Global Metallocene Polymers Market, 2023-2028

Market Overview

The global metallocene polymers market is estimated to reach USD 16.4 billion and USD 22.1 billion in 2023 and 2028, respectively, growing at an estimated CAGR of 6.2%. The demand for metallocene catalyst is largely being driven from various applications such as LLDPE, EPDM, polypropylene and others. Some of the most desirable properties exhibited by metallocene catalysts include processability, toughness and stiffness.

Among the various metallocene elastomers, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) are highly popular with PE resin converters because it enables production of stronger films with improved properties and that use less material. Compared to the blends of Ziegler-Natta catalyzed linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and high-pressure low-density polyethylene (HP-LDPE), the metallocene catalyst offers a stronger solution in terms of extrusion performance. It provides dart impact strength that is much higher than ZN-LLDPE products. Films made from a metallocene catalyst often exhibit fast hot tack. Therefore, films produced from the metallocene catalyst allow for rapid sealing. The application of metallocene catalyst has enabled manufacturers to develop tailor-made solutions with desired properties such as flexible, low melting point to high melting point and high heat resistance for applications. Metallocene catalyst resin replaces PVC and EVA as the raw material in the manufacture of films in various applications.

The process used to produce the catalyst for metallocene is environmentally friendly and health focused. These catalysts, renowned for their exceptional properties, play a pivotal role in the manufacturing process of films utilized in various end-user packaging applications. From consumer products to hygiene items, food packaging to industrial packaging, and even agricultural films, metallocene catalysts have become indispensable components in the production of high-quality films.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of statistical data pertaining to the metallocene polymers industry. It encompasses crucial information such as market size, market share across different market segments, growth rate, and customized forecasts. This data-driven analysis equips professionals within the industry with vital insights to evaluate the existing market scenario, make well-informed decisions, and identify lucrative growth prospects within the sector.

Research Coverage

The report presents an in-depth examination and categorization of the metallocene polymers market, delivering valuable insights and precise market size projections up to 2028. Through a meticulous assessment of product types, applications, and regional divisions, the report facilitates a comprehensive comprehension of the metallocene polymers industry’s overall landscape. Within the metallocene polymers market, the report conducts a thorough analysis of the following segments:
Product: metallocene linear low density polyethylene (mLLDPE), metallocene EPDMs, metallocene high density polyethylene (mHDPE), metallocene polyolefin elastomers (POEs), metallocene polyolefin plastomers (POPs), metallocene polypropylene (mPP), metallocene very low-density polyethylene (VLDPE), and others
Application: automotive film, consumer and industrial packaging, flexible food packaging, flexible non-food packaging, medical devices, non-packaging film, polymer modification, rigid food packaging, shrink and stetch film, tubing and hoses, wires and cables, and others

In 2022, the metallocene LLDPE segment emerged as the dominant player in the market, capturing an impressive 89.3% of the total market revenue. This segment’s success can be attributed to its wide range of compelling properties and versatile applications.

Films manufactured from metallocene LLDPE exhibit exceptional mechanical strength, making them highly desirable for various packaging needs. Furthermore, their more uniform molecular structure allows for downgauging, resulting in cost savings and improved efficiency. The utilization of metallocene LLDPE in blow- and injection-molding processes also leads to films with reduced opacity and enhanced glossiness, enhancing the visual appeal of the final product.

Metallocene LLDPE materials are not only visually appealing but also possess high impact resistance and excellent insulating properties. These qualities make them ideal for applications in industries such as flexible nonfood packaging, shrink/stretch wrap, and flexible food packaging, collectively accounting for approximately 82.8% of the total market share. Additionally, metallocene LLDPE finds extensive use in industrial packaging and nonpackaging films, further contributing to its market dominance.

The demand for flexible nonfood packaging, shrink/stretch wrap, and flexible food packaging is a significant driver for the metallocene LLDPE market. These applications alone account for a substantial portion of the market share. Furthermore, industrial packaging and nonpackaging films also contribute significantly to the demand for metallocene LLDPE.

By application, the global metallocene polymers market has been segmented into automotive film, consumer and industrial packaging, flexible food packaging, flexible non-food packaging, medical devices, non-packaging film, polymer modification, rigid food packaging, shrink and stetch film, tubing and hoses, wires and cables, and others. The flexible non-food packaging segment has emerged as the foremost driver of revenue generation in the year 2022. This particular market segment can be further dissected into several sub-categories, including heavy-duty sacks, trash-liners and bags, carry-out bags, and others. Notably, heavy-duty sacks and trash/liner bags have emerged as the most influential application segments, jointly accounting for an impressive 80.8% of the total volume.

Competitive Landscape

The global metallocene polymers market is highly competitive. The report also includes the profiles of leading companies such as Borealis A/S, Braskem S.A., Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC, Clariant AG, Daelim Industrial Co. Ltd., ExxonMobil Chemical Company, GAIL Limited, Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd., INEOS Group Limited, Japan Polypropylene Corporation (Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), LG Chem Ltd., Lummus Novolen Technology GmbH, LyondellBasell Industries N.V., Mitsui Chemicals Inc., NOVA Chemicals Corporation, PetroChina Dushanzi Petrochemical Company, Petrochina Lanzhou Petrochemical Company, PJSC Kazanorgsintez, Prime Polymer Co. Ltd., Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), Sinopec Beijing Yanshan Petrochemical Corporation, Sinopec Qingdao Petrochemical Co. Ltd., Sinopec Yangzi Petrochemical Company Ltd., Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., The Dow Chemical Company, TotalEnergies SE, UBE Corporation, Univation Technologies LLC, W. R. Grace and Company. These companies play a significant role in driving market growth through their active contributions in innovation and product development within the metallocene polymers industry.

Metallocene Polymers Industry Developments

▸ Braskem, a top South American thermoplastic resins provider, expands packaging solutions with Flexus 9213S. This high-performance film enhances impact resistance, preprint treatment stability, and performance. Perfect for FFS, pet food, stand-up pouches, and multi-layer food packaging.
▸ Daelim Industrial of South Korea starts operations at its advanced 200,000 t/yr LLDPE unit in Yosu, boosting total production capacity to 410,000 t/yr. The current operating rates are undisclosed, but Daelim is expected to gradually ramp up production. Typically, South Korean producers run new units at 60-70% capacity initially.
▸ August 13, 2023 – Kazanorgsintez (KOS) achieves successful production of metallocene polyethylene resin on their UNIPOL™ PE Reactor Line in Kazan, Russia. With three operational reactor lines since 1983 and a capacity expansion in 2006, KOS has primarily focused on HDPE applications. The addition of metallocene PE enables KOS to diversify its production and cater to premium market segments, including high-performance metallocene-based films for stretch hood, lamination, and agricultural applications.
▸ GAIL (India) Ltd, on January 17, 2019, successfully manufactured Metallocene linear-low density polyethylene (mLLDPE) using its state-of-the-art 400,000 MT per annum UNIPOL™ PE Reactor line in Pata, Uttar Pradesh, India. GAIL’s mLLDPE resin products, marketed as “G-Lene,” have gained popularity among convertor customers for their exceptional performance in various Metallocene-based film structures. These products have proven to be ideal for applications such as stretch wrap films, agricultural films, and food packaging films, surpassing both operational and film performance expectations.

Key Questions Answered

What is the projected global market size of metallocene polymers by 2028?
Which product segment achieves the highest performance in the metallocene polymers market?
Within the market, which application segment has secured the leading position?
Who are the key players with the largest market share in the metallocene polymers market?
What is the estimated global market size for the metallocene polymers market in 2023?
What are the main factors driving the growth of the metallocene polymers market?
What is the expected incremental growth of the metallocene polymers 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 Metallocene Polymers Market – Product Analysis
4.1 Metallocene linear low density polyethylene (mLLDPE)
4.2 Metallocene EPDMs
4.3 Metallocene high density polyethylene (mHDPE)
4.4 Metallocene polyolefin elastomers (POEs)
4.5 Metallocene polyolefin plastomers (POPs)
4.6 Metallocene polypropylene (mPP)
4.7 Metallocene very low-density polyethylene (VLDPE)
4.8 Others
5. Global Metallocene Polymers Market – Application Analysis
5.1 Automotive film
5.2 Consumer and industrial packaging
5.3 Flexible food packaging
5.4 Flexible non-food packaging
5.5 Medical devices
5.6 Non-packaging film
5.7 Polymer modification
5.8 Rigid food packaging
5.9 Shrink and stetch film
5.10 Tubing and hoses
5.11 Wires and cables
5.12 Others
6. Global Metallocene Polymers Market – Region Analysis
6.1 North America
6.2 Europe
6.3 Asia-Pacific
6.4 MEA (Middle East and Africa)
6.5 South America
7. Patents Analysis
8. Competitive Landscape
8.1 Competitive Scenario
8.2 Market Positioning/Share Analysis
8.3 Mergers and Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, Collaborations, and Agreements
9. Company Profiles
9.1 Borealis A/S
9.2 Braskem S.A.
9.3 Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC
9.4 Clariant AG
9.5 Daelim Industrial Co., Ltd.
9.6 ExxonMobil Chemical Company
9.7 GAIL Limited
9.8 Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.
9.9 INEOS Group Limited
9.10 Japan Polypropylene Corporation (Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation)
9.11 LG Chem Ltd.
9.12 Lummus Novolen Technology GmbH
9.13 LyondellBasell Industries N.V.
9.14 Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
9.15 NOVA Chemicals Corporation
9.16 PetroChina Dushanzi Petrochemical Company
9.17 Petrochina Lanzhou Petrochemical Company
9.18 PJSC Kazanorgsintez
9.19 Prime Polymer Co., Ltd.
9.20 Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC)
9.21 Sinopec Beijing Yanshan Petrochemical Corporation
9.22 Sinopec Qingdao Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
9.23 Sinopec Yangzi Petrochemical Company Ltd.
9.24 Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.
9.25 The Dow Chemical Company
9.26 TotalEnergies SE
9.27 UBE Corporation
9.28 Univation Technologies, LLC
9.29 W. R. Grace and Company
APPENDIX
DISCLAIMER

Companies Mentioned

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes:
Borealis A/S
Braskem S.A.
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC
Clariant AG
Daelim Industrial Co., Ltd.
ExxonMobil Chemical Company
GAIL Limited
Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.
INEOS Group Limited
Japan Polypropylene Corporation (Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation)
LG Chem Ltd.
Lummus Novolen Technology GmbH
LyondellBasell Industries N.V.
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
NOVA Chemicals Corporation
PetroChina Dushanzi Petrochemical Company
Petrochina Lanzhou Petrochemical Company
PJSC Kazanorgsintez
Prime Polymer Co., Ltd.
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC)
Sinopec Beijing Yanshan Petrochemical Corporation
Sinopec Qingdao Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
Sinopec Yangzi Petrochemical Company Ltd.
Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.
The Dow Chemical Company
TotalEnergies SE
UBE Corporation
Univation Technologies, LLC
W. R. Grace and Company