Silicone Gel Market Leaders & New Revenue Pockets

New product launches and expansions are the key strategies adopted by the leading market players

Companies have adopted both organic and inorganic growth strategies such as expansions, mergers, and new product launches to strengthen their positions in the global silicone gel market. New product launches and expansions are the key strategies adopted by the industry players to strengthen their position in the global silicone gel market. These strategies together accounted for 77.8% of all growth strategies adopted by market players between 2013 and 2016. Companies adopted the new product launch strategy, which accounted for 38.9% share of all market developments, to increase their product portfolio. The mergers and investments & partnership strategies together accounted for 22.2% of all the growth strategies in the market.

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The Asia-Pacific and South American regions were the most active, in terms of strategic initiatives undertaken between 2013 and 2016. Expansion was the most favored strategy in the Asia-Pacific region between 2013 and 2016. Most of the companies have established distribution networks and R&D centers in this emerging market.

The global silicone gel market involves big industry players. Dow Corning Corporation (U.S.) is the leading player in the global silicone gel market and accounted for 24.1% market share in 2015. Dow Corning Corporation (U.S.) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company. It offers silicone-based products to industries including personal care, agriculture, electrical & electronics, automotive, textile & leathers, transportation, paints & coating, and others.

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd. (Japan) has gained a strong foothold in the global silicone gel market. It is focusing on organic growth and has expanded its silicone business by establishing its plant and a technical center in Japan in October 2016 and enhanced its presence and operations in the silicone gel market.

Wacker Chemie AG (Germany) captured the third-largest share in the silicone gel market through various growth strategies, such as expansions and new product launches, to meet the growing demand from customers. Wacker launched BELSIL EG 5, a silicone elastomer gel and SILPURAN 2117, which is a high tack silicone adhesive gel developed for medical applications. Wacker has a good hold in the silicone gel market and is thriving to become the number one in the same. The company has expanded its silicone production capacity in South America to cater the regional demand for silicone-based products.

Increasing demand of silicone gel in new applications and high growth of electrical & electronics industry is fueling the growth of the silicone gel market

The global silicone gel market is projected to register a CAGR of 6.9% in terms of value, from 2016 to 2026. It is expected to reach USD 1.96 billion by 2026. The silicone gel market is growing due to the increasing demand of silicone gel in various end-use industries for new applications and the high growth of electrical & electronics industry which will propel the demand for silicone gel in the near future. Fluctuation in the raw material price is a major challenge for the global silicone gel market.

In most of the countries across the globe, silicone gel market is regulated for breast implant application. In 2013, FDA approved two silicone gel filled breast implant manufacturers to use more cohesive silicone gel as compared to their previously approved in 2006. These are approved on the fulfillment of the condition that the manufacturers conduct a series of post-approval studies for safety and effectiveness.

In 2015, the electrical & electronics industry dominated the silicone gel market and is expected to grow at the highest CAGR both in terms of volume and value. This growth is primarily attributed to the increasing demand of silicone gel in various applications of protective coating, encapsulation, and potting agent for sub-industries such as automotive electronics, LED lighting, high voltage (HV) insulation, and photovoltaic sectors. In addition, silicone gel increases heat resistance and reliability in the smaller electronics component and ensures profitability for the manufacturers. Medical & pharmaceuticals is the second-largest end-use industry where silicone gel is widely used in the implants and scar treatment applications. In recent years, consumption of silicone gel in the cosmetics & personal care and other industries that include agriculture, footwear, aerospace, and defense has increased at a significant rate.

Globally, APAC is the largest market with respect to demand as well as product innovation in terms of quality and application development. The market for silicone gel is expected to grow in APAC as the well-established and most potential end-use industries of silicone gel are driving the demand in this region. Increasing demand for silicone gel in the electrical & electronics and medical & pharmaceuticals end-use industries in China, Japan, and South Korea is driving the silicone gel market in Asia-Pacific. China dominated the silicone gel market in APAC due to the high volume requirement of silicone gel in all end-use industries and its low cost and abundant availability in the country. In addition, factors such as high demand from end-use industries, competitive manufacturing costs, and high economic growth rate are driving the silicone gel market in the region.

There are several companies involved in silicone gel manufacturing such as Dow Corning Corporation (U.S.), Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd. (Japan), Wacker Chemie AG (Germany), Momentive Performance Materials Inc. (U.S.), and Bluestar Silicones (France). Expansions and new product launches are the major strategies that helped the companies to enhance their regional reach and their product portfolio of silicone gel. Mergers, investments & partnerships, and R&D also contributed toward the growth of the market players between 2013 and 2016.

Factors that Impact on the Glycerin Market Industry in Upcoming Years !

The growth of the glycerin market from USD 2.19 billion in 2015 to USD 3.12 billion by 2021 at a CAGR of 6.8%. Growing use of glycerin in personal care, food & beverages, and pharmaceuticals & healthcare segments is expected to drive the market over the next five years. Glycerin acts as a substitute for propylene glycol in cosmetics, food & beverages, and electronic cigarette industries. Glycerin is also used in producing propylene glycol, which is used as antifreeze when leakage leads to contamination of food or any other product, and is used as a substitute for sorbitol as a plasticizer across various industries. It is effective, inexpensive, and makes the resulting plastic flexible even at very low temperatures, which quality is required in a freezer wrap.

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The glycerin market is expected to witness a high growth rate from 2016 to 2021, in terms of value. The key players in the glycerin market are Emery Oleochemicals (Malaysia), IOI Oleochemicals (Malaysia), KLK Berhad (Malaysia), Wilmar International (Singapore), and Godrej Industries (India). These players have adopted various strategies to expand their global presence and increase their market shares. Expansions & agreements, mergers & acquisitions and joint ventures are some of the major strategies adopted by the market players to achieve growth in the glycerin market.

The growth of the glycerin market was largely influenced by adoption of the expansions, mergers and acquisitions strategies in the past few years. 2015 experienced a combination of all strategies being used by the major players in the market.

Emery Oleochemicals is a major industry player in the glycerin market. The company engages in manufacturing natural-based chemicals from fats and oils, and offers bio-lubricants, agrochemical formulations, green polymers additives, eco-friendly polyols, oleobasics, and home & personal wellness products. Glycerin is included in the oleobasics product portfolio of the company, which has strong partnerships with Sime Darby Plantations and PTT Global Chemical Company Limited.

IOI Oleochemicals focuses on palm oil and other feedstock plantations and resource-based manufacturing business, which comprises of three segments, namely, oleochemicals, refineries, and specialty fats & oils. IOI Oleochemicals mainly adopted acquisitions as a key strategy in the glycerin market. In 2015, the company announced the acquisition of Cremer’s oleochemicals manufacturing business in Germany by its subsidiary, Alstersee V GmbH (IOI Oleo GmbH). 

The global market for glycerin is projected to reach USD 3.12 billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. The global glycerin industry is witnessing growth due to the increasing applications and increasing demand in the Asia-Pacific region, mainly from China, Thailand, Malaysia, and India.

Growing use of glycerin as a platform chemical due to its easy availability and lower cost is expected to lead to the growth in demand for glycerin over the next few years. High investments are witnessed across industries in R&D to come up with new formulations of chemicals, which can accommodate the cost of these conversion processes and help to generate higher profits.

Fat splitting is expected to witness fastest growth over the next five years. This is a method for producing fatty acids with glycerin as a by-product, whereby the steam molecule breaks fatty acid from its triglyceride molecular structure. Growing preference for natural ingredients in personal & beauty care products among consumers is expected to benefit the growth of glycerin produced through fat splitting or hydrolysis.

Glycerin produced from various plant lipids is called vegetable glycerin. Typical plant oils used to produce glycerin are palm oils, soy oils, coconut oils, and other oils. The growing demand for naturally derived products is expected to benefit the demand for glycerin produced from vegetable oils.

Rise in technical grade glycerin in manufacturing various chemicals is expected to benefit the segment. Technical grade glycerin acts as a platform chemical for the production of chemical intermediates. Increased use of chemicals such as 1,3 propanediol, alkyd resins, propylene glycol, and epichlorohydrin in end-use industries such as tobacco, furniture, construction, and paint & coatings are expected to drive the market for technical grade glycerin.

In terms of application, the market for glycerin used in manufacturing chemical intermediates is expected to register the highest growth. Refined glycerin is mostly used in personal care, food & beverages, and pharmaceuticals industries.

The market in the Asia-Pacific region is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2016 to 2021. Increasing demand for glycerin for manufacturing chemical intermediates in emerging countries such as India, China, and Southeast Asian countries is expected to drive the glycerin market. Chemical manufacturing hubs in the region are expected to lead to an increase in demand for glycerin. A steady rise in the consumption of glycerin in personal care and beauty care products has been witnessed in these countries during the past few years.

Bright Future Predicted for the Global Automotive Composites Market in the Coming Years

With the new technologies being introduced every day and upgrading of the existing ones, the automotive industry has seen immense growth in the past few years. The rising need for meeting the environmental norms, constant efforts are being made to reduce carbon emissions and lessen down the fuel consumption by reducing the weight of vehicles, keeping the safety requirements in mind. Vehicle weight is an important aspect to enhance the performance of a vehicle. Therefore, these automotive composites help in increasing the fuel economy by a significant margin by reducing the vehicle weight. The automotive composites are majorly used in the manufacturing of vehicles like cars, trolleys, and trucks, which make them around 60% lighter than other materials such as steel or iron, thus helping in maintaining the stiffness and strength. Moreover, they are also corrosion resistant unlike steel, which gets corroded easily.

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One of the major market players such as BMW has been investing actively in production of carbon fiber, along with looking at the options like bonding carbon fiber with lightweight steels in order to reduce the weight without increasing the cost.

According to the researchers at MarketsandMarkets, the global automotive composite market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.50% between 2014 and 2019, reaching a value of USD 7,142.37 Million by 2019.

Based on type, carbon fiber composite is the fastest-growing segment, owing to the high demand for chassis & powertrain components application. Among applications, the chassis & powertrain market for automotive composites has huge potential for its expansion, thereby aiding in increasing the consumption for automotive composite. However, exterior components hold the largest market share for automotive composites, and are estimated to be valued at USD 3,555.51 Million by 2019.

Geographical growth scenario of the market

Regionally, Asia-Pacific was the largest market for automotive composite in 2013, with China being the key consumer of automotive composite in this region. This trend is expected to persist over the next few years as well, owing to the rising need for lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles, leading to the shift in the focus of manufacturers towards automotive composite. In addition, rising urban population especially in countries like China and India is expected to further drive the growth of this market. High disposable incomes and growing standard of living in these countries are also fueling the demand for passenger cars and other vehicles.

Drivers and restraints for the market

The growth of the global market for automotive composites is being primarily driven by the following factors:

• Increasing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles
• Reduced weight and consolidation of parts
• OEMs focusing on complete solution from suppliers
• Joint ventures of OEMs and composite suppliers
• Advancements in technology

Apart from these, strict emission regulations that are leading the OEMs to focus more on composites and reduced cycle speed of manufacturing process are expected to further create an array of growth opportunities for the market.

On the flip side, high costs of composites and issues regarding recyclability are the major factors that are likely to hamper the growth of this market. Moreover, producing low-cost composites, reducing process cycle time, and recyclability are the key challenges being encountered by the leading players in this market.

Major companies and strategies adopted

Toray Industries Inc. (Japan), Owens Corning (U.S.), Johns Manville (U.S.), SGL Group (Germany), Cytec Industries Inc. (U.S.), Koninklijke Ten Cate nv (Netherlands), Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. (Japan), Jushi Group Co. Ltd. (China), and Teijin Limited (Japan) are the major players operating in the worldwide market for automotive composites. These companies are adopting certain strategies like agreements, partnerships, collaborations, & joint ventures, investments & expansions, new product launches, and mergers & acquisitions in order to maintain their positions in the market as well expand their base across the globe. Among these the strategy of partnerships, agreements, & collaborations is the most popular strategy being implemented by the leading companies.

Top 10 High Growth Composite Materials Market Industry

Investment & expansions were the key development strategies adopted by the leading market players to achieve growth in the top 10 high growth composite materials market

Top 10 composite materials are used in various applications, namely, aerospace & defense, transportation, marine, and sports goods. The growth of the composites market can be attributed to the high demand from end-use applications.

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The key players in the top 10 high growth composite materials market are Hexcel Corporation (U.S.), Hexion Inc. (U.S.), Strongwell Corporation (U.S.), Toray Industries Inc. (Japan), Teijin Limited (Japan), DAIB Group (Sweden), Celanese Corporation (U.S.), and IDI Composites (U.S.). These players have adopted various strategies to expand their global presence and increase their market shares. Capacity expansions, product launches, and agreements, joint ventures & partnerships are the major strategies adopted by the market players to achieve growth in the market. The key companies offering composites are involved in investment & expansions to strengthen their position in the top 10 high growth composite materials market. Companies such as Huntsman Corporation (U.S.), Hexion Inc. (U.S.), Toray Industries (Japan) adopted this strategy. Companies also adopted the strategy of partnership, joint venture & agreements, in order to expand their composite product reach globally and take advantage of each-others competencies to compete in the market.

Toray Industries Inc. focuses mainly on acquisitions, agreements, expansions, and new product developments to tap the growing demand and expand its market globally. In September 2015, the company acquired 55% of Delta Tech S.p.A. (Italy) which produces and supplies high-quality prepreg and carbon fiber for automobile applications. This acquisition helped the company to increase the sale of carbon fibers for luxury cars.

Hexcel Corporation (U.S.) is a global manufacturer of composites, core materials, and prepregs. The company recently launched new composite material at JEC world 2016. The company showcased nacelle inner fixed structure (IFS) for Airbus A320neo. This material is manufactured by Aircelle using Hexcel’s HexPly 8552 slit tape prepreg, reinforced with HexTow AS4 carbon fiber. The company manufacturers products to be specifically used for components in commercial and military aircraft, space launch vehicles and satellites, wind turbine blades, and industrial/recreational applications. Hexcel Corporation established a new manufacturing facility in Casablanca, Morocco in January 2016. This facility was established with a view to cater to the increasing demand for core structure, which involves the production of honeycomb materials. This approach by the company was aimed to target the aerospace industry providing secondary structures of aircraft, nacelles, and helicopter blades. In 2012 the company signed a distribution agreement with Sikorsky Aircraft (U.S.) to supply HexWeb honeycomb materials.

Delta Group produces and supplies high-quality prepreg and process carbon fiber for automobile applications.

Aerospace & defense and transportation application segments are expected to play a key role in the growth of top 10 high growth composite material market

Asia-Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing region for the top 10 high growth composite materials market, during the forecast period. The growing demand for composites, emission control policies, and introduction of environmental-friendly products, have led to innovations in the region. This is consequently expected to fuel the growth of the market in the region. North America is the second-largest consumer of composites, after its recovery from the economic recession of 2008–2009, as the rise in expenditure on non-residential constructions has led to increased demand for composites in the region.

The top 10 high growth composite materials market is dominated by the aerospace & defense, transportation, wind energy, and electrical & electronics applications. The demand for lightweight composite material is driven by increasing demand for fuel efficiency and lightweight components. The primary benefits that composite materials offer are reduced weight and greater assembly simplification, as compared to traditional materials, such as steel, aluminum, and titanium, in the manufacturing of aircraft.

The injection molding segment is projected to witness highest growth during the forecast period. The high growth of the segment can be attributed to the use of the process to manufacture various transportation and electrical & electronics parts, which are major applications of composites. The injection molding process offers products that provide creep resistance, good strength to weight ratio, and thermal insulation.

Thermosetting resins are widely used in various composites, as they have excellent resistance to solvents and corrosives and are resistant to high temperatures. Glass fibers are the most common reinforcement used in automotive, electronics & electricals, and boats & marine applications to replace heavy metal parts.

Asia-Pacific dominated the top 10 high growth composite materials market, due to the presence of growing economies, such as China and India. China led the market in Asia-Pacific, owing to the growth in the transportation and construction industries in the country.

The key players in the top 10 high growth composite materials market are Hexcel Corporation (U.S.), Hexion Inc. (U.S.), Owens Corning (U.S.), Strongwell Corporation (U.S.), Toray Industries Inc. (Japan), Teijin Limited (Japan), DAIB Group (Sweden), and Celanese Corporation (U.S.).

Top 10 Advanced Materials & Technologies Market Industry - Revenue Pockets & Market Leader

The market for top 10 advanced materials & technologies in electronics includes products such as G. fast chipset, quantum dots, flexible battery, silicon carbide in semiconductor devices, graphene, 3D IC & 2.5D IC packaging, organic electronics, carbon nanotubes, smart glasses, and biochips. Its superior performance drives the demand for these products as compared to the existing products and its wide range of end-use applications. 

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G. fast Chipset is estimated to be the fastest-growing technology in the electronics domain. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 135.4% from 2016 to 2021, to reach USD 2.97 billion by 2021. Factors such as the growth of 4K TV, rising demand for ultrafast broadband services, supportive government policies to meet national broadband plans, lower cost of deployment, and increased competition among the broadband service providers in developed countries are expected fuel this technology. Some of the key G.fast chipset providers are Broadcom Corporation (U.S.), Qualcomm, Inc. (U.S.), Sckipio Technologies SI Ltd. (Israel), and Metanoia Communications, Inc. (Taiwan).

Quantum dots which is often called artificial atom are semiconductors that are on the nanometer scale is the fastest-growing material in electronics domain. In 2015, the total market size of quantum dots was USD 404.5 million in 2016; and is expected to reach USD 7.68 billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 63.4% from 2016 to 2021. The major driver for the quantum dots are increased consumer preferences for mobility and growing demand for quantum dots with superior performance and resolution quality. However, slow adoption of this technology due to lack of awareness, and availability of low cost technologies act as restraints for the growth of this market.

Flexible battery is the third-highest growing product among the advanced materials & technologies in electronics market. The flexible battery segment is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 44.9% CAGR from 2016 to 2021, to reach USD 615.4 million by 2021. Flexible battery has various features, such as flexibility, temperature stability, are safe, and have longer shelf life. These batteries provide the strength to boost the market for miniaturization in wearable and healthcare devices, and they also help increase the scope of application. Factors such as the growing demand for wearable electronics, rising demand for thin and flexible batteries in electronic devices, and increasing miniaturization of electronic products propels the growth of the market.

The top 10 advanced materials & technologies in electronics market is rapidly growing, with the major market players playing a crucial role in the development of the market. The market is led by players such as Broadcom Ltd. (U.S.), STMicroelectronics N.V. (Switzerland), Toshiba Corporation (Japan), Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., (South Korea), and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (Taiwan).

The growth of the market was influenced by both organic & inorganic strategies such as partnerships, agreements & collaborations, new product launches, product development, investments and expansions during the period, 2011 to 2016.  Some of the companies who adopted these strategies are Broadcom Ltd. (U.S.), STMicroelectronics N.V. (Switzerland), Toshiba Corporation (Japan), and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., (South Korea). These strategies have helped them strengthen their shares in the emerging markets.

STMicroelectronics N.V. (Switzerland) designs, develops, manufactures, and markets a wide range of semiconductor integrated circuits and discrete devices. The company is focusing on developing its market presence in material & technology market through new product launches, product developments, partnerships, agreements, and collaborations. In 2015, the company launched the EnFilm thin-film batteries. In 2014, the company developed 1200V silicon carbide based MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) for the applications in climate control devices and solar inverters. The company collaborated with Circuits Multi Projects (France) and service organizations in ICs and MEMS, to make THELMA MEMS manufacturing processes available to universities, research labs, and design firms for prototyping.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., (South Korea) along with its subsidiaries operates in the following business divisions: consumer electronics (CE), information technology and mobile communications (IM), semiconductor, and display. The company adopted strategies such as expansion, partnership agreement, product development and new product launches to gain a competitive advantage in the market. In 2015, the company started the mass production of 256-gigabit (Gb), three-dimensional (3D) Vertical NAND (V-NAND) flash memory based on 48 layers of 3-bit multilevel-cell (MLC) arrays.

Toshiba Corporation (Japan) adopted strategies such as product development, acquisitions expansions, and new product launch. In 2016, the company expanded its Yokkaichi Operations in Mie, Japan, for the production of BiCS FLASH, its proprietary 3D flash memory. In 2014, the company developed wireless power receiver IC for mobile equipment- TC7763WBG. It also developed TransferJet-Compatible 3D-Integrated Ultra-Small Module and Ultra-Thin FPC Coupler in 2014.

Waterproofing Membranes: New Product Launch is the Key Strategy Adopted by Leading Players

Waterproofing Membranes Market Finds Major Applications in the Building & Construction and Waste & Water Management Industries

Waterproofing membranes finds major applications in the building & construction and waste & water management industries including roofing & walls, building structures, liners, mining, and water & waste water treatment. Waterproofing membranes offer various advantages, such as environmental sustainability needs & energy savings, lightweight, durability, recyclability, easy installation, superior heat resistance characteristics, increased flexibility, and excellent environmental resistance characteristics. This market intelligence report on the waterproofing membranes market by type, application, and region in terms of both value and volume.

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Increasing government investments for improved infrastructure are leading to an increase in the demand for waterproofing membranes. This has encouraged companies to adopt strategies, such as new product launches, expansions, and agreements & contracts. Some of the major players are Carlisle Companies Inc. (U.S.), Firestone Building Products Company, LLC (U.S.), Soprema Group (France), and GSE Environmental (U.S.).

New product launches, expansions, and agreements & contracts were the key strategies adopted by the industry players to achieve growth in the waterproofing membranes market between 2012 and 2016. Besides new product launches and expansions, the companies have adopted joint ventures and acquisitions to expand their market share and distribution network. These strategies also accounted for a significant share of all the growth strategies adopted by the players in the waterproofing membranes market between 2012 and 2016.

Most active players in the waterproofing membranes market

SIKA AG (Switzerland) manufactures waterproofing membranes, for supplying it to the waterproofing system/technology manufacturers. The company offers its waterproofing products through its waterproofing market segment. It provides various products & systems to the waterproofing membrane industry which includes waterproofing basement and other concrete structures, waterproofing tunnels, pond pool and tank lining, waterproofing bridge decks, drinking & clean water storage, waterproofing wet rooms, and waterproofing balconies. The company follows strategies including expansions and acquisition to increase its global market share. It maintains a strong brand image in the waterproofing membranes market, as it provides high-quality products. In 2016, Sika AG (Switzerland) has expanded its position in the Middle East by establishing a new national subsidiary in Kuwait. This is its 94th subsidiary globally that has strengthened its growth strategy, for expanding the Group's presence to 100 national subsidiaries by 2018.

Carlisle Companies Inc. (U.S.) is one of the largest innovation-driven companies, the company is mainly into new product launches, acquisitions, and expansions as a business strategy to increase their revenues. Factors considered by the company in making an acquisition include consolidation opportunities, technology, customer dispersion, operating capabilities, and growth potential. This segment competes with various competitors that produce roofing, insulation, and waterproofing products for commercial and residential applications. The level of competition within the waterproofing membrane market varies by product line. In 2016, Carlisle Coatings & Waterproofing (U.S.) launched a re-engineered blindside waterproofing systems, having twice the puncture resistance of more rigid HDPE systems. This technology is a combination of MiraPLY-H with SeamLOCK and is a 70-mil thick, self-adhering blindside waterproofing system designed for under-slab applications.

Apart from the above-mentioned market players, Firestone Building Products Company, LLC (U.S.), Soprema Group (France), GSE Environmental (U.S.), BASF SE (Germany), The Dow Chemical Company (U.S.), Johns Manville (U.S.), and GAF Materials Corporation (U.S.) are active in the market.