Inorganic Phase Change Material in India Trends and Forecast
The future of the inorganic phase change material market in India looks promising with opportunities in the architecture, textile, and refrigeration & logistic markets. The global inorganic phase change material market is expected to growth with a CAGR of 6.7% from 2025 to 2031. The inorganic phase change material market in India is also forecasted to witness strong growth over the forecast period. The major drivers for this market are the growing focus on energy-efficient building solutions, the rising demand for thermal management in electronics, and the expansion in cold chain logistics for temperature-sensitive goods.
• Lucintel forecasts that, within the type category, non-carbon-based materials:salt hydrate is expected to witness a higher growth over the forecast period.
• Within the application category, architecture is expected to witness the highest growth.
Emerging Trends in the Inorganic Phase Change Material Market in India
The increasing energy needs of India and the focus on sustainable methods are driving demand for Inorganic Phase Change Materials. These materials provide a secure means of thermal energy storage, appropriate for India’s diverse climatic conditions and energy infrastructure issues. With government agencies making efforts to enhance energy efficiency in buildings, cold chains, and renewable systems, innovators are finding new uses for these materials. Their safety, cost-effectiveness, and durability make them highly appropriate for long-term thermal solutions in industrial and public utility segments.
• Take-up in the solar-powered rural microgrids: Inorganic PCMs are also being incorporated in solar microgrids installed in rural India. The PCMs store the excess thermal energy during the daytime and release it in the evening, enhancing access to energy and reliability. Their application prolongs solar utility in off-grid areas without introducing complicated electrical storage. This is picking up in remote communities where access to electricity at all times is still limited, complementing both clean energy and rural electrification initiatives in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
• Data center thermal buffering systems use: Indian data center providers are adopting inorganic PCMs to tackle internal temperature spikes, particularly during power fluctuations. These PCMs prevent excessive usage of backup cooling systems and mitigate overheating-related outages. With India’s digital infrastructure expanding rapidly, particularly in urban areas such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad, thermal stability through passive PCM systems provides a cost-friendly remedy to aid uptime and energy efficiency without incessant mechanical cooling.
• Regulation thermique dans architecture des stations metros: Inorganic PCMs are being incorporated into metro rail station roofing structures in cities such as Pune and Kochi to passively control indoor temperature. The material minimizes the need for active air conditioning, reducing the cost of operations and improving commuter comfort. The trend aligns with India’s smart city missions, where infrastructure design is being tailored to be climate-responsible and sustainable, particularly in densely occupied transit areas.
• Integration in milk cold storage cooperatives: Inorganic PCMs are being integrated into rural milk chilling centers by dairy cooperatives in India to provide stable cooling in the event of transport delays or power outages. The PCMs stabilize the temperature of milk without relying on the consistent supply of power. The innovation benefits India’s large dairy economy by minimizing spoilage and enhancing product quality. It also resonates with India’s thrust towards decentralized agri-produce cold chains.
• Integration into food delivery platform smart packaging: Indian food-tech startups are looking into PCM-lined packaging to maintain temperatures in food through transit. Inorganic PCMs provide phase transition stability appropriate for hot and cold meal delivery. It is particularly applicable to growing markets in urban areas where customer demand for temperature-sensitive, fresh delivery keeps increasing. It is suitable for energy-efficient operations while improving customer satisfaction.
India’s inorganic phase change material market is being influenced by new applications in decentralized energy, infrastructure, logistics, and digital applications. These developments are a pragmatic application of PCM technology appropriate for India’s energy and economic setting. The materials are improving reliability, cost reductions, and sustainability for a number of critical systems, making India a distinctive and diverse market for PCM development.
Recent Developments in the Inorganic Phase Change Material Market in India
India’s inorganic phase change material industry is picking up steam with focused pilot initiatives, university partnerships, and government-sponsored incentives. With the nation struggling with spiraling energy costs and infrastructure strain, a variety of new programs are developing to ramp up PCM adoption in climate-sensitive applications. These activities are driving local innovation, enhancing supply chains, and facilitating integration into mission-critical areas such as housing, agriculture, and public health logistics.
• Partnership for PCM-integrated affordable housing: An Indian building conglomerate has agreed with a technical university to develop low-cost houses made with PCM-enabled plasterboards. The materials ensure indoor comfort in non-air-conditioned low-income housing. The pilot project has been launched in Gujarat as part of a government-sponsored subsidy scheme. This project illustrates PCM’s potential for providing energy efficiency and thermal comfort in India’s affordable housing market.
• Introduction of PCM thermal kits for vaccine transport: A Maharashtra-based health-tech firm introduced inorganic PCM-based vaccine transport kits in rural districts. Reusable boxes maintain internal temperature for 36 hours without needing external refrigeration. With the support of health ministry regulations, the innovation improves India’s immunization infrastructure with the guaranteed integrity of the cold chain during last-mile delivery in areas that have no access to a power supply.
• Indigenous production unit for hydrated salt: A Tamil Nadu-based manufacturer of specialty chemicals has established India’s first specialized production facility for high-purity hydrated salts employed in PCM formulations. This lessens dependence on imports and facilitates cost-effective scaling of bespoke thermal storage solutions. This decision tightens domestic supply chains, and PCM products become cost-effective and better suited to India’s unique climate and market requirements.
• Pilot application in solar-powered irrigation pumps: One renewable energy startup in Andhra Pradesh has piloted PCM-improved solar pumps for farming. Such systems accumulate thermal energy during the peak sun times and discharge it at night to power low-pressure water pumps. This method offers irrigation requirements in off-grid situations with a reduction in reliance on diesel or unreliable electricity. Pilot is being assessed for national rural water access programs.
• PCM-powered street food vending carts development: In Delhi, there has been the development of vending carts with PCM cooling chambers, through which perishable ingredients are stored safely without electricity. They are meant for street vendors who do not have steady access to cold storage. They promote small-scale entrepreneurship and food security and employ environmentally friendly cooling methods.
India’s recent history in the Inorganic PCM space reflects a concerted push towards localization, affordability, and equity. These innovations are tackling healthcare, housing, agricultural systems, and rural development challenges head-on. With increasing homegrown capabilities and government support, India is turning into a launchpad for scalable and socially impactful PCM solutions.
Strategic Growth Opportunities for Inorganic Phase Change Material Market in India
Increasing demand for sustainable thermal energy storage in India is being noticed as industries such as construction, HVAC, and cold chain logistics are developing very fast. Inorganic Phase Change Materials are on the rise because they have better thermal conductivity, more stable cycling, and they are more economical. These materials provide significant growth opportunities in various applications, particularly where temperature control and energy efficiency are essential. With increasingly energy-aware programs and green infrastructure schemes on the rise in India, prospects for the incorporation of inorganic PCMs both into conventional as well as newer schemes are opening up hugely throughout major verticals.
• Cold chain logistics and pharmaceutical transport: Inorganic PCMs are being used extensively to provide consistent temperatures in cold chain logistics, essential for pharmaceuticals and perishables. These substances enable one to decrease energy dependence on conventional refrigeration by establishing stable internal container temperatures for durations of hours on end. This is particularly important in India, where last-mile delivery in heat zones tends to be at the expense of product quality. PCM-based packaging and transport systems are being more and more integrated by logistics companies, making pharmaceutical and food distribution networks more reliable and providing significant cost and sustainability benefits.
• HVAC systems in commercial infrastructure: India’s expanding commercial infrastructure requires energy-efficient air conditioning systems. Incorporating inorganic PCMs into air conditioning systems has load-shifting and peak-shaving benefits by harnessing thermal energy during off-peak seasons and releasing it during peak periods. This saves electricity and improves the stability of the grid. As building energy codes stiffen and government incentives for green building rise, developers are increasingly looking to phase change materials to enhance thermal performance and save on operating costs, making HVAC-enriched PCM solutions extremely plausible for widespread adoption.
• Solar thermal energy storage: Solar energy infrastructure is spreading fast in India, and there is an urgent need for cost-effective storage. Inorganic PCMs enable solar thermal power plants to store heat efficiently to be used during non-solar hours, enhancing system performance and output reliability. Inorganic PCMs have greater melting points and hence can be applied for medium to high-temperature storage, which is in tune with the aspirations of India to increase the reliability of renewable energy. As decentralized solar installations rise in rural and industrial areas, incorporation of inorganic PCMs will enhance energy independence and system robustness across different user segments.
• Applications in building envelope: Inorganic PCMs are utilized in wallboards, ceilings, and flooring to regulate indoor temperatures passively within buildings. The applications lower HVAC load by capturing and releasing heat in daily temperature fluctuations. In India’s climatically diverse zones, the integration of PCMs retains indoor comfort while substantially reducing electricity consumption. Contractors following energy-efficient products according to India’s Energy Conservation Building Code are implementing more PCMs in building design. This improves both green certification scores and occupant comfort in residential, institutional, and commercial segments.
• Temperature packaging in e-commerce and online food delivery: India’s e-commerce and online food delivery industries need packaging that protects temperature stability. Inorganic PCMs incorporated in thermal boxes preserve freshness in transit without constant refrigeration. This helps to overcome a major logistical problem in India’s climate while lowering operational expenses. As demand for frozen and ready-to-eat food deliveries grows, firms are adopting passive cooling systems for last-mile delivery. PCM-based thermal packaging not only guarantees customer satisfaction but also facilitates sustainability by reducing reliance on energy-hungry cold storage.
All these opportunities are helping Indian firms deploy Inorganic PCMs in scalable and innovative applications across a range of industries. The range of uses from logistics to buildings, powered by energy efficiency targets and widening infrastructure, makes the market an attractive investment opportunity. With sustainability a rising national interest, such solutions provide functional and regulatory fit. This makes Inorganic PCMs key pieces in India’s transition to energy-intelligent and resilient infrastructure, pushing commercial uptake as well as localized innovation.
Inorganic Phase Change Material Market in India Driver and Challenges
The Indian inorganic phase change material market is being influenced by several economic, technological, and regulatory factors. While India has ambitious plans in renewable energy, green construction, and cold chain growth, the need for efficient thermal management solutions is increasing. Inorganic PCMs with high latent heat, low flammability, and long life cycles are coming up as the most suitable prospects. Market penetration is still in the process of development, with limited awareness, regulatory uncertainty, and cost limitations being the major barriers to be overcome to realize the maximum potential of the market.
The factors responsible for driving the inorganic phase change material market in India include:
• Focus on renewable energy and energy storage: India’s renewable energy targets require scalable thermal energy storage, particularly in solar thermal and hybrid configurations. Inorganic PCMs bridge the intermittency gap by allowing production-time storage and release of energy during demand peaks. This supports government initiatives such as the National Solar Mission, enhancing grid reliability and promoting PCM integration in utility-scale and microgrid configurations. This need for efficient storage is a powerful driver in industrial applications and rural electrification.
• Temperature-sensitive logistics growth: India’s pharma, vaccine, and food industries are dependent on efficient cold chains. Inorganic PCMs represent an affordable and effective means to regulate transportation temperatures, thus ensuring product integrity. With increased investments in cold storage and end-mile delivery systems, especially under government health and nutrition initiatives, the demand for PCM-supported insulation solutions is on the rise. These products are being preferred to traditional cooling systems for their light weight, thermal stability, and recyclability, which makes them suitable for transport over demanding conditions.
• Green building projects: India’s building industry is quickly adopting green building regulations, and PCMs have passive temperature control essential for compliances with these codes. Inorganic PCMs play a role in decreased HVAC loads, better energy ratings, and increased indoor comfort. Government programs such as the Smart Cities Mission and Energy Conservation Building Code are promoting the utilization of such smart materials. Their long lifespan and resistance to multiple thermal cycles also reinforce their use in both new buildings and retrofits in urban and peri-urban areas.
• Favorable policy frameworks and subsidies: The Indian government is driving energy-efficient materials via policy obligations, monetary incentives, and public-private partnerships. Subsidy for green building rating and energy audit supports the adoption of sophisticated thermal management systems. Inorganic PCMs are compatible with these schemes, particularly in solar and building applications. Action from organizations such as the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy plays a pivotal role in propelling awareness and application of PCMs on institutional and municipal levels.
• Technology advancements in PCM encapsulation: Encapsulation increases the usability and lifespan of PCMs, minimizing risk of leaks and enhancing thermal conductivity. Indian companies and research institutions are working on cost-effective encapsulation methods feasible for aggressive environments. These innovations render PCMs more usable in commercial and industrial settings. Improved encapsulated PCMs are facilitating market growth in real-time energy management systems, especially where performance reliability and compact storage are a priority.
Challenges in the inorganic phase change material market in India are:
• High initial costs and limited price competitiveness: Even with long-term savings, the upfront cost of introducing PCMs is high, particularly for price-sensitive segments such as rural India. Materials, encapsulation, and integration technologies drive up initial investment. This is a barrier to mass adoption, especially in low-margin markets such as food delivery and small-scale building construction. User awareness on lifecycle cost advantages and scaling up production to reach economies of scale are required in addressing this challenge.
• Absence of standardization and certification procedures: India does not have standardized norms today for PCM quality, performance standards, and integration parameters. This causes both developers and consumers uncertainty, leading to a slower adoption. In the absence of proper guidelines, product comparison and performance testing continue to be challenging. Government-industry partnerships are required to implement certification protocols and encourage reputable vendors. This will instill confidence and lower barriers to entry for large-scale vertical implementation.
• Restricted industry knowledge and technical training: Most of the stakeholders in construction, logistics, and renewable industries lack awareness of PCM benefits or technical skills for integration. This leads to reluctance to invest in or test the technology. Pilot demonstrations, training programs, and knowledge-sharing platforms are needed to generate awareness. Fostering academia-industry collaborations will enable the development of trained professionals who can implement PCM-based solutions on various applications in India.
India’s inorganic phase change material market is being fueled by pressing demands in energy efficiency, sustainable construction, and temperature-sensitive logistics. Friendly policies and technology innovation are fueling this momentum. Yet, increased costs, absence of standards, and limited stakeholder awareness remain hindrances to adoption. Overcoming such challenges with government-industry collaboration, cost saving approaches, and focused education can unlock the entire market potential. Together, the drivers are guiding India towards a more energy-resilient future, while the challenges identify the way forward for improvement and market development inclusivity.
List of Inorganic Phase Change Material Market in India Companies
Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. Through these strategies, inorganic phase change material companies cater to increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the inorganic phase change material companies profiled in this report include:
• Company 1
• Company 2
• Company 3
• Company 4
• Company 5
• Company 6
• Company 7
• Company 8
• Company 9
• Company 10
Inorganic Phase Change Material Market in India by Segment
The study includes a forecast for the inorganic phase change material market in India by type and application.
Inorganic Phase Change Material Market in India by Type [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Non-Carbon-Based Materials:Salt Hydrates
• Non-Carbon-Based Materials:Metallics
• Others
Inorganic Phase Change Material Market in India by Application [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Architecture
• Textile
• Refrigeration & Logistics
• Others
Features of the Inorganic Phase Change Material Market in India
Market Size Estimates: Inorganic phase change material in India market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends and forecasts by various segments.
Segmentation Analysis: Inorganic phase change material in India market size by type and application in terms of value ($B).
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different type and application for the inorganic phase change material in India.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the inorganic phase change material in India.
Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.
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FAQ
Q1. What are the major drivers influencing the growth of the inorganic phase change material market in India?
Answer: The major drivers for this market are the growing focus on energy-efficient building solutions, the rising demand for thermal management in electronics, and the expansion in cold chain logistics for temperature-sensitive goods.
Q2. What are the major segments for inorganic phase change material market in India?
Answer: The future of the inorganic phase change material market in India looks promising with opportunities in the architecture, textile, and refrigeration & logistic markets.
Q3. Which inorganic phase change material market segment in India will be the largest in future?
Answer: Lucintel forecasts that non-carbon-based materials:salt hydrate is expected to witness the higher growth over the forecast period.
Q4. Do we receive customization in this report?
Answer: Yes, Lucintel provides 10% customization without any additional cost.
This report answers following 10 key questions:
Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the inorganic phase change material market in India by type (non-carbon-based materials:salt hydrates, non-carbon-based materials:metallics, and others), and application (architecture, textile, refrigeration & logistics, and others)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.4. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.5. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.6. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.7. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.8. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.9. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.10. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?
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