Polystyrene Market Summary
As per MRFR Analysis, the Global Polystyrene Market was valued at USD 29 Billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to USD 40 Billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 5.00% from 2024 to 2030. The growth is driven by increased demand for expandable polystyrene (EPS) in HVAC insulation and the expansion of the electronics and packaging industries. Rising per capita income is expected to boost consumption across various sectors, including food packaging and construction, where polystyrene is widely utilized for insulation and other applications.
Key Market Trends & Highlights
Key trends influencing the Polystyrene market include rising income levels and increased demand in various applications.
- Polystyrene market size in 2022: USD 29 Billion.
- Projected market size by 2030: USD 40 Billion.
- CAGR during 2024-2030: 5.00%.
- High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) held the majority share in 2022.
Market Size & Forecast
2022 Market Size: USD 29 Billion
2023 Market Size: USD 32 Billion
2030 Market Size: USD 40 Billion
CAGR (2024-2030): 5.00%
Dominant Segment in 2022: Building & Construction.
Major Players
Total Petrochemicals & Refining USA Inc., BASF SE, Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corporation, KUMHO PETROCHEMICAL, Chi Mei Corporation, SABIC, Trinseo, INEOS Styrolution Videolar-Innova S.A., The DOW Chemical Company.
Polystyrene Market Trends
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Growth in per capita income of the population to boost market growth
The growth in per capita income of the population can certainly be a factor that drives the polystyrene market. Polystyrene is a versatile and cost-effective plastic that is widely used in packaging, construction, and consumer goods. As people's income levels rise, they tend to have more disposable income, which can lead to an increase in consumption and demand for various products that use polystyrene. In the packaging industry, polystyrene is commonly used in food packaging, such as disposable cups, plates, and trays, as well as in protective packaging materials. The growth in the food industry and increasing demand for ready-to-eat meals and convenience foods can also drive the demand for polystyrene packaging.
In the construction industry, polystyrene is used for insulation and in products such as insulation boards, concrete forms, and roofing materials. The growth in the construction industry, particularly in emerging markets, can contribute to the growth of the polystyrene market. Moreover, the rising disposable income can also lead to an increase in demand for consumer goods such as electronics, appliances, and toys, which may use polystyrene as a material. Therefore, such factors related to Polystyrene have enhanced the Polystyrene market CAGR across the globe in recent years.
Polystyrene Market Segment Insights
Polystyrene Type Insights
The Polystyrene market segmentation, based on type, includes General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Extruded Polystyrene (XPS), Others. The High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) segment held the majority share in 2022 of the Polystyrene market revenue. High Impact Polystyrene is a form of polystyrene that is modified to have greater impact resistance and strength. It is commonly used in applications where toughness and durability are important, such as in packaging, toys, and household goods. HIPS is a cost-effective material that is easy to process and can be made in a range of colors and finishes. Its versatility and ease of use make it a popular choice for many manufacturers. The demand for HIPS may have increased due to the growth of the packaging industry, as well as the construction and consumer goods industries that also use HIPS in their products.
Polystyrene Application Insights
The Polystyrene market segmentation, based on application, includes Rigid Packaging, Flexible Packaging, Seating, HVAC Insulation, Others. The Rigid Packaging segment held the majority share in the Polystyrene market, as polystyrene is commonly used in the manufacture of rigid packaging products such as disposable cups, food trays, and clamshell containers. The demand for polystyrene in the rigid packaging segment may be driven by factors such as growth in the food and beverage industry, increasing demand for convenience foods, and rising awareness of the benefits of using lightweight, durable, and sustainable packaging materials.
Polystyrene End-Use Insights
Based on end-use, the Polystyrene market segmentation includes Packaging, Electronics, Building & Construction, Consumer Goods & Appliances, Others. The Building & Construction segment dominated the market in 2022 and is projected to be the faster-growing segment during the forecast period, 2023-2030. Polystyrene is commonly used in the building and construction industry for insulation, packaging, and other applications. In the construction industry, polystyrene foam is used as an insulation material for walls, roofs, and floors to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. The demand for polystyrene in the building and construction industry may be driven by several factors, such as increasing demand for energy-efficient buildings, growth in construction activities, and rising awareness of the environmental benefits of using polystyrene insulation materials. These all factors for Polystyrene positively impact the market growth.
Figure 2: Polystyrene Market, by Type, 2022 & 2030 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Polystyrene Regional Insights
By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The Asia Pacific region is one of the main markets for polystyrene market growth. The region is home to a large population and a rapidly growing middle class, which has resulted in increased demand for consumer goods and packaging. The Asia Pacific region is also a major manufacturing hub for polystyrene and other plastic materials. The availability of low-cost labor and favorable government policies have made the region an attractive destination for foreign investment in the plastics industry. In addition, the growing awareness of the benefits of using polystyrene as a lightweight, durable, and sustainable material has also contributed to the market growth in the region. The demand for polystyrene in various end-use industries such as packaging, construction, and consumer goods is expected to continue to grow in the Asia Pacific region in the coming years.
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil
Figure 3: POLYSTYRENE MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Europe’s Polystyrene market accounts for the third-largest market share. The construction industry in Europe is a major user of polystyrene, especially in insulation applications. The region's consumer goods industry is also a significant user of polystyrene, with applications in packaging, appliances, and toys. The packaging industry is one of the major consumers of polystyrene in Europe, with various applications such as food packaging, cosmetic packaging, and electronic packaging. The European Union's circular economy initiatives and waste management policies have also contributed to the growth of the polystyrene recycling industry in the region. Further, the Germany Polystyrene market held the largest market share, and the UK Polystyrene market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.
North America, Polystyrene market, is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2030. This is due to increasing demand for polystyrene in various applications such as packaging, construction, and consumer goods. The growing e-commerce industry and the demand for sustainable packaging solutions are driving the demand for polystyrene foam in the packaging industry. Overall, the North American polystyrene market is expected to grow at a significant rate in the coming years, driven by the growing demand for polystyrene in various applications and the increasing trend towards the use of sustainable and recyclable materials. Moreover, the U.S. Polystyrene market held the largest market share, and the Canada Polystyrene market was the fastest-growing market in the North American region.
Polystyrene Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
Major market players are spending a lot of money on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the Polystyrene market grow even more. Market participants are also taking a range of strategic initiatives to grow their worldwide footprint, with key market developments such as new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations. Competitors in the Polystyrene industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in an increasingly competitive and rising market environment.
The major market players are investing a lot of money in R&D to expand their product lines, which will spur further market growth for Polystyrene. With significant market development like new product releases, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations, market participants are also undertaking various strategic activities to expand their presence. To grow and thrive in a market climate that is becoming more competitive and growing, competitors in the Polystyrene industry must offer affordable products.
Manufacturing locally to cut operating costs is one of the main business tactics manufacturers use in the Polystyrene industry to benefit customers and expand the market sector. Major Polystyrene market players, including Total Petrochemicals & Refining USA Inc., BASF SE, Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corporation, KUMHO PETROCHEMICAL, Chi Mei Corporation, SABIC, Trinseo, INEOS Styrolution Videolar-Innova S.A., The DOW Chemical Company, and others, are attempting to increase market demand by funding R&D initiatives.
Total Petrochemicals & Refining USA Inc. is a subsidiary of Total SE, a French multinational integrated oil and gas company. Total Petrochemicals & Refining USA Inc. produces a wide range of petrochemicals and polymers, including polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and other specialty polymers. Its products are used in various applications, including packaging, automotive, construction, and consumer goods. In addition, Total Petrochemicals & Refining USA Inc. is committed to supporting the communities where it operates and has implemented several initiatives to promote education, health, and social well-being in the communities it serves.
BASF SE is a German multinational chemical company and one of the largest chemical producers in the world and has a wide range of products and services, including chemicals, plastics, performance products, crop protection products, and oil and gas. BASF operates in six business segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions. Its products are used in various industries, including automotive, construction, consumer goods, and agriculture. BASF has a strong research and development program and is continuously investing in new technologies and innovation. It has a network of research and development centers and collaborates with universities, research institutions, and other companies to develop new products and solutions.
List of the Key Companies in the Polystyrene market includes
Polystyrene Industry Developments
January, 2023: NexKemia acquires assets of polystyrene scrap recycler Eco-Captation, Eco-Captation is Quebec's leading polystyrene recycler, according to NexKemia's parent company, Integreon Global.anada-based expandable polystyrene (EPS) manufacturer NexKemia has finalized the purchase of Prevost, Quebec-based polystyrene scrap collection and recycling company Eco-Captation. NexKemia is a subsidiary of Integreon Global, a company that says it ensures product integrity and protection through innovative materials, testing services, packaging and monitoring solutions and contract manufacturing.According to Integreon, Eco-Captation is the leading recycler of polystyrene in Quebec and has a special focus on postconsumer recycled materials. Eco-Captation combines artificial intelligence-enhanced optical sorting technology with a mechanical recycling process to convert plastic scrap into raw materials made with postconsumer recycled material.September, 2022 – INEOS Styrolution presents industry leading line-up of uncompromising sustainable polystyrene - INEOS Styrolution, the global leader in styrenics, has introduced a lineup of commercially available sustainable polystyrene products that is second to none. The new products provide customers a choice to select the best fit for their application.The complete lineup introduced today follows initial announcements on mechanically-recycled polystyrene solutions in 2021. The new “ECO” products offer the performance of the respective virgin products, but with a significantly lower CO2 footprint. All products are drop-in solutions.
September 2022: INEOS Styrolution announced the introduction of a lineup of commercially available sustainable polystyrene products that is second to none.
April 2021: INEOS Styrolution, Recycling Technologies and Trinseo announced that they have reached a significant milestone in their plans to build commercial polystyrene (PS) recycling plants in Europe.August 2022- Hi-tech India Ltd, the largest helmet manufacturer in Asia, was preparing to relocate the planning for a modern EPS factory in Baddi Himachal Pradesh. The organization acquired new land with a vision of investing Rs 25 crore within a 2.2-acre site. This facility will allow a demonstration production line for expanded polystyrene (EPS) to be fabricated.In October 2022, Epsilyte, which is one of the largest producers of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) in North America, announced that it reduced prices of all rates of EPS by 0.05 US dollars to the pound.In July 2022, BEWI ASA signed a Letter of Intent for the purchase of BalPol, an insulation business located in Lithuania. The present acquisition would also strengthen the geographical spread of the operations of BEWI.
Polystyrene Market Segmentation
Polystyrene Type Outlook
Polystyrene Application Outlook
Polystyrene End Use Outlook
Polystyrene Regional Outlook
| Attribute/Metric |
Details |
| Market Size 2022 |
USD 29 Billion |
| Market Size 2023 |
USD 32 Billion |
| Market Size 2030 |
USD 40 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
5.00% (2024-2030) |
| Base Year |
2022 |
| Market Forecast Period |
2024-2030 |
| Historical Data |
2019-2021 |
| Market Forecast Units |
Value (USD Million) |
| Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Segments Covered |
Type, Application, End-Use, and Region |
| Geographies Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World |
| Countries Covered |
The US, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil |
| Key Companies Profiled |
Total Petrochemicals & Refining USA Inc., BASF SE, Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corporation, KUMHO PETROCHEMICAL, Chi Mei Corporation, SABIC, Trinseo, Videolar-Innova S.A., The DOW Chemical Company |
| Key Market Opportunities |
Growing Adoption of Environmentally Friendly Materials to Create Opportunities for Key Players |
| Key Market Dynamics |
Growing Demand for Sustainable And Lightweight Solutions Drives Market Growth |
Polystyrene Market Highlights:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The Polystyrene market size was valued at USD 29 Billion in 2022.
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.00% during the forecast period, 2024-2030.
Asia Pacific had the largest share in the Polystyrene market.
The key players in the market are Total Petrochemicals & Refining USA Inc., BASF SE, Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corporation, KUMHO PETROCHEMICAL, Chi Mei Corporation, SABIC, Trinseo, Videolar-Innova S.A., The DOW Chemical Company.
The high impact polystyrene (HIPS) category dominated the market in 2022.
The building & construction had the largest share in the market for Polystyrene.
