Unsaturated Polyester Resin in the Global Automotive Composites Market Trends and Forecasts
Lucintel finds that the future of the unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites material market looks promising with opportunities in various applications, including pickups, closure panels, body panels, fenders, GOR (grille opening reinforcement), heat shields, and headlamp reflectors. The UPR in the global automotive composites market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 3% 2024 to 2031. The major driver for unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites market growth are the increasing demand for lightweight materials, and performance benefits of reinforced composites over rival materials. UPR composites with properties such as easy to process, high tensile strength, lightweight, good corrosion resistance and surface tension are ideal for manufacturing lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles.
Unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) in the global automotive composites market is primarily derived from raw materials such as styrene, maleic anhydride, and phthalic anhydride, along with various catalysts and additives. The price of UPR fluctuates based on factors like raw material costs, manufacturing efficiency, and market demand. Compared to other resin types used in automotive composites, UPR generally offers competitive pricing, balancing cost-effectiveness with desirable mechanical and processing properties for a wide range of applications in the automotive industry.
• Lucintel forecasts that others will remain the largest application over the forecast period due to increasing penetration of composites materials in automotive applications.
• SMC (sheet molding compound) material in the global automotive composites will remain the largest segment over the forecast period because of its greater flexural strength and tensile strength than BMC. SMC also has longer fiber length and higher fiber content components in body and closure panel applications.
• North America is expected to remain the largest region over the forecast period due to growth in end use industries.
Country wise Outlook for the Unsaturated Polyester Resin in the Global Automotive Composites Market
The unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites market is witnessing substantial growth globally, driven by increased demand from various applications such as pickups, closure panels, body panels, and fenders etc. Major players in the market are expanding their operations and forming strategic partnerships to strengthen their positions. Below image highlights recent developments by major cunsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites producers in key regions/countries: the USA, Germany, China, India, and Brazil.
Emerging Trends in the Unsaturated Polyester Resin in the Global Automotive Composites Market
Unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) continues to play a crucial role in the automotive composites market due to its cost-effectiveness, versatility, and compatibility with high-volume processes like SMC and BMC. However, the industry’s transition toward electrification, stricter environmental regulations, and increasing demand for lightweight, high-performance parts are driving significant innovations in UPR formulations and applications. These shifts are shaping the future of automotive composites, making UPR more sustainable, efficient, and performance-oriented.
• Low-Styrene & Low-VOC Formulations Gain Momentum: Regulations and OEM sustainability goals are pushing the development of UPR systems with reduced styrene content, alternative reactive diluents, and advanced scavengers. These new formulations help lower emissions, improve workplace safety, and meet regulatory standards while maintaining flow, reactivity, and surface quality. Adoption is particularly strong in enclosed molding processes such as SMC and BMC.
• EV-Ready Flame-Retardant and Thermal-Stable UPR: Electrification is driving demand for halogen-free flame-retardant UPR that can withstand heat, smoke, and toxicity challenges. These specialized resins are being designed for battery enclosures, e-motor housings, and high-voltage component covers. By combining glass fiber SMC/BMC with mineral and flame-retardant synergists, manufacturers can meet UL certifications and OEM fire safety requirements while retaining moldability and paint-ready finishes.
• Fast-Cure, Low-Temperature & High-Flow Chemistries: Automotive manufacturing requires higher throughput, and resin innovation is keeping pace. Peroxide systems, accelerators, and thickeners are being optimized for rapid curing at lower temperatures, reducing both cycle time and energy consumption. High-flow, low-shrink UPR formulations support the production of complex geometries and Class-A surface finishes, enabling part consolidation and improved efficiency in the press shop.
• Sustainability Through Recycled and Bio-Based Feedstocks: Sustainability has become a priority for OEMs, and UPR suppliers are responding with resins made from recycled PET (r-PET) glycols and bio-derived monomers. These solutions help reduce carbon footprints and support circular economy goals. Life-cycle assessment (LCA)-driven design, coupled with research into chemical recycling methods, is paving the way for more environmentally responsible UPR solutions without sacrificing performance.
• Performance Enhancement with Hybrid Reinforcements and Additives: Advanced UPR systems are increasingly combined with hybrid reinforcements (such as glass with localized carbon fiber) to balance strength and cost. Nano-silica, graphene, and clay additives are being integrated to improve toughness, surface durability, and barrier properties. Additionally, conductive and EMI-shielding fillers are emerging for EV electronics housings, helping to improve NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) and durability.
Unsaturated polyester resin is evolving to remain competitive in the changing automotive landscape. With innovations in low-VOC formulations, flame-retardant systems for EVs, faster curing chemistries, sustainable feedstocks, and enhanced performance through hybrid reinforcements, UPR continues to meet the industry’s demands for lightweight, safe, and cost-effective solutions. By aligning with sustainability and performance targets, UPR is set to strengthen its role in next-generation automotive composites.
Recent Developments by the Unsaturated Polyester Resin in the Global Automotive Composites Suppliers
The unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) market is playing an increasingly important role in automotive composites because of its lightweight, cost-effective, and versatile properties. Automakers are turning to UPR-based composites to meet the demand for lighter vehicles, improved fuel efficiency, and stricter sustainability standards. To support this shift, resin manufacturers and suppliers are focusing on innovations, greener formulations, and stronger partnerships to enhance the performance and sustainability of automotive applications.
• Shift Toward Bio-Based UPR: One of the most significant developments is the move toward bio-based resins made from renewable feedstocks. These formulations help reduce carbon emissions compared to conventional fossil-based resins, making them highly attractive for sustainable automotive manufacturing. They also offer comparable performance, ensuring that eco-friendly materials can be used without sacrificing strength or durability.
• Growth of Low-VOC, Styrene-Free, and Hybrid Resins: There is rising demand for resins with lower emissions and reduced environmental impact. Low-VOC and styrene-free UPRs are being developed to improve workplace safety and meet regulatory requirements. At the same time, hybrid UPRs with improved thermal resistance and strength are being introduced, making them suitable for demanding automotive components.
• Advances in Nano-Enhanced and High-Performance UPR: Suppliers are increasingly using nanotechnology to enhance the properties of UPR. Nano-reinforced resins show better tensile strength, toughness, and impact resistance, allowing them to be used in high-performance automotive parts that face stress, vibration, and heat. This makes UPR more competitive with other advanced composite materials.
• Global Expansion and Industry Consolidation: To keep pace with rising demand, many suppliers are expanding production capacity and entering new regions. At the same time, mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships are reshaping the market, helping suppliers strengthen their supply chains and broaden their reach. This expansion ensures a steady supply of UPR for automotive composite manufacturers worldwide.
• Focus on Recycling and Circular Economy: Sustainability is also driving efforts to integrate recycled materials into UPR production. Some resins now incorporate recycled plastics, such as PET, to reduce environmental impact. These developments support circular economy goals and help automakers achieve greener supply chains while reducing overall carbon footprints.
The latest developments in UPR for automotive composites highlight the industry’s commitment to both performance and sustainability. Bio-based formulations, low-emission resins, nano-enhanced technologies, global expansions, and recycling initiatives are collectively shaping the future of automotive composites. These innovations position UPR as a versatile and eco-friendly solution, supporting the automotive industry’s transition toward lighter, more efficient, and environmentally responsible vehicles.
Strategic Growth Opportunities for UPR in the Global Automotive Market
The automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation, driven by the demand for lightweight vehicles, stricter emission standards, and the rise of electric mobility. Unsaturated polyester resin (UPR), with its versatility, cost efficiency, and adaptability, is well positioned to play a central role in this shift. For suppliers and manufacturers, the evolving landscape presents several strategic growth opportunities to expand the use of UPR in automotive composites.
• Lightweighting for Fuel Efficiency and EV Range: The growing emphasis on reducing vehicle weight to improve fuel efficiency and extend the range of electric vehicles offers a strong growth opportunity for UPR. By replacing heavier metals with UPR-based composites, automakers can achieve significant weight reductions, making vehicles more efficient and cost-effective.
• Expansion into Electric Vehicle Components: The transition to electric mobility creates demand for new composite applications such as battery enclosures, insulation panels, and lightweight structural supports. UPR, with its adaptability and durability, can be engineered for these specific EV components, offering suppliers a chance to diversify their applications.
• Development of Sustainable and Bio-Based Resins: Environmental regulations and consumer preferences are driving demand for eco-friendly materials. Investing in bio-based and recycled-content UPR formulations allows suppliers to align with global sustainability goals. This shift not only enhances brand reputation but also opens doors to partnerships with automakers committed to reducing their carbon footprint.
• Penetration in Emerging Markets: Rapid industrialization and growth in vehicle production in regions such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East present untapped opportunities. Expanding distribution networks, forming local partnerships, and setting up production facilities in these markets can give UPR suppliers a competitive advantage.
• Advances in High-Performance and Nano-Enhanced UPR: Technological innovation offers another pathway for growth. Developing nano-enhanced or high-performance UPRs that provide superior heat resistance, toughness, and durability can unlock new opportunities in under-the-hood applications and high-stress automotive parts. This positions UPR as a viable alternative to more expensive advanced composites.
The global automotive market presents a wide array of growth opportunities for unsaturated polyester resin. Lightweighting, electric vehicle applications, sustainable resin development, expansion into emerging regions, and technological innovation are key areas where UPR suppliers can strategically expand their presence. By aligning their strategies with these trends, suppliers can strengthen their role in shaping the future of automotive composites while ensuring both performance and sustainability.
List of Unsaturated Polyester Resin Companies in the Global Automotive Composites Market
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. With these strategies unsaturated polyester resin in the global Automotive Composites companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites companies profiled in this report includes.
• Polynt group
• AOC (Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd)
• INEOS Composites (KPS Capital)
• Covestro AG
• Tianhe Resin Co Ltd.
These companies have established themselves as leaders in the unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites industry, with extensive product portfolios, global 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 unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites market are evolving, with the entry of new players and the emergence of innovative carbon fiber technologies. Additionally, collaborations between material suppliers, manufacturers, and end-users are fostering technological advancements and expanding market opportunities
Unsaturated Polyester Resin in the Global Automotive Composites Market by Segment
In the global automotive composites market, several major segments of unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) are experiencing significant growth. One prominent segment is the development of bio-based UPR formulations, driven by increasing environmental regulations and consumer demand for sustainable materials. Another growing segment involves high-performance UPRs tailored for lightweight automotive components, aiming to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce vehicle weight. Additionally, there is a rising trend in the adoption of UPRs with improved mechanical properties and durability, meeting the rigorous performance requirements of modern automotive applications. These segments reflect a broader industry shift towards more sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced UPR solutions in automotive composites.
This unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites market report provides a comprehensive analysis of the market's current trends, growth drivers, challenges, and future prospects in all major segments like above. It covers various segments, including material type, and applications. The report offers insights into regional dynamics, highlighting the major markets for unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites and their growth potentials. The study includes trends and forecast for the global unsaturated polyester resin in The Global Automotive Composites market by application, material type, and region as follows:
By Material Type [Value ($M) and Volume (M lbs.) Analysis for 2019 – 2031]:
• SMC
• BMC
By Region [Value ($M) and Volume (M lbs.) Analysis for 2019 – 2031]:
• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific & Rest of the World
Features of Unsaturated Polyester Resin in the Global Automotive Composites Market
• Market Size Estimates: Unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites 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 and regions.
• Segmentation Analysis: Market size by application, product type, and region.
• Regional Analysis: Unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Rest of the World.
• Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different application, product type, and regions for the unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites market.
• Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape for the unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites market.
• Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.
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FAQ
Q1. What is the growth forecast for unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites market?
Answer: The unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3% from 2024 to 2031.
Q2. What are the major drivers influencing the growth of the unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites market?
Answer: The major driver for unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites market growth are the increasing demand for lightweight materials, and performance benefits of reinforced composites over rival materials. UPR composites with properties such as easy to process, high tensile strength, lightweight, good corrosion resistance and surface tension are ideal for manufacturing lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles.
Q3. What are the major applications or end use industries for unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites?
Answer: Body Panels and headlamp reflectors and are the major applications for unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites.
Q4. What are the emerging trends in unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites market?
Answer: Emerging trends, which have a direct impact on the dynamics of the industry, includes low-styrene & low-voc formulations gain momentum, ev-ready flame-retardant and thermal-stable upr, fast-cure, low-temperature & high-flow chemistries, sustainability through recycled and bio-based feedstocks, and performance enhancement with hybrid reinforcements and additives.
Q5. Who are the key unsaturated polyester resin companies in the global automotive composites market?
Answer: Some of the key unsaturated polyester resin companies in the global automotive composites market are as follows:
• Polynt group
• AOC (Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd)
• INEOS Enterprises
• Covestro AG
• Tianhe Resin Co Ltd.
Q6. Which unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites product segment will be the largest in future?
Answer: Lucintel forecasts that SMC unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites will remain the largest segment over the forecast period because of its greater flexural strength and tensile strength than BMC. SMC also has longer fiber length and higher fiber content components in body and closure panel applications.
Q7: In unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites market, which region is expected to be the largest in next 5 years?
Answer: North America is expected to remain the largest region over next 5 years.
Q8. Do we receive customization in this report?
Answer: Yes, Lucintel provides 10% Customization Without any Additional Cost.
This report answers following 11 key questions:
Q.1 What are some of the most promising potential, high growth opportunities for unsaturated polyester resin in the global automotive composites market by application (pick up, closure panels, body panels, fender, GOR, heat shields, headlamp reflectors, and other applications), material (SMC and BMC), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Rest of the World)?
Q. 2 Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3 Which regions will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.4 What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the drivers and challenges of the market?
Q.5 What are the business risks and threats to the market?
Q.6 What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.7 What are the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.8 What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.9 Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are being implemented by key players for business growth?
Q.10 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.11 What M & A activities have taken place in the last 6 years in this market?