South African UPR Market Trends and Forecasts
Lucintel finds that the future of the South African UPR material market looks promising with opportunities in construction, pipe and tank, marine, transportation, and electrical and electronics end use industries. South African UPR market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 2% 2025 to 2031. The major driver for South African UPR market is increasing demand for UPR in the construction industry as there is an increasing use of light weight materials, and advanced properties of UPR as compared to other materials.
Most of the South African UPRs are made from raw materials like glycols (e.g., propylene glycol, diethylene glycol), unsaturated acids or anhydrides (e.g., maleic anhydride, fumaric acid), and saturated acids or anhydrides (e.g., phthalic anhydride, isophthalic acid). To reduce viscosity and enable crosslinking during the curing process, typically a reactive diluent such as styrene monomer is used. Additionally, there are inhibitors (such as hydroquinone) used to control the polymerization process and fillers or additives in order to improve particular properties of resins.
• Lucintel forecasts construction will remain the largest end use industry by value and volume due to increasing increased demand for infrastructure development and urbanization. Transportation is expected to witness highest growth over the forecast period.
• Hand layup & spray up is expected to remain the largest manufacturing process segment because it is the most basic and versatile process among all the fabricating processes.
Country wise Outlook for the South African UPR Market
The South African UPR market is witnessing substantial growth, driven by increased demand from various industries such as construction, transportation, and pipe and tank. Major players in the market are expanding their operations and forming strategic partnerships to strengthen their positions.
Emerging Trends in the South African UPR Market
The South African UPR market is evolving in response to growing demands across multiple sectors such as construction, marine, and infrastructure. Innovations in environmentally friendly formulations, improved performance properties, and local market strategies are shaping the direction of this market. These shifts highlight how UPR is adapting to meet the specific challenges and opportunities of South Africa’s dynamic industrial landscape.
• Rise in Demand from Construction and Infrastructure Projects: South Africa’s booming construction sector spanning affordable housing, public infrastructure, and rural development is driving the need for resilient, cost-effective materials. UPR is increasingly used in roofing, wall panels, and prefabricated structures due to its lightweight nature, durability, and energy efficiency.
• Growth of Sustainable and Bio-Based UPR Formulations: There’s a clear shift toward eco-friendly resin options, including bio-based UPR and recycled-content formulations. These sustainable alternatives are gaining traction as the industry addresses mounting environmental concerns and strives for circular economy practices
• Stronger Presence in Marine and Industrial Applications: UPR continues to represent a core material in marine manufacturing boats, yachts, pipes, and tanks thanks to its corrosion resistance and structural reliability. In addition, its use in industrial sectors like oil and gas and wastewater treatment is rising
• Advances in UV-Stabilized, Fire-Resistant and Specialized Formulations: Technological improvements in UPR include UV-stabilized resins suited for extreme outdoor environments, improved fire resistance, faster curing times, and reduced VOC emissions. These innovations broaden UPR’s applicability across diverse environments and industry standards
• Supportive Government Policies and Local Standards: The South African government is fostering industry growth through composite material frameworks and expanded certification standards. Efforts by agencies like the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) support trust and uptake in industries such as housing, utilities, and manufacturing
The South African UPR market is embracing new opportunities as a result of construction growth, a push for sustainability, expanding marine and industrial applications, product innovations, and a favourable regulatory environment. These emerging trends position UPR as a versatile and increasingly vital material, well-suited to meet both performance and environmental demands across the country’s evolving industries.
Recent Developments by the South African UPR Market
The unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) market in South Africa is gaining momentum as industries look for cost-effective, durable, and sustainable material solutions. Growing demand from sectors such as construction, marine, and utilities is shaping the direction of the market. At the same time, advancements in formulations and processing technologies are expanding the potential applications of UPR in the country.
• Shift Toward Eco-Friendly Resins: There is an increasing focus on developing eco-friendly UPR formulations with lower environmental impact. Resins with reduced volatile organic compounds (VOCs), better recyclability, and partially bio-based content are entering the market, supporting South Africa’s drive for greener industrial practices.
• Strengthening of Local Partnerships and Distribution: To improve availability and accessibility, companies in South Africa are forming partnerships and expanding distribution networks. These collaborations are making UPR more widely available for industries such as automotive, construction, and manufacturing, while also ensuring timely supply for local demand.
• Rising Demand from Construction Sector: The construction industry is becoming one of the fastest-growing consumers of UPR. The material is increasingly being used in building panels, roofing products, and infrastructure components due to its durability, affordability, and ease of installation—qualities that align with South Africa’s urban development needs.
• Advancements in Resin Formulations and Processing: Innovations in resin chemistry and processing technologies are improving the performance of UPR. Developments such as faster curing systems, higher fire resistance, and advanced molding techniques are enabling more efficient production and better-quality end products for industrial applications.
• Expansion into Marine and Utility Applications: UPR is also seeing stronger adoption in marine and utility-related sectors. Its corrosion resistance and durability make it suitable for applications like water tanks, sanitation products, boat building, and infrastructure for energy and utilities—areas that are important for South Africa’s economic and social development.
The South African UPR market is evolving rapidly, supported by sustainability efforts, industrial partnerships, and technological improvements. With rising demand across construction, marine, and utility sectors, UPR is set to play a larger role in addressing the country’s material needs. These developments position UPR as a versatile and reliable solution for South Africa’s growing industries and infrastructure projects.
Strategic Growth Opportunities for South African UPR Market
South Africa’s unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) market is evolving, supported by the country’s growing demand for lightweight, cost-effective, and durable materials in industries such as automotive, construction, and infrastructure. The shift toward sustainability, combined with South Africa’s role as a regional manufacturing hub, presents promising opportunities for UPR suppliers. By aligning with local industrial trends and global sustainability goals, UPR producers can expand their market share and strengthen their presence in the region.
• Expansion in Automotive Composites: The South African automotive sector being one of the largest in Africa, UPR suppliers have an opportunity to expand into body panels, interior parts, and structural composites. The push for lighter and more fuel-efficient vehicles makes UPR an attractive material for automakers and component manufacturers.
• Growth in Construction and Infrastructure: South Africa is investing heavily in infrastructure development, including housing, transport networks, and renewable energy projects. UPR-based composites can play a vital role in applications such as pipes, tanks, roofing sheets, and panels, offering durability and cost efficiency in large-scale construction.
• Sustainability and Bio-Based Resins: Environmental concerns and government initiatives to reduce emissions are creating a strong case for bio-based and eco-friendly UPR formulations. Suppliers that invest in sustainable alternatives can gain a competitive edge, especially as industries in South Africa adopt greener materials to meet international standards.
• Penetration into Marine and Wind Energy Sectors: South Africa’s long coastline and growing focus on renewable energy create demand for UPR composites in marine applications and wind turbine components. UPR’s corrosion resistance and adaptability make it suitable for boats, tanks, and wind blades, providing suppliers with opportunities to diversify into these high-growth markets.
• Regional Export and Distribution Hub Potential: South Africa’s established manufacturing base and strategic geographic position make it a natural export hub for UPR in the Sub-Saharan region. By strengthening production and distribution networks, suppliers can expand their reach to neighboring markets, creating new revenue streams while positioning South Africa as a composites hub in Africa.
The South African UPR market offers multiple strategic growth opportunities, ranging from automotive and construction to renewable energy and regional exports. By focusing on sustainable resin innovations, expanding into emerging applications, and leveraging South Africa’s role as a regional hub, UPR suppliers can achieve long-term growth. Aligning these strategies with local industrial priorities and global sustainability trends will be key to unlocking the market’s full potential
South African UPR Market Drivers and Challenges
The South African unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) market is witnessing steady growth, driven by the expanding automotive, construction, and wind energy sectors. UPR is favored for its cost-effectiveness, versatility, and lightweight properties, making it suitable for a range of industrial and automotive applications. Despite its potential, the market also faces certain operational and regulatory challenges that suppliers need to navigate strategically.
The key drivers for this market include:
• Growth in Automotive and Transportation Sector: The rising demand for lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles in South Africa is a major driver for UPR consumption. Automakers are increasingly adopting UPR-based composites for body panels, structural components, and under-the-hood parts, helping to improve vehicle efficiency while reducing overall weight.
• Expansion of Construction and Infrastructure Projects: The ongoing development of commercial and residential buildings, as well as infrastructure projects, is boosting UPR demand. Composites made from UPR are used in pipes, panels, and roofing materials due to their durability, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness, making them an attractive choice for the construction sector.
• Focus on Renewable Energy Applications: The growth of the wind energy sector in South Africa has created opportunities for UPR in wind turbine blades and related components. UPR’s lightweight and high-strength characteristics make it suitable for renewable energy applications, supporting the country’s shift toward cleaner energy sources.
The challenges facing this market include:
• Volatility in Raw Material Prices: Fluctuating costs of raw materials such as styrene and other petrochemical derivatives can significantly impact UPR production costs. This volatility can affect pricing strategies for suppliers and limit profitability, especially in price-sensitive markets.
• Environmental and Regulatory Constraints: Strict environmental regulations and increasing pressure to reduce VOC emissions pose challenges for conventional UPR formulations. Suppliers must invest in low-VOC, styrene-free, or bio-based alternatives to comply with regulations, which can increase production costs and require technological adaptation.
The South African UPR market is supported by strong demand from the automotive, construction, and renewable energy sectors, making it an attractive growth segment. However, challenges such as raw material price volatility and stringent environmental regulations require strategic planning and innovation. Suppliers that can provide sustainable, high-performance, and cost-efficient UPR solutions are well-positioned to capitalize on the market’s growth opportunities.
List of South African UPR 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 UPR companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the South African UPR companies profiled in this report include.
• NCS South Africa
• KZN Resins
• Atlin Chemicals
• Scott Bader Co. Ltd.
These companies have established themselves as leaders in the South African UPR market, with extensive product portfolios, South African presence, and strong research and development capabilities. They continually strive to enhance their market positions through strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and product innovations.
The market share dynamics within the South African UPR market are evolving, with the entry of new players and the emergence of innovative South African UPR market technologies. Additionally, collaborations between material suppliers, manufacturers, and end-users are fostering technological advancements and expanding market opportunities.
South African UPR Market by Segment
The construction and transportation segment are the major growth areas for the South African UPR market, owing to increased urbanization as well as government projects. Also, corrosion-resistant properties are why marine and transportation sectors are increasingly adopting UPR materials. The study includes a forecast for the South African UPR market by end use industry, product type, and manufacturing process as follows:
By End Use Industry [Value ($M) and Volume (M lbs.) Analysis for 2019 – 2031]:
• Pipe and Tank
• Transportation
• Construction
• Marine
• Electrical and Electronics
• Other End Use Industries
By Product Type [Value ($M) and Volume (M lbs.) Analysis for 2019 – 2031]:
• Orthophthalic
• Isophthalic
• DCPD and Other Product Types
By Manufacturing Process [Value ($M) and Volume (M lbs.) Analysis for 2019 – 2031]:
• Hand Layup & Spray-Up
• Filament Winding
• Compression Molding
• RTM/Injection Molding
• Pultrusion
• Other Manufacturing Processes
Features of South African UPR Market
• Market Size Estimates: South African UPR market size estimation in terms of value ($M) and volume (M lbs.).
• Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2019-2024) and forecast (2025-2031) by various segments.
• Segmentation Analysis: Market size by end use industry, product type, and manufacturing process.
• Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different end use industry, product type, and manufacturing process for the South African UPR market.
• Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape for the South African UPR market.
• Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.
If you are looking to expand your business in South African UPR or adjacent markets, then contact us. We have done hundreds of strategic consulting projects in market entry, opportunity screening, due diligence, supply chain analysis, M & A, and more.
FAQ
Q1. What is the growth forecast for South African UPR market?
Answer: South African UPR market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2% from 2024 to 2031.
Q2. What are the major drivers influencing the growth of the South African UPR market?
Answer: The major driver for South African UPR market is increasing demand for UPR in the construction industry as there is an increasing use of light weight materials, and advanced properties of UPR as compared to other materials.
Q3. What are the major applications or end use industries for South African UPR?
Answer: Construction and transportation are the major end use industries for South African UPR.
Q4. What are the emerging trends in South African UPR market?
Answer: Emerging trends, which have a direct impact on the dynamics of the South African UPR market, includes rise in demand from construction and infrastructure projects, growth of sustainable and bio-based upr formulations, stronger presence in marine and industrial applications, advances in uv-stabilized, fire-resistant and specialized formulations, and supportive government policies and local standards.
Q5. Who are the key South African UPR companies?
Answer: Some of the key South African UPR companies are as follows:
• NCS South Africa
• KZN Resins
• Atlin Chemicals
• Scott Bader Co. Ltd.
Q6. 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 potential, high growth opportunities for the South African UPR market by end use industry (pipe and tank, transportation, construction, marine, electrical and electronics, and other end use industries), product type (orthophthalic, isophthalic, and DCPD & other product types), manufacturing process (hand-lay up & spray-up, filament winding, compression molding, RTM/injection molding, pultrusion, and other manufacturing processes)?
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 drivers and challenges of the market?
Q.4 What are the business risks and threats to the market?
Q.5 What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.6 What are 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 being implemented by key players for business growth?
Q.9 What are some of the competitive products and processes in this area and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share via material or product substitution?
Q.10 What M & A activities have taken place in the last 7 years in this market?