Unsaturated Polyester Resins Market Overview, 2025-30

Demand for lightweight composites in industries like wind energy, marine, automotive, and construction has fueled significant expansion in the worldwide Unsaturated Polyester Resins UPR market since 2020 because of their adaptability and affordability, UPRs have become more and more pertinent as sectors seek materials that lower weight without sacrificing strength.

Increased infrastructure spending, expanding sustainability requirements, and the rising demand for corrosion-resistant materials in emerging economies have all contributed to the market's growth. In the past, UPRs were mainly used in basic building for things like roofs, panels, and bath fixtures. Over time, however, they have changed to cater to more complex sectors.

Due to their capacity to endure mechanical stress and corrosive environments, changed and high-performance resins have been used in the marine and aerospace industries for use in boat hulls, tanks, and structural aircraft components. This shift demonstrates UPR's flexibility and increasing technological importance. Unsaturated polyester resins UPRs are technically thermosetting polymers created by the reaction of polyols with unsaturated acids, and they are often cured with styrene. UPRs provide a compromise between performance and cost, making them ideal for widespread usage, in contrast to epoxy resins, which are more robust but more expensive, and vinyl esters, which are more resistant to corrosion.

Their advantages include high thermal resistance, great moldability, little shrinkage during curing, and compatibility with a wide range of fillers and reinforcements. From a sustainability standpoint, the world's research and development has concentrated a lot on creating bio-based and recyclable UPRs. Institutions and prominent businesses are investing in styrene-free substitutes and resins produced from sustainable feedstocks, such as plant oils and recycled PET. These advancements are in line with worldwide decarbonization targets, which seek to lower the environmental impact of composite material production without sacrificing performance quality. The next wave of growth is predicted to be defined by these bio-innovations and technological improvements as the global UPR industry continues to mature.

According to the research report, "Global Unsaturated Polyester Resins Market Overview, 2030," the Global Unsaturated Polyester Resins market was valued at more than USD 13.62 Billion in 2024, with the CAGR of 6.39% from 2025-2030. By pushing for lightweight, robust, and affordable materials in infrastructure development, automobile body panels, wind energy blades, and corrosion-resistant storage tanks, UPR is establishing itself as a central thermoset material in industrial innovation. Strategic acquisitions, new plant expansions, and technological innovations in specialty resins have allowed major international companies like Ashland, Polynt-Reichhold, and INEOS to continue to influence the industry.

These businesses are making investments in improved resin formulations that are designed for use in applications that are extremely important to performance, such as fire-retardant and chemically resistant composites for harsh environments. Particularly in industries like marine, chemical processing, and urban building, where severe weather, salinity, or fire safety laws are prevalent, there is an increasing demand for fire-retardant and corrosion-resistant UPRs. These specialized resins provide a longer lifespan, reduced maintenance costs, and adherence to rigorous safety standards, making them a popular option for use in public infrastructure and industrial applications.

In terms of compliance, it is essential to establish credibility, consistency, and traceability for resin manufacture using ISO 9001 quality management, ISO 14001 environmental management, and ISO 22000 food safety, applicable for food-contact composite resins. Manufacturers can comply with local and international safety regulations while selling worldwide by adhering to these certifications.

As the international trade in chemicals expands, there is a greater emphasis on the standardization of Safety Data Sheets SDS and Globally Harmonized System GHS labeling. By reducing uncertainty in cross-border logistics, these standardizations help ensure the safe handling, storage, and utilization of UPRs across jurisdictions, promoting trust and transparency throughout the world's resin value chain.

Market Drivers

• Expansion in Infrastructure and Building Projects:The need for UPRs is being driven by the quick rate of urbanization and infrastructure improvements occurring worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Due to their resistance to corrosion and cost-effectiveness, these resins are frequently used in composite reinforcements, cladding sheets, pipes, and roofing panels because they may increase the lifespan of structures, they are a desirable substitute for conventional materials in residential and commercial construction projects.
• The Need for Lightweight, Fuel-Efficient Materials:To minimize emissions and fuel usage, the automotive, aerospace, and maritime sectors are all pushing for lighter materials. Composites based on UPR have a high strength-to-weight ratio, making them perfect for structural components, body panels, and interior components. The increasing emphasis on electric vehicles and sustainability only adds to this demand.

Market Challenges

• Over Styrene Content, there are Environmental and Health Concerns:Styrene, a VOC that poses hazards to the environment and workplace health, is frequently found in UPRs. It is becoming increasingly difficult for manufacturers to adhere to tighter emission regulations while maintaining cost competitiveness and performance. The transition to styrene-free or low-VOC alternatives entails R&D investments and reformulation complexities.
• Rivalry from Other Resins:When applications demand superior performance, flexibility, or environmental safety, bio-based resins, vinyl ester, and epoxy compete with UPRs. Although they are more expensive, these alternatives have higher chemical and thermal resistance in certain industrial applications, which may restrict the widespread adoption of UPR unless innovation closes the gap.

Market Trends

• Creation of Bio-Based and Recyclable UPRs:The development of bio-based resins using renewable materials such soybean oil and recycled PET is being driven by sustainability pressures. These innovations seek to lessen the environmental impact of UPRs while maintaining mechanical performance, which will help businesses comply with worldwide green laws and consumer expectations.
• Process Automation and Digitalization in Manufacturing:To improve resin curing, reduce waste, and maintain consistent quality, manufacturers are using digital technologies such real-time monitoring systems and AI-driven process controls. In a highly competitive global market, these smart factory methods help meet strict quality standards while also boosting operational efficiency.

Due to the expanding demand for specialized resins that provide superior performance, sustainability, and regulatory compliance across a wide range of industries, the "Others" sector is the fastest-growing segment of the worldwide Unsaturated Polyester Resins UPR market.

The "Others" category of the worldwide Unsaturated Polyester Resins UPR industry, which encompasses Terephthalic-Based UPRs, Vinyl Ester-Modified UPRs, Halogenated UPRs, and Bio-Based UPRs, is experiencing significant expansion. The expansion of sectors like transportation, electrical, marine, and construction, along with rising application complexity and changing performance standards, is fueling this growth. In comparison to conventional orthophthalic or isophthalic resins, these specialized resins offer unique benefits. For example, vinyl ester-modified UPRs have exceptional mechanical strength and chemical resistance, making them perfect for use in storage tanks, pipelines, and other corrosion-prone environments.

Halogenated UPRs, on the other hand, are becoming increasingly popular because of their flame-retardant qualities, which are essential for industries like mass transit and building safety. Their need is being further fueled by the trend toward fire safety compliance, particularly in Europe and North America. At the same time, in the face of stricter VOC regulations and consumers' growing preference for environmentally friendly goods, bio-based UPRs made from renewable feedstocks are becoming a viable alternative. Terephthalic-based resins provide superior structural performance and thermal stability, making them ideal for applications in the automotive and electronics industries that must withstand harsh environments.

These specialized resins satisfy higher durability standards while also complying with international environmental standards like the EPA standards in the U.S. and REACH in the EU. Furthermore, significant players such as Polynt-Reichhold, AOC, and Ashland are increasing their R&D spending and resin customization, making these sophisticated formulations more scalable and cost-competitive.

The "Others" segment of UPRs is quickly becoming the most adaptable and fastest-growing sector worldwide as businesses look for customized solutions that meet both technical performance and regulatory requirements. Due to increased demand in emerging economies and innovation-led value generation in established markets, this tendency is predicted to persist.

The Tanks & Pipes sector is the fastest expanding in the worldwide Unsaturated Polyester Resins UPR market as a result of rising demand for affordable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant composite solutions for use in water infrastructure, chemicals, and industrial storage.

The Unsaturated Polyester Resins UPR industry is seeing the fastest growth in the Tanks & Pipes end-use sector, due to increasing infrastructure demands, notably in water treatment, chemical storage, and industrial fluid transport. Due to their corrosion resistance, lower weight, ease of installation, and cost effectiveness, composites made using UPR are a very viable substitute for conventional materials like concrete or steel. The need for robust, chemical-resistant tanks and pipelines has increased in industries like desalination, wastewater treatment, and chemical processing, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, and some areas of Asia-Pacific.

Due to their extended service life and low maintenance needs, UPRs are a great fit for these frequently extremely corrosive environments. In order to keep pace with urbanization and industrialization, emerging economies are quickly improving their water and chemical management infrastructure, whereas established markets are substituting old systems with more contemporary, composite-based solutions. Fiberglass-reinforced plastic FRP tanks and pipes constructed with UPRs are being utilized in the mining, oil, and gas industries because of their resistance to petroleum products, acids, and alkalis.

The drive for sustainability and energy efficiency is another driving force; composite tanks and pipes made with UPRs need less energy for transportation and installation than metal alternatives. The regulatory compliance of these goods in international markets has also been enhanced by technological advancements like the creation of low-VOC and fire-retardant UPRs.

Businesses are also customizing resins for particular needs in terms of chemical resistance, pressure, and thermal performance, which increases the attractiveness of UPR-based solutions in the Tanks & Pipes sector. Global corporations like AOC, Polynt-Reichhold, and Interplastic are making investments in specialized UPR formulations to meet this expanding demand. The Tanks & Pipes sector continues to fuel rapid expansion in the UPR market as water security gains international attention and industrial infrastructure advances.

Its superior processing versatility, ease of use in complicated molds, and adaptability across a wide range of industrial uses, the Liquid Form is the most prevalent in the world's Unsaturated Polyester Resins UPR market.

The Liquid Form sector is the largest and fastest-growing sector of the global Unsaturated Polyester Resins UPR market. The inherent versatility and simplicity of liquid resin systems, which facilitate easier mixing, quicker curing, and improved compatibility with different additives, catalysts, and reinforcements, are the foundation of its success. Liquid UPRs are extensively utilized in the production of fiber-reinforced plastics FRPs through hand lay-up, spray-up, filament winding, and casting techniques, making them especially popular for sectors like the automotive, marine, wind energy, construction, and electrical industries.

Due to its fluidity, the form is perfect for creating huge and complex-shaped composite pieces that would be difficult or costly to make with solid or powder substitutes. Liquid UPR is used in construction to produce molded structural components, roofing materials, and durable panels. It offers superior surface finish, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance in the marine and transportation industries. Due to the increasing demand for lightweight and low-maintenance materials, these applications have expanded dramatically in both industrialized and developing nations. Liquid UPRs also allow for increased throughput in industrial production environments.

Producers have versatility thanks to their ability to heal at ambient or high temperatures, depending on the composition, which cuts down on manufacturing time and expenses. Manufacturers may further improve end-use performance and efficiency by customizing characteristics like viscosity, gel time, and exothermic behavior thanks to the formulation flexibility of liquid UPRs.

Liquid UPRs are simpler to move and store in bulk from a supply chain standpoint with little preparation, which increases their popularity in international markets. The need for liquid unsaturated polyester resins is predicted to stay high as industries continue to prioritize cost-effective, sustainable, and high-performance materials, solidifying its dominance in the world market for UPR.

Its enormous industrial base, fast urbanization, and growing infrastructure and manufacturing industries, the Asia Pacific region dominates the world market for Unsaturated Polyester Resins UPR.

The Asia Pacific region dominates the world's Unsaturated Polyester Resin UPR market because of its unrivaled level of industrialization, high output, and widespread usage of composites in a variety of end-use industries. Driven by expansion in the automotive, construction, electrical, and marine sectors, nations like China, India, Japan, and South Korea have become significant centers for UPR consumption. China's ongoing investments in housing, transportation infrastructure, and renewable energy facilities like wind turbine blades, which are heavily reliant on fiber-reinforced polymers, make up a large portion of the world's UPR production. The cost-effective production environment is a major factor in the region's supremacy.

Regional manufacturers have established competitive advantages in price and quantity thanks to access to inexpensive labor, plentiful raw materials such as styrene and glycols, and favorable government regulations for the production of chemicals and plastics. This has also prompted worldwide corporations to establish manufacturing plants and research and development hubs in Asia in order to meet demand from both domestic and international supply chains. The increasing focus on lightweight, long-lasting materials in the automotive and consumer goods industries has increased the use of UPRs in the area. For instance, India is using more UPRs in its telecommunications infrastructure and smart city projects.

In the meanwhile, Japan and South Korea are seeking for superior, corrosion-resistant UPRs for use in electronics and transportation. Continued industrial diversification and the region's quick rate of urban growth further contribute to long-term market expansion. Furthermore, the push for higher quality standards in the Asia Pacific region such as BIS, GB, and JIS along with the growing interest in bio-based UPRs and low-VOC formulations, point to a move toward sustainable and performance-driven resins. The Asia Pacific is now the most dynamic and leading area in the world's UPR landscape due to this strong and diverse growth trajectory.

• March 2023 - Reichhold Inc. introduced Vynlite 9980, a premium UPR designed for automotive panels and wind turbine blades.
• February 2023 - Nuplex Industries Ltd. finished purchasing Polynt Composites, which expands its worldwide selection of UPR products.
• December 2022 - BASF SE Introduced a unique UPR for uses involving concrete reinforcement
• October 2021 - Schill+Seilacher GmbH created a bio-based alternative to UPR that uses nanomaterials to improve its functionality
• August 2021 - Helios Resins received ISCC sustainability accreditation for its UPR range
• July 2020 - AOC Materials obtained Ashland's maleic anhydride business, improving UPR raw material integration
• February 2020 - INEOS Composites introduced Aropol LP 67400, a cosmetic UPR with minimal shrinkage, intended for use in marine and recreational vehicles.

Considered in this report

• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report

• Unsaturated Polyester Resins Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type

• Orthophthalic Resin
• Isophthalic Resin
• Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) Resin
• Others (Terephthalic-Based UPRs, Vinyl Ester-Modified UPRs, Halogenated UPRs, Bio-Based UPRs)

By End-use

• Building & Construction
• Tanks & Pipes
• Electrical
• Marine
• Transport
• Artificial Stones
• Others

By Form

• Liquid Form
• Powder Form

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to this industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.