The global carbon fiber market size is projected to grow by USD 1.5 billion from 2023 to 2028, registering a CAGR of 6.2 percent, according to the latest market data. Carbon fiber is a highly sought-after advanced carbon composite material that has gained significant popularity in various industries. Renowned for its exceptional properties, such as remarkable stiffness, impressive tensile strength, and lightweight nature, carbon fiber has become a preferred choice for many applications. In fact, its strength profile closely resembles that of steel, while its weight is comparable to that of plastic. This unique combination of strength and weight has led to carbon fiber being recognized as one of the highest strength materials available.
The outstanding strength-to-weight ratio and stiffness-to-weight ratio of carbon fiber surpass those of traditional materials like steel and plastic. This remarkable advantage makes carbon fiber an exceptional building material, finding utility across diverse industries. Historically, carbon fiber found its primary application in the aerospace and defense sector, where it was extensively used as a composite material for various aircraft components. Examples of such components include tie rods, ballistic shields, compression struts, cooling tubes, shuttle actuator mounts, and turbine fan blades. By incorporating carbon fiber composites, the aerospace industry was able to reduce structural weight, resulting in enhanced fuel efficiency and improved performance.
Recognizing the immense benefits offered by carbon fiber, the automotive industry has also embraced its utilization. Carbon fiber is now being employed in automobiles to reduce weight, enhance overall performance, and achieve greater fuel efficiency. As the automotive sector continues to prioritize these factors, the demand for carbon fiber is expected to experience substantial growth in the near future. This projected surge in demand from the automotive industry is poised to further propel the carbon fiber market, solidifying its position as a vital material in multiple sectors.
The report presents statistical information, including market size, market share within various market segments, growth rate, and forecasts specifically tailored to the carbon fiber industry. This data-driven analysis equips industry professionals with essential information to assess the current market landscape, make informed decisions, and identify growth opportunities within the sector.
Research Coverage
This report presents an in-depth analysis and segmentation of the carbon fiber market, with market size forecasts extending until 2028. The market has been categorized based on raw material, fiber type, tow size, end user, and region. Furthermore, a comprehensive evaluation of key industry players has been conducted to provide valuable insights into their business profiles, product offerings, strategic approaches, partnerships, expansions, and acquisitions pertaining to the carbon fiber market.
The report provides a detailed analysis of the following segments within the carbon fiber market:
Raw material: pitch, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and rayon
Fiber type: recycled fiber (rCF), and virgin carbon fiber (VCF)
Tow size: small tow (<24K), and large tow (>24K)
End user: aerospace and defense, automotive, construction, industrial, sports equipment, wind turbines, and others
Region: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, MEA (Middle East and Africa), and South America
On the basis of raw material, the global carbon fiber market has been segmented into pitch, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and rayon. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) has emerged as the leading precursor material for carbon fiber production since its inception. In fact, approximately 90% of the total global carbon fiber output is derived from PAN precursors. The versatility and exceptional properties of carbon fibers based on PAN precursors make them well-suited for a wide range of applications across various industries, including aerospace, sporting goods, automotive, industrial, and emerging sectors.
One of the key reasons for PAN’s dominance as a precursor material is its superior stability and strength, which contribute to the high-quality characteristics of the resulting carbon fibers. PAN precursors exhibit excellent thermal stability, allowing for precise control over the carbonization process and ensuring consistent fiber quality. Additionally, PAN-based carbon fibers possess remarkable strength, enabling them to withstand demanding conditions and meet stringent performance requirements.
Furthermore, PAN precursors offer a higher carbon yield during the carbonization process, resulting in a more efficient conversion of the precursor material into carbon fibers. This higher carbon yield not only enhances the overall production efficiency but also contributes to the cost-effectiveness of PAN-based carbon fibers.
By fiber type, the global carbon fiber market has been segmented into recycled fiber (rCF), and virgin carbon fiber (VCF). Among which VCF was the highest contributor to the global carbon fiber market. Going forward, the rCF segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The carbon fiber industry faces a significant challenge with over 30% of the produced carbon fiber ending up as waste. However, this challenge presents a new business opportunity that is not only economically advantageous but also environmentally beneficial. The market for recycled carbon fiber is gaining momentum, with estimates suggesting that it can be 35% to 45% cheaper than virgin carbon fiber.
While recycled fiber may exhibit a slight reduction in tensile strength of approximately 10% to 20% compared to virgin carbon fiber, this trade-off is considered viable and cost-effective. As a result, the recycled carbon fiber market is experiencing increased traction and interest.
Currently, the number of companies operating in this space is limited. However, it is anticipated that both established players and new entrants will recognize the potential of the recycled carbon fiber market and enter the industry over the forecast period. This influx of market players will contribute to the growth and development of the recycled carbon fiber sector.
Based on tow size, the global carbon fiber market is categorized into small tow (<24K), and large tow (>24K). Small-tow carbon fiber was the highest contributor to the global carbon fiber market. Going forward, the large-tow carbon fiber segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Large tow or industrial grade carbon fiber refers to carbon fiber with filaments or tows greater than 24k. The most common grades in this category are 24K and 48K. Despite offering lower tensile strength compared to regular tow carbon fibers, large tow carbon fibers are experiencing increasing demand across various applications.
The high cost of carbon fiber material has been a significant deterrent for its widespread adoption in many applications. However, as manufacturing processes become more efficient, the price of carbon fiber material is gradually decreasing. Large tow carbon fiber, being more cost-effective than regular tow, strikes a balance between cost and performance for specific applications. This has led to high demand for large tow carbon fiber in the automotive industry, where lightweight vehicle production is a priority. Additionally, advanced composites are also witnessing a surge in demand for the production of various components.
On the basis of end user, the global carbon fiber market has been segmented into aerospace and defense, automotive, construction, industrial, sports equipment, wind turbines, and others. The aerospace and defense industry held the largest market share among various end-user industries. In recent years, there have been notable additions of new products in this sector, particularly in the utilization of carbon fibers. Carbon fibers have emerged as an ideal choice for numerous aerospace and defense applications due to their exceptional strength, endurance, and stability.
Carbon fiber composite materials offer high-performance characteristics and lightweight properties that meet the stringent standards of the industry. The incorporation of carbon fibers brings significant benefits to the aerospace and defense sector. These fibers contribute to the reduction of fuel consumption and overall aircraft weight. Additionally, carbon fiber composites provide enhanced durability and toughness to aircraft structures. They also contribute to improved fatigue resistance and reduced maintenance costs. The high modulus of carbon fiber composites makes them structurally suitable for aircraft production, with the potential to replace traditional alloys such as titanium and aluminum.
The utilization of carbon fibers in aerospace applications offers several advantages, including high resistance to fatigue, low thermal expansion, corrosion resistance, low microwave and radar absorption, and a higher stiffness-to-weight ratio. The increased adoption of aerospace composite materials, such as carbon fiber, has played a significant role in enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing the weight of aerospace components. These exceptional properties of carbon fiber composites have encouraged their use in the manufacturing of seats, wing assemblies, propellers, and helicopter rotor blades.
Geographically, the global carbon fiber market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, MEA (Middle East and Africa), and South America. North America has been at the forefront of carbon fiber material adoption, particularly in the aerospace and defense sectors. Carbon fiber-based products, such as main wings, tail units, fuselages, and floor panels, are extensively used in aircraft manufacturing. The region, with its long-standing history in aviation, continues to dominate the global aerospace industry, led by major players like Boeing. The United States, in particular, stands out as a significant exporter of aircraft and maintenance parts, with aerospace exports totaling $143.2 billion in 2017.
The outlook for the aerospace industry remains positive, driven by factors such as the increasing number of passengers carried by commercial aircraft and the growing demand for defense aircraft. Technological advancements and a preference for lightweight and strong materials have further fueled the demand for carbon fiber and its composites. Notably, Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, constructed with carbon fiber reinforced polymers, weighs approximately 50% less than its predecessor, the Boeing 777, which had carbon fiber composites comprising only 10% of its structural weight.
Beyond aerospace and defense, other industries like automotive and industrial manufacturing are also recognizing the potential benefits of carbon fiber. The automotive sector, in particular, presents a significant market opportunity for carbon fiber materials. Major U.S. manufacturers are incorporating carbon fiber into their automotive structures, with notable examples including General Motors’ next-generation light trucks, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, featuring truck beds made of carbon fiber.
Competitive Landscape
The global carbon fiber market is highly competitive. The leading players in the carbon fiber market include Alpha Recyclage Composites SAS, Anshan Sinocarb Carbon Fibers Co. Ltd., Bcircular Composites S.L., Beijing Kangde Xin Composite Material Co. Ltd., Carbon Conversions Inc., Carbon Fiber Remanufacturing LLC, CatackH Co. Ltd., DowAksa Advanced Composites Holdings BV, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Fuji Design Co. Ltd., Gen 2 Carbon Ltd., Hadeg Recycling GmbH, Hexcel Corporation, Holding Company Composite (HCC), Hyosung Advanced Materials Corp., Innovative Recycling SA, Jiangsu Hengshen Co. Ltd., Mallinda Inc., Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation, Nippon Graphite Fiber Corporation, PROCOTEX Corporation SA, SGL Carbon SE, Shocker Composites LLC, Sigmatex Limited, Solvay S.A., Teijin Limited, Toho Tenax Co. Ltd., Toray Industries Inc. (Zoltek Corporation), Vartega Inc., Zhongfu Shenying Carbon Fiber Co. Ltd. These companies play a significant role in driving market growth through their active contributions in innovation and product development within the carbon fiber industry.
Carbon Fiber Industry Developments
▸ Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, a global leader in advanced materials and sustainability, made a significant announcement in July 2020. The company revealed its plans to acquire two prominent German carbon fiber recycling companies, CFK Valley Stade Recycling GmbH & Co. KG and carboNXT GmbH. This strategic move, facilitated through its subsidiary Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials AG, aimed to bolster Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation’s commitment to promoting the circular economy.
▸ Teijin Limited, a global leader in advanced materials and sustainability, made a significant announcement in February 2022. The company revealed its plans to forge a strategic business alliance with Fuji Design Co., Ltd., a renowned Japanese manufacturer specializing in recycled carbon fibers. This alliance aimed to establish a robust business structure for the production, supply, and commercialization of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) products made from recycled carbon fibers, utilizing a low environmental impact process.
▸ Zoltek Companies Inc., a global leader in carbon fiber manufacturing, made a significant stride towards sustainability in February 2020. The company announced the implementation of renewable energy sources at its expansive Nyergesújfalu plant in Hungary, marking a major milestone in the production of “green” carbon fiber. The facility, with an annual production capacity of 15,000 metric tons, was touted as the world’s largest fully integrated carbon fiber plant, where polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor, carbon fiber itself, and downstream value-added carbon fiber-based intermediates like fabrics and pultruded goods were all produced at a single site.
▸ ELG Carbon Fibre Limited (ECF), a leading player in the carbon fiber industry, made significant strategic moves in May 2021. The company announced the divestment of its short fiber business to Procotex Corporation SA, a renowned global player in the fiber recycling industry. This divestment allowed ECF to streamline its operations and focus on its core competencies.
▸ CATACK-H, a renowned leader in the scrap material processing and recycling industry, made a significant announcement in November 2020. The company unveiled its ambitious plans to inaugurate a new, state-of-the-art facility in Korea, set to commence operations by the summer of 2022. This cutting-edge facility was projected to augment CATACK-H’s processing capacity by an impressive 4,000 tons per year, enabling the company to meet the growing demand for its services.
▸ ARX Equity Partners, a prominent private equity firm specializing in the Central European lower-mid market, has successfully concluded the majority acquisition of Brebeck Composite s.r.o., a leading manufacturer of carbon fiber composite parts. The transaction, which was finalized in May 2022, marks a significant milestone for both companies. While the specific financial details of the acquisition have not been publicly disclosed, this strategic move positions ARX Equity Partners to capitalize on the growing demand for carbon fiber composite parts in various industries.
Key Questions Answered
What is the projected global market size of carbon fiber by 2028?
Which raw material segment possesses the largest market share?
Which fiber type segment demonstrates the most significant dominance?
In terms of market dominance, which tow size segment prevails in the carbon fiber market?
Which end user segment generates the highest revenue?
In the carbon fiber market, which region segment attains the foremost position?
Who are the key players with the largest market share in the carbon fiber market?
What is the estimated global market size for the carbon fiber market in 2023?
What are the main factors driving the growth of the carbon fiber market?
What is the expected incremental growth of the carbon fiber market during the forecast period?
Table of Contents
1. Scope and Methodology
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Report Scope
1.3 Research Methodology
2. Executive Summary
3. Market Overview
4. Global Carbon Fiber Market – Raw Material Analysis
4.1 Pitch
4.2 Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)
4.3 Rayon
5. Global Carbon Fiber Market – Fiber Type Analysis
5.1 Recycled fiber (rCF)
5.2 Virgin carbon fiber (VCF)
6. Global Carbon Fiber Market – Tow Size Analysis
6.1 Small tow (<24K) 6.2 Large tow (>24K)
7. Global Carbon Fiber Market – End User Analysis
7.1 Aerospace and defense
7.2 Automotive
7.3 Construction
7.4 Industrial
7.5 Sports equipment
7.6 Wind turbines
7.7 Others
8. Global Carbon Fiber Market – Region Analysis
8.1 North America
8.2 Europe
8.3 Asia-Pacific
8.4 MEA (Middle East and Africa)
8.5 South America
9. Patents Analysis
10. Competitive Landscape
10.1 Competitive Scenario
10.2 Market Positioning/Share Analysis
10.3 Mergers and Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, Collaborations, and Agreements
11. Company Profiles
11.1 Alpha Recyclage Composites SAS
11.2 Anshan Sinocarb Carbon Fibers Co., Ltd.
11.3 Bcircular Composites S.L.
11.4 Beijing Kangde Xin Composite Material Co., Ltd.
11.5 Carbon Conversions, Inc.
11.6 Carbon Fiber Remanufacturing LLC
11.7 CatackH, Co., Ltd.
11.8 DowAksa Advanced Composites Holdings BV
11.9 Formosa Plastics Corporation
11.10 Fuji Design Co., Ltd.
11.11 Gen 2 Carbon Ltd.
11.12 Hadeg Recycling GmbH
11.13 Hexcel Corporation
11.14 Holding Company Composite (HCC)
11.15 Hyosung Advanced Materials Corp.
11.16 Innovative Recycling SA
11.17 Jiangsu Hengshen Co., Ltd.
11.18 Mallinda Inc.
11.19 Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation
11.20 Nippon Graphite Fiber Corporation
11.21 PROCOTEX Corporation SA
11.22 SGL Carbon SE
11.23 Shocker Composites, LLC
11.24 Sigmatex Limited
11.25 Solvay S.A.
11.26 Teijin Limited
11.27 Toho Tenax Co., Ltd.
11.28 Toray Industries Inc. (Zoltek Corporation)
11.29 Vartega Inc.
11.30 Zhongfu Shenying Carbon Fiber Co., Ltd.
APPENDIX
DISCLAIMER
Companies Mentioned
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes:
Alpha Recyclage Composites SAS
Anshan Sinocarb Carbon Fibers Co., Ltd.
Bcircular Composites S.L.
Beijing Kangde Xin Composite Material Co., Ltd.
Carbon Conversions, Inc.
Carbon Fiber Remanufacturing LLC
CatackH, Co., Ltd.
DowAksa Advanced Composites Holdings BV
Formosa Plastics Corporation
Fuji Design Co., Ltd.
Gen 2 Carbon Ltd.
Hadeg Recycling GmbH
Hexcel Corporation
Holding Company Composite (HCC)
Hyosung Advanced Materials Corp.
Innovative Recycling SA
Jiangsu Hengshen Co., Ltd.
Mallinda Inc.
Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation
Nippon Graphite Fiber Corporation
PROCOTEX Corporation SA
SGL Carbon SE
Shocker Composites, LLC
Sigmatex Limited
Solvay S.A.
Teijin Limited
Toho Tenax Co., Ltd.
Toray Industries Inc. (Zoltek Corporation)
Vartega Inc.
Zhongfu Shenying Carbon Fiber Co., Ltd.