Caprolactam Global Market Report 2024

The caprolactam market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $15.61 billion in 2023 to $16.61 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. Historical growth was driven by the expansion of the textile industry and consumer goods manufacturing, advancements in applications of nylon, the development of synthetic fibers, increased demand from the automotive sector, and expansions in manufacturing facilities.

The caprolactam market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $21.57 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. Anticipated growth in the upcoming period is linked to the increasing demand specifically for nylon 6, expansions within emerging markets, the rising need for engineering plastics, the utilization of nylon in e-commerce packaging, and the adherence to stringent emission standards. Major trends expected in this forecast period encompass the adoption of sustainable production methods, the use of bio-based caprolactam, advancements in e-commerce packaging solutions, innovations in manufacturing technologies, and the automotive industry's trend towards lightweighting.

The anticipated expansion of the automotive industry is poised to significantly influence the growth trajectory of the caprolactam market. The automotive sector encompasses businesses engaged in designing, manufacturing, and marketing motor vehicles and their associated components. A notable trend within this industry involves the increasing adoption of nylon 6, specifically in automobiles, aimed at fostering fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability. Nylon 6 usage aids in reducing vehicle weight, subsequently contributing to decreased fuel consumption. For instance, as per the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), an Indian government export promotion agency, vehicle production in India is forecasted to reach approximately 22.93 million vehicles by 2022. This uptick in automotive production reflects the industry's continued emphasis on growth and innovation. The integration of nylon 6 in automotive components aligns with the industry's commitment to developing more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly vehicles, thereby driving the demand for caprolactam, a key raw material in nylon 6 production. As the automotive industry endeavors to meet evolving consumer preferences and regulatory standards, the caprolactam market stands to benefit from the sector's emphasis on lightweight and sustainable automotive solutions.

The burgeoning expansion of the textile industry stands as a pivotal driver poised to propel the growth of the caprolactam market. The textile industry encompasses a multifaceted sector involving the production, processing, and trade of fibers, yarns, fabrics, and finished textile products. Caprolactam holds immense significance within this industry as it serves as a fundamental raw material for manufacturing nylon 6 fibers. These nylon fibers, derived from caprolactam, play a crucial role in the creation of an extensive array of textiles, including clothing, carpets, and various fabric products, owing to their exceptional durability, strength, and versatility. For example, data from Textile World, a reputable US-based journal covering the textile industry, indicated that in 2021, the collective value of fiber, textile, and clothing exports surged to $28.4 billion, marking a notable increase from $25.3 billion in 2020. This substantial growth underscores the industry's resilience and potential for expansion. The utilization of caprolactam-derived nylon 6 fibers in textile manufacturing remains a cornerstone of innovation within the textile industry, driving demand for caprolactam as a key component in the production of high-quality, durable textiles. As the textile sector continues to evolve and expand globally, the caprolactam market is expected to witness sustained growth, buoyed by the sector's reliance on nylon 6 fibers for fabricating a diverse range of textile products.

Technological advancements have become a prominent trend driving innovation within the caprolactam market. Major players in the caprolactam sector are actively engaged in the development of cutting-edge technological solutions to bolster their market presence. An illustrative example is the initiative undertaken by Fibrant, a Netherlands-based company specializing in chemical products and services. In July 2021, Fibrant introduced its caprolactam product, marketed under the tradename EcoLactam. This innovative offering represents a new generation of caprolactam designed to significantly reduce carbon emissions. Fibrant aims to achieve a remarkable over 50 percent reduction in its carbon footprint through the application of its proprietary Hydranone technology. This technology innovation underscores the industry's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, positioning EcoLactam as an eco-friendly and advanced alternative within the caprolactam market. Fibrant's pioneering approach highlights the increasing emphasis on technological advancements geared towards reducing environmental impact while ensuring product excellence and market competitiveness in the caprolactam sector.

Partnerships and collaborations among major players in the caprolactam market have emerged as pivotal strategies aimed at fostering innovation and fortifying market positions. These collaborations enable the exchange of expertise, resources, and technology, fostering advancements in innovation, enhancing production efficiency, and broadening market penetration. A noteworthy instance is the partnership forged in September 2023 between Toray Industries Inc., a prominent Japan-based textile company, and Honda Motor Co. Ltd., a leading Japan-based automobile company. Their collaboration revolves around the joint development of chemical recycling technology specifically tailored for glass-fiber reinforced nylon 6 parts derived from end-of-life vehicles. The primary focus of this partnership is on depolymerizing nylon 6 parts using subcritical water, a high-permeability and potent solvent, to regenerate the materials as caprolactam, a crucial raw monomer. Notably, this technology has garnered recognition from the Ministry of the Environment for a fiscal 2023 project aimed at establishing a decarbonized circular economy system. The companies plan to inaugurate a pilot facility dedicated to processing 500 metric tons annually of raw resin for validation testing. Initially addressing the recycling of used automotive plastic parts, the collaboration aims to extend the technology's application to recycling automotive resin parts by approximately 2027. This collaboration underscores the industry's commitment to sustainability, circular economy practices, and technological advancements, setting a trajectory for innovative solutions within the caprolactam market while addressing environmental concerns and fostering resource efficiency.

In June 2021, DIC Corporation, a leading chemicals company based in Japan, completed the acquisition of BASF's global pigments business, known as BASF Colors & Effects, for an undisclosed sum. This strategic acquisition facilitated the amalgamation of the two companies' complementary portfolios, encompassing products, manufacturing assets, cutting-edge technologies, and robust supply chain and customer service networks. The consolidation was geared towards serving a broad spectrum of global customers and expanding capabilities in the production of pigments, cosmetics, coatings, inks, and plastics. BASF SE, a prominent chemicals company headquartered in Germany, divested its global pigments business to DIC Corporation, marking a significant strategic shift within the industry. This acquisition fortified DIC Corporation's market presence and positioned the merged entity to deliver a more diverse and comprehensive range of products and services to a global customer base across various sectors reliant on pigments and related materials. The integration of BASF Colors & Effects into DIC Corporation's operations exemplifies the company's commitment to growth, innovation, and enhancing its offerings in key market segments, leveraging the combined strengths of both entities to cater to evolving customer needs and market demands.

Major companies operating in the caprolactam market report are China Petrochemical Corporation, BASF SE, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation , Honeywell International Inc., Rhodia S.A., Asahi Kasei Corporation, Hengyi Industries Co. Ltd., Toray Industries Inc., LANXESS Corporation, Alpek S.A.B. de C.V., Grupa Azoty S.A., Luxi Chemical Group, Petroquímica Unigel S.A. de C.V., Highsun Holding Group, Ube Industries Ltd. , Shenma Group Co. Ltd. , AdvanSix Inc., Vtg Tanktainer Inc., Brueggemann Chemical Inc., SGL Carbon SE , Shandong Xinlong Group Co. Ltd., Leschaco Inc., The Aquafil Group, Nanning Chemical Industry Group Co. Ltd., Shandong Linyi Jinyu Chemical Co. Ltd., Capro Corp. , Spolana s.r.o., DOMO Caproleuna, Jiangsu Yisheng Chemical Co. Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the caprolactam market in 2023. North America was the second-largest region in the caprolactam market share. The regions covered in the caprolactam market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the caprolactam market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Caprolactam, a key material, utilizes raw ingredients such as phenol, cyclohexane, hydroxylamine sulfate, among others. Phenol serves as a precursor to BPA, extensively employed in container coatings, adhesives, electronic insulators, polycarbonates for optical and automotive applications. Phenol's sensory attributes can be detectable at concentrations below harmful levels. Caprolactam finds diverse applications including nylon 6 filaments, textile yarn, nylon 6 fibers, engineering plastics, printer inks, among others. Industries such as textiles, automobiles, electrical and electronics incorporate caprolactam-derived products in their manufacturing processes.

The caprolactam market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides caprolactam market statistics, including caprolactam industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a caprolactam market share, detailed caprolactam market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the caprolactam industry. This anomaly detection market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The caprolactam market consists of sales of caprolactam synthesized from raw materials such as benzene and ammonia. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.


The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.