves the usage of primary and secondary data, examining parameters such as government policy, competitive landscape, and technical progress in related industries.
Market Description
Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCMs) represent a sophisticated class of thermal storage media. Salt hydrates, the most common type of inorganic PCM, consist of inorganic salts and water in a defined ratio. They offer a unique combination of high volumetric heat storage capacity and relatively low cost. "Advanced" inorganic PCMs refer to those that have been modified to overcome traditional drawbacks such as subcooling (where the material doesn't freeze at its melting point) and phase separation.
The market is currently defined by the integration of these materials into structural components. In the construction industry, advanced inorganic PCMs are encapsulated in pellets or macro-containers and embedded in drywall, concrete, or insulation. During the day, as temperatures rise, the PCM melts, absorbing heat and keeping the interior cool; at night, it solidifies, releasing that heat to maintain a stable internal climate. This passive thermal management reduces the reliance on energy-intensive HVAC systems. Beyond construction, the market is expanding into high-tech sectors like Electric Vehicle (EV) battery cooling and telecommunications equipment protection, where fire safety and high thermal conductivity are paramount.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Inorganic PCM Market
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the Inorganic Advanced PCM market starting in 2020. Initial disruptions were negative, as lockdowns led to the suspension of major construction projects and slowed down industrial manufacturing. Supply chains for specialized salts and encapsulation materials were strained, leading to price volatility.
However, the pandemic also created a massive surge in demand for high-reliability cold chain solutions. The global rollout of vaccines required precise temperature control, highlighting the utility of inorganic PCMs in specialized transport containers. Furthermore, as people spent more time indoors, the demand for energy-efficient "green" buildings increased, accelerating the adoption of PCMs in residential renovations. The market has since shifted toward more localized supply chains and a heightened focus on medical and pharmaceutical applications, ensuring a robust growth trajectory through 2036.
Global Inorganic Advanced PCM Market Segmentation
The market is segmented to reflect the diverse material compositions and the wide range of end-user industries.
By Type:
-
Metallic Material: This segment includes low-melting-point alloys. While more expensive than salts, metallic PCMs offer exceptional thermal conductivity and are used in high-tech industrial cooling and aerospace applications where rapid heat transfer is required.
-
Non-metallic Material: Dominating the market, this segment primarily consists of salt hydrates (e.g., Sodium Sulfate, Calcium Chloride Hexahydrate). These are the preferred choice for building insulation and refrigeration due to their high storage capacity and non-combustibility.
-
Other: Includes composite inorganic materials and eutectics that are engineered for specific temperature ranges, often used in specialized industrial thermal storage units.
By Application:
-
Building & Heavy Industry: The largest application area, where PCMs are used to reduce energy consumption in HVAC systems and to provide thermal mass to lightweight modern structures.
-
Refrigeration: PCMs are used in commercial refrigeration, cold storage warehouses, and vaccine transport containers to maintain stable temperatures and provide a thermal "safety net" during power outages.
-
Consumer Goods: Includes specialized textiles for clothing that regulates body temperature and thermal management solutions for consumer electronics, preventing overheating in laptops and smartphones.
Top Key Players Covered in the Market
-
BASF: A global chemical giant that produces high-performance PCM encapsulated solutions for the construction industry, focusing on energy-saving building materials.
-
Honeywell: Specializes in advanced thermal management materials, particularly for the electronics and aerospace sectors.
-
Cryopak: A leader in cold chain packaging, utilizing inorganic PCMs to ensure the safe transport of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.
-
Entropy Solutions Inc.: Known for their PureTemp line, they provide high-quality thermal energy storage solutions across various industries.
-
Climator Sweden AB: A pioneer in salt hydrate technology, focusing on industrial thermal storage and climate control in buildings.
-
Phase Change Heavy Industry Solutions: Concentrates on large-scale PCM integration for industrial infrastructure and heavy engineering.
-
Outlast Technologies: While famous for textiles, they utilize PCM technology to create comfort-enhancing consumer products.
-
Dow Building Solutions: Focuses on incorporating PCM technology into high-efficiency insulation boards and construction products.
-
E.I. Du Pont: Provides specialized chemical intermediates and materials that enhance the stability and performance of PCM systems.
-
Chemours Company: Specializes in high-performance fluoroproducts and chemical solutions that often interact with advanced thermal management systems.
-
PCM Heavy Industry Ltd: Focuses on the manufacturing of bulk PCM materials for large-scale energy storage projects.
-
Rubitherm Technologies GmbH: A leading German developer of both organic and inorganic PCMs, known for a vast range of temperature-specific products.
DROT Analysis (Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities, Threats)
Drivers
The primary driver is the global shift toward sustainable and energy-efficient architecture. As building codes become stricter regarding energy consumption, PCMs offer an effective passive solution. Additionally, the rapid growth of the global pharmaceutical industry requires advanced cold chain logistics, where inorganic PCMs are vital for safety. The non-flammable nature of inorganic PCMs also makes them the only viable choice for many high-safety environments, such as high-rise buildings and aerospace.
Restraints
Corrosiveness is a major restraint for inorganic salt hydrates, as they can react with certain metals used in containers or heat exchangers. This necessitates expensive encapsulation or the use of specialized plastic containers. Subcooling and phase separation are also technical challenges that can limit the lifecycle of the material if not properly addressed through chemical additives.
Opportunities
The transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs) represents a massive opportunity. Inorganic PCMs can be used to manage the thermal environment of battery packs, preventing overheating and extending battery life. There is also significant potential in solar energy storage, where PCMs can store heat during the day to be used for water heating or space heating at night.
Threats
The market faces competition from organic PCMs (paraffins), which are often easier to manufacture and non-corrosive, though they carry a fire risk. Additionally, the development of high-tech synthetic thermal storage solutions or liquid-based active cooling systems in data centers could limit the growth of PCM applications in the tech sector.
Value Chain Analysis
The value chain of Inorganic Advanced PCMs begins with the Supply of Raw Materials, which includes inorganic salts and metallic alloys. These materials are then sent to PCM Manufacturers and Formulators, where additives are introduced to prevent subcooling and separation. The next critical stage is Encapsulation, where the PCM is sealed in micro-capsules or macro-containers to prevent leakage and corrosion. These encapsulated products are then sold to System Integrators and Component Manufacturers (e.g., drywall producers, refrigeration engineers). Finally, the product is installed by End-Users in the construction, healthcare, or industrial sectors. Value is significantly added during the formulation and encapsulation stages, where the material is transformed from a raw chemical into a functional, durable thermal battery.
Market Outlook
The outlook for the Global Inorganic Advanced PCM market through 2036 is exceptionally positive. As the world moves toward decentralized energy storage and "Passive House" standards, the role of PCMs will transition from a niche technology to a standard construction requirement. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region, driven by massive urbanization and infrastructure growth in China and India. In North America and Europe, the market will be characterized by the adoption of PCMs in high-tech pharmaceutical logistics and EV thermal management. By 2036, we expect to see the development of "multi-temperature" PCM composites that can provide year-round thermal stability in any climate, cementing inorganic PCMs as a cornerstone of the global green energy transition.
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1. Market Overview of Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM)
1.1 Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Overview
1.1.1 Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Product Scope
1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook
1.2 Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Regions:
1.3 Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Historic Market Size by Regions
1.4 Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Forecasted Market Size by Regions
1.5 Covid-19 Impact on Key Regions, Keyword Market Size YoY Growth
1.5.1 North America
1.5.2 East Asia
1.5.3 Europe
1.5.4 South Asia
1.5.5 Southeast Asia
1.5.6 Middle East
1.5.7 Africa
1.5.8 Oceania
1.5.9 South America
1.5.10 Rest of the World
1.6 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Impact Will Have a Severe Impact on Global Growth
1.6.1 Covid-19 Impact: Global GDP Growth, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Projections
1.6.2 Covid-19 Impact: Commodity Prices Indices
1.6.3 Covid-19 Impact: Global Major Government Policy
2. Covid-19 Impact Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Sales Market by Type
2.1 Global Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Historic Market Size by Type
2.2 Global Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Forecasted Market Size by Type
2.3 Metallic Material
2.4 Non-metallic Material
2.5 Other
3. Covid-19 Impact Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Sales Market by Application
3.1 Global Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Historic Market Size by Application
3.2 Global Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Forecasted Market Size by Application
3.3 Building & Heavy Industry
3.4 Refrigeration
3.5 Consumer Goods
4. Covid-19 Impact Market Competition by Manufacturers
4.1 Global Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Production Capacity Market Share by Manufacturers
4.2 Global Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers
4.3 Global Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Average Price by Manufacturers
5. Company Profiles and Key Figures in Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Business
5.1 BASF
5.1.1 BASF Company Profile
5.1.2 BASF Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Product Specification
5.1.3 BASF Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.2 Honeywell
5.2.1 Honeywell Company Profile
5.2.2 Honeywell Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Product Specification
5.2.3 Honeywell Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.3 Cryopak
5.3.1 Cryopak Company Profile
5.3.2 Cryopak Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Product Specification
5.3.3 Cryopak Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.4 Entropy Solutions Inc.
5.4.1 Entropy Solutions Inc. Company Profile
5.4.2 Entropy Solutions Inc. Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Product Specification
5.4.3 Entropy Solutions Inc. Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.5 Climator Sweden AB
5.5.1 Climator Sweden AB Company Profile
5.5.2 Climator Sweden AB Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Product Specification
5.5.3 Climator Sweden AB Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.6 Phase Change Heavy Industry Solutions
5.6.1 Phase Change Heavy Industry Solutions Company Profile
5.6.2 Phase Change Heavy Industry Solutions Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Product Specification
5.6.3 Phase Change Heavy Industry Solutions Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.7 Outlast Technologies
5.7.1 Outlast Technologies Company Profile
5.7.2 Outlast Technologies Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Product Specification
5.7.3 Outlast Technologies Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.8 Dow Building Solutions
5.8.1 Dow Building Solutions Company Profile
5.8.2 Dow Building Solutions Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Product Specification
5.8.3 Dow Building Solutions Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.9 E.I. Du Pont
5.9.1 E.I. Du Pont Company Profile
5.9.2 E.I. Du Pont Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Product Specification
5.9.3 E.I. Du Pont Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.10 Chemours Company
5.10.1 Chemours Company Company Profile
5.10.2 Chemours Company Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Product Specification
5.10.3 Chemours Company Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.11 PCM Heavy Industry Ltd
5.11.1 PCM Heavy Industry Ltd Company Profile
5.11.2 PCM Heavy Industry Ltd Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Product Specification
5.11.3 PCM Heavy Industry Ltd Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.12 Rubitherm Technologies GmbH
5.12.1 Rubitherm Technologies GmbH Company Profile
5.12.2 Rubitherm Technologies GmbH Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Product Specification
5.12.3 Rubitherm Technologies GmbH Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
6. North America
6.1 North America Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size
6.2 North America Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Key Players in North America
6.3 North America Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Type
6.4 North America Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Application
7. East Asia
7.1 East Asia Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size
7.2 East Asia Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Key Players in North America
7.3 East Asia Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Type
7.4 East Asia Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Application
8. Europe
8.1 Europe Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size
8.2 Europe Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Key Players in North America
8.3 Europe Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Type
8.4 Europe Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Application
9. South Asia
9.1 South Asia Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size
9.2 South Asia Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Key Players in North America
9.3 South Asia Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Type
9.4 South Asia Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Application
10. Southeast Asia
10.1 Southeast Asia Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size
10.2 Southeast Asia Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Key Players in North America
10.3 Southeast Asia Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Type
10.4 Southeast Asia Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Application
11. Middle East
11.1 Middle East Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size
11.2 Middle East Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Key Players in North America
11.3 Middle East Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Type
11.4 Middle East Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Application
12. Africa
12.1 Africa Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size
12.2 Africa Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Key Players in North America
12.3 Africa Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Type
12.4 Africa Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Application
13. Oceania
13.1 Oceania Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size
13.2 Oceania Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Key Players in North America
13.3 Oceania Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Type
13.4 Oceania Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Application
14. South America
14.1 South America Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size
14.2 South America Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Key Players in North America
14.3 South America Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Type
14.4 South America Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Application
15. Rest of the World
15.1 Rest of the World Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size
15.2 Rest of the World Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Key Players in North America
15.3 Rest of the World Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Type
15.4 Rest of the World Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Size by Application
16 Inorganic Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market Dynamics
16.1 Covid-19 Impact Market Top Trends
16.2 Covid-19 Impact Market Drivers
16.3 Covid-19 Impact Market Challenges
16.4 Porter
Global Inorganic Advanced PCM Market Segmentation
The market is segmented to reflect the diverse material compositions and the wide range of end-user industries.
By Type:
-
Metallic Material: This segment includes low-melting-point alloys. While more expensive than salts, metallic PCMs offer exceptional thermal conductivity and are used in high-tech industrial cooling and aerospace applications where rapid heat transfer is required.
-
Non-metallic Material: Dominating the market, this segment primarily consists of salt hydrates (e.g., Sodium Sulfate, Calcium Chloride Hexahydrate). These are the preferred choice for building insulation and refrigeration due to their high storage capacity and non-combustibility.
-
Other: Includes composite inorganic materials and eutectics that are engineered for specific temperature ranges, often used in specialized industrial thermal storage units.
By Application:
-
Building & Heavy Industry: The largest application area, where PCMs are used to reduce energy consumption in HVAC systems and to provide thermal mass to lightweight modern structures.
-
Refrigeration: PCMs are used in commercial refrigeration, cold storage warehouses, and vaccine transport containers to maintain stable temperatures and provide a thermal "safety net" during power outages.
-
Consumer Goods: Includes specialized textiles for clothing that regulates body temperature and thermal management solutions for consumer electronics, preventing overheating in laptops and smartphones.
Top Key Players Covered in the Market
-
BASF: A global chemical giant that produces high-performance PCM encapsulated solutions for the construction industry, focusing on energy-saving building materials.
-
Honeywell: Specializes in advanced thermal management materials, particularly for the electronics and aerospace sectors.
-
Cryopak: A leader in cold chain packaging, utilizing inorganic PCMs to ensure the safe transport of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.
-
Entropy Solutions Inc.: Known for their PureTemp line, they provide high-quality thermal energy storage solutions across various industries.
-
Climator Sweden AB: A pioneer in salt hydrate technology, focusing on industrial thermal storage and climate control in buildings.
-
Phase Change Heavy Industry Solutions: Concentrates on large-scale PCM integration for industrial infrastructure and heavy engineering.
-
Outlast Technologies: While famous for textiles, they utilize PCM technology to create comfort-enhancing consumer products.
-
Dow Building Solutions: Focuses on incorporating PCM technology into high-efficiency insulation boards and construction products.
-
E.I. Du Pont: Provides specialized chemical intermediates and materials that enhance the stability and performance of PCM systems.
-
Chemours Company: Specializes in high-performance fluoroproducts and chemical solutions that often interact with advanced thermal management systems.
-
PCM Heavy Industry Ltd: Focuses on the manufacturing of bulk PCM materials for large-scale energy storage projects.
-
Rubitherm Technologies GmbH: A leading German developer of both organic and inorganic PCMs, known for a vast range of temperature-specific products.
