In a world increasingly reliant on infrastructure, machinery, and industrial assets, protecting materials from degradation is more important than ever. One of the most insidious and costly forms of degradation is corrosion—a natural electrochemical process that deteriorates metals and reduces structural integrity over time. To combat this challenge, the anti-corrosion coating market has emerged as a critical segment within the broader protective coatings industry, enabling longer lifespans, reduced maintenance, and improved safety for countless applications.

As per MRFR Analysis, the Global Automotive Plastics Market was valued at USD 29.5 Billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 30 Billion in 2023 to USD 42 Billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). The market is driven by the adoption of lightweight materials to meet stringent emission and fuel economy regulations, as well as the rising demand for fuel-efficient vehicles. Key applications include interior and exterior components, with polypropylene being the leading type due to its extensive use across various industries. The Asia-Pacific region dominated the market with over 45% share in 2021, driven by shifting production bases and increasing investments in advanced technologies.

Key Market Trends & Highlights

The automotive plastics market is witnessing significant growth due to various trends.

  • Automotive Plastics Market Size in 2022: USD 29.5 Billion.
  • Projected Market Size by 2030: USD 42 Billion.
  • Asia-Pacific accounted for over 45% of the market share in 2021.
  • CAGR during 2024-2032: 4.4%.

 

Key Companies in the Automotive Plastics market include

    • Teijin Ltd (Japan)
    • AkzoNobel N.V (Netherland)
    • Evonik Industries (Germany)
    • Johnson Controls (U.S.)
    • Magna International (Canada)
    • Momentive (U.S.)
    • Covestro AG (Germany)
    • The Dow Chemical Company (U.S.)
    • BASF SE (Germany)
    • SABIC (Saudi Arabia)

 

Major Product Types

  1. Epoxy Coatings
    • Known for their excellent adhesion and chemical resistance, epoxy coatings are widely used in marine, oil & gas, and water treatment applications.
  2. Polyurethane Coatings
    • These offer superior weather resistance, flexibility, and aesthetic appeal, making them ideal for automotive and infrastructure applications.
  3. Acrylic Coatings
    • Preferred for their cost-effectiveness and UV resistance, especially in moderate environments.
  4. Zinc-Based Coatings
    • Zinc-rich primers offer sacrificial protection, commonly used in bridges, shipyards, and heavy machinery.
  5. Alkyd Coatings
    • Used for general-purpose applications, offering decent protection at a lower cost.

Automotive Plastics Market Segmentation

Automotive Plastics Type Outlook

    • Polypropylene
    • Polyurethane
    • PVC
    • Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS)
    • Polyamide
    • Polycarbonate
    • Polymethyl Methacrylate
    • Others

Automotive Plastics Application Outlook

    • Interior
    • Exterior
    • Under the hood
    • Powertrain
    • Drivetrain
    • Instruments Panel
    • Electronics
    • Others

Automotive Plastics Regional Outlook

    • North America
      • US
      • Canada
    • Europe
      • Germany
      • France
      • UK
      • Italy
      • Spain
      • Rest of Europe
    • Asia-Pacific
      • China
      • Japan
      • India
      • Australia
      • South Korea
      • Australia
      • Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • Rest of the World
      • Middle East
      • Africa
      • Latin America

 

By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. Asia Pacific dominated the market and accounted for a revenue share of over 45.0% in 2021. Shifting production bases from developed regions to emerging economies of Asia Pacific, particularly in China, India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, is expected to boost the market growth. Expanding manufacturing base and increasing investments in advanced technologies for vehicular production are expected to bring about a new era of automobiles, positively influencing the market for automotive plastics. Consumers in Europe and APAC are highly conscious of fuel efficiency. This has also driven the demand for sustainable plastics. For instance, in November 2021, the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and two other public sector oil companies declared plans to build 22,000 charging stations for electric vehicles over the next three to five years.

Future Outlook

The anti-corrosion coating market is poised for sustained growth due to the rising need for durability and asset protection in increasingly demanding environments. As urbanization continues and industries become more conscious of sustainability and cost-efficiency, the demand for advanced, high-performance coatings will only accelerate.

The integration of smart materials, AI in surface treatment, and green chemistry is likely to redefine the industry landscape in the coming decade. Regions like Asia-Pacific and Latin America offer vast untapped potential due to growing infrastructure investments and industrial development.