The future of the inorganic phase change material market in China looks promising with opportunities in the architecture, textile, and refrigeration & logistic markets.
- Within the type category, non-carbon-based materials: salt hydrate is expected to witness a higher growth over the forecast period.
- Within the application category, architecture is expected to witness the highest growth.
Emerging Trends in the Inorganic Phase Change Material Market in China
China is making swift progress with the use of inorganic phase change material as part of its drive toward carbon neutrality. China’s emphasis on energy efficiency and industrial reform is also driving demand for these materials. With rising thermal storage density and lower prices, they are gaining favor in many markets. Usage in smart buildings, cold-chain logistics, electronics, solar heating, and industrial recovery is growing as innovation advances. Government support programs, growing power prices, and sustainable building regulations are building good momentum for PCM adoption in urban and industrial settings.- Application in green buildings’ structural elements: Inorganic PCMs are becoming more and more integrated into building materials to level out indoor temperatures. Developers are starting to use PCM wall panels and ceiling boards to limit energy usage in air conditioners. The development follows the energy-saving requirements and the principles of smart city development, ensuring urban development projects deliver improved energy efficiency and comfort indoors without the support of external mechanical systems.
- Increased application in thermal packaging for pharmaceuticals: China is using PCM-integrated boxes for transporting temperature-sensitive vaccines and drugs. The containers retain low temperatures without the use of external energy, which extends cold-chain reliability. Growing emphasis on access to rural healthcare and pandemic readiness has further boosted this trend, enabling improved delivery of essential medical supplies with enhanced temperature stability and reduced risk of spoilage.
- Use in electronics and battery storage systems: Chinese electronics companies are integrating inorganic PCMs into products to control internal heat accumulation. In electric cars and intelligent electronics, PCMs ensure temperature control and overheating prevention, enhancing performance and longevity. As the EV market expands and battery safety becomes increasingly important, thermally stable and space-efficient PCM solutions are growing in demand.
- Integration into solar-powered home energy systems: House owners and developers of solar-abundant areas are implementing PCM-enhanced systems for solar water and air heating. Excess energy is stored in PCM tanks during the day, and it is released during non-solar periods. The hybrid application is enhancing energy reliability, lowering grid electricity dependency, and sustaining China’s rural energy access and solar efficiency targets.
- Implementation in high-temperature industrial heat storage: Industrial plants in steel, chemical, and ceramic industries are incorporating PCMs to recover waste heat and utilize it for preheating or process assistance. The materials reduce energy loss and the consumption of fossil fuels in thermal processes. The trend aligns with the country’s energy-saving objectives and the carbon reduction strategy of the industry.
Recent Developments in the Inorganic Phase Change Material Market in China
Recent market activity in China indicates robust momentum from pilot applications to large-scale deployments of inorganic phase change materials. Businesses are now introducing commercial offerings, while government research institutions are backing material innovation. Applications are broadening across residential, healthcare, electronics, and industrial energy systems. These trends indicate China’s overall sustainability agenda and increased commercial attractiveness of PCM-based solutions.- Residential launch of inorganic phase change material wall panels in housing projects: Developers in large Chinese cities have begun to use PCM-infused panels to control indoor temperatures. The materials help limit the demand on heating and cooling equipment, which slashes building energy consumption. Their use is now being tested in eco-certified residential blocks, providing cost savings as well as enhanced living standards.
- Use of inorganic phase change material boxes for cold-chain application in vaccine transport: Healthcare and logistics companies have together launched PCM-based transport boxes that sustain sub-zero temperatures. These are assisting in the delivery of vaccines more reliably to far-flung areas without the need for powered refrigeration. The solution is increasing vaccine safety and is likely to be rolled out in expanded public health logistics networks.
- Solar inorganic phase change material systems for household hot water: inorganic phase change material tanks in rooftop solar installations are being implemented in urban neighborhoods. They collect heat from the sun during the daytime and provide hot water in the evening, reducing the energy bill and enhancing system efficiency. This installation aids neighborhood-level initiatives for independent and green energy usage.
- Material R&D for industrial-strength inorganic phase change material solutions: Chinese research centers have developed inorganic phase change material formulations that can perform at higher temperatures for industrial heat recovery. The objective is to have PCMs ready for heavy manufacturing environments, where they will enhance thermal efficiency and cut down on fuel consumption. Preliminary test results are encouraging.
- inorganic phase change material modules tested in electronics cooling systems: Electronics companies have tested inorganic phase change material modules within servers and data centers. They soak up temporary heat spikes, relieving load on active cooling equipment. The solution reduces energy use and enhances system stability, enabling future use in wider digital infrastructure networks.
Strategic Growth Opportunities for Inorganic Phase Change Material Market in China
China is facing high rates of demand for thermal management technologies in energy, buildings, and electronics. Inorganic Phase Change Materials are becoming more notable for their excellent thermal storage capability and cost-effectiveness. With robust policy backing for energy efficiency and green technologies, various applications in construction, industrial systems, and cooling solutions are unfolding. The market will be boosted by strategic partnerships, growing investments in infrastructure, and growing renewable energy, boosting demand for materials that will reduce the carbon footprint and improve energy storage.- Smart grid thermal energy storage systems: With China modernizing its energy infrastructure, thermal energy storage is gaining importance in promoting grid flexibility. Inorganic Phase Change Materials enable power storage during off-peak periods for utilization at high-load times. They assist in stabilizing intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar power. They are low-cost and durable, which is why they appeal to grid operators. This use encourages increased penetration of renewables and diminishes dependence on fossil fuels. The increasing emphasis on decarbonizing power systems will likely drive this demand high quickly in metropolitan and industrial areas.
- Green building and energy-efficient building materials: China is imposing tighter building regulations and green certification requirements, which are increasing the application of energy-efficient building materials. Inorganic Phase Change Materials provide better insulation, sustain indoor thermal comfort, and reduce HVAC energy consumption. Their use in wall panels, windows, and floors aids passive cooling. Massive residential and commercial building projects, especially in urban areas, offer gigantic adoption opportunity. With energy savings becoming a top priority for real estate developers and government incentives increasing, the use of these materials will become mainstream in sustainable building solutions nationwide.
- Cold chain logistics and temperature-controlled packaging: As e-commerce and pharmaceutical industries expand, China is experiencing explosive growth in cold chain logistics. Inorganic Phase Change Materials are crucial to ensure consistent temperatures in transportation and storage of perishable products. Their application enhances efficiency and reduces energy expense over mechanical refrigeration. Their reusable, non-toxic qualities enhance value in pharmaceutical transport. As regulatory concern for food safety and vaccine integrity increases, this segment will continue to be a solid driver of demand, particularly in regions with high logistical density such as Guangdong and Jiangsu.
- Industrial temperature management and heat recovery: Chemical processing, metallurgy, and textiles are industries that release large amounts of waste heat. Inorganic Phase Change Materials are being used more and more to recover and reuse this heat, making energy efficiency as a whole more efficient. These materials provide temperature control in process equipment, resulting in improved production results and lower operating costs. As part of China’s efforts to make industry more sustainable, Ministry of Industry support is encouraging the creation of these applications. Industrial retrofitting and energy audits growth will continue to benefit adoption, particularly in manufacturing-intensive provinces.
- Commercial infrastructure HVAC systems: Chinese commercial spaces are requiring more efficient air conditioning and ventilation due to climate change and increased urban density. Inorganic Phase Change Materials incorporated into HVAC units control temperature fluctuations and minimize peak energy loads. Shopping malls, office buildings, and airports will all gain from lower electricity bills and enhanced comfort. With the assistance of government schemes promoting the utilization of clean energy in public buildings, the market is ready for growth. This application is especially promising in the high-growth areas of Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.
Inorganic Phase Change Material Market in China Drivers and Challenges
The Chinese inorganic phase change material market is influenced by strong technological developments, enabling policies, and macroeconomic agendas like energy efficiency and emission management. While the demand is increasing as a result of various applications, there are challenges in terms of cost, scalability, and awareness. Government policies promoting clean energy, building performance, and industrial upgrading are facilitating market growth. Nevertheless, technical performance and the complexity of implementation-related challenges need constant innovation. A closer examination of the key drivers and inhibitors indicates the opportunities and changes necessary for long-term market growth in China.The factors responsible for driving the inorganic phase change material market in China include:
- Increased government policy backing on energy savings: China is actively promoting low-carbon technologies through policies such as the Energy Efficiency and Emissions Reduction Plan and national Five-Year Plans. These guidelines focus on efficient building materials, renewable integration, and sustainable infrastructure. Inorganic Phase Change Materials are in harmony with these objectives, supported in demonstration and research projects. Subsidies, tax credits, and public procurement of environmental solutions promote an encouraging business climate. Such continued government support fosters market confidence, attracts investor attention, and spurs deployment in energy-sensitive sectors like buildings and industrial facilities.
- Urbanization propelling smart building solutions: With increased urbanization and vertical city growth, there is increased need for energy-efficient buildings. Inorganic Phase Change Materials are increasingly playing a key role in smart buildings to control internal heat loads. Their implementation lowers operational energy consumption and achieves new building regulations. Green urban infrastructure is being given priority by cities such as Shenzhen and Chongqing, which increases demand. As energy efficiency becomes a selling feature in real estate markets, these materials present a compelling value proposition to developers, correlating economic returns with environmental outcomes.
- Increased demand for renewable energy and grid storage: China leads the world in the deployment of solar and wind power. The intermittency of these sources complicates grid stability. Inorganic Phase Change Materials enable thermal energy storage solutions that supplement battery-based schemes. Such materials are utilized to control thermal loads, allowing smoother power transmission. With the national grids becoming more intelligent and decentralized, cost-effective, scalable, and secure storage technologies become increasingly important. This development makes Inorganic Phase Change Materials a critical piece of China’s clean energy infrastructure.
- Growth in pharma and food industries’ demand for cold chain: Demand for dependable cold storage and transportation is growing as a result of vaccine initiatives, web-based grocery retailing, and food safety regulations. Inorganic Phase Change Materials provide stable temperature retention, rendering them well-suited to sensitive freight. They lessen reliance on active cooling, decrease energy expenditures, and enhance environmental regulation. Facilitative policies concerning pharmaceutical supply chains and food traceability systems amplify uptake. The development of regional cold chain centers also fuels localized production and consumption of the materials throughout China’s logistics system.
- Advances in material formulation technology: Chinese universities and firms are investing in enhancing the stability and cycling performance of Inorganic Phase Change Materials. Advances in encapsulation, hybrid formulation, and integration into building elements are increasing performance. These technologies minimize supercooling, increase product life, and minimize leakage risk. Patents and joint ventures are speeding commercialization. With production methods increasing in scale, material costs are declining, enhancing affordability for mass-market uses. This steady stream of innovation will keep the materials competitive and current across industries.
Challenges in the inorganic phase change material market in China are:
- High up-front costs of implementation: Even with long-term energy savings, Inorganic Phase Change Materials involve initial investments for system integration. For buildings, vehicles, or grid storage, this cost hurdle deters adoption, particularly by smaller developers or companies. Weak awareness of return on investment and the absence of trained personnel to install or maintain such systems further adds to the dilemma. Although there are incentives, narrowing the cost gap is a key issue that manufacturers have to overcome through pricing and value demonstration.
- Limitations in performance under different conditions: Certain Inorganic Phase Change Materials are subject to technical constraints such as supercooling, corrosion, or phase segregation under temperature variations or impurities. These can lower system efficiency and maintenance costs. In highly climatically extreme or load-unstable areas, reliability is in question. Although development continues, these limitations impact trust in some applications and delay large-scale deployment unless these are benchmarked by field performance data.
- Regulatory compliance complexity and testing: China’s regulatory environment for new building materials, pharma, and industrial products is changing. Compliance with certification and safety tests may hold up product registration or launch. Various rules apply to businesses depending on areas of application, resulting in more bureaucratic hurdles. Such complexity may deter smaller businesses and slow down adoption rates. Less ambiguous rules and more streamlined procedures will be necessary to bring growth in line across regions and industries and ensure safety and quality.
List of Inorganic Phase Change Material Market in China Companies
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. Through these strategies, inorganic phase change material companies cater to increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base.Inorganic Phase Change Material Market in China by Segment
The study includes a forecast for the inorganic phase change material market in China by type and application.Type [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:
- Non-Carbon-Based Materials: Salt Hydrates
- Non-Carbon-Based Materials: Metallics
- Others
Application [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:
- Architecture
- Textile
- Refrigeration & Logistics
- Others
Features of the Inorganic Phase Change Material Market in China
- Market Size Estimates: Inorganic phase change material in China market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
- Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends and forecasts by various segments.
- Segmentation Analysis: Inorganic phase change material in China market size by type and application in terms of value ($B).
- Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different type and application for the inorganic phase change material in China.
- Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the inorganic phase change material in China.
- Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.
This report answers the following 10 key questions:
Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the inorganic phase change material market in China by type (non-carbon-based materials: salt hydrates, non-carbon-based materials: metallics, and others), and application (architecture, textile, refrigeration & logistics, and others)?Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.4. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.5. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.6. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.7. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.8. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.9. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.10. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?
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Table of Contents
Methodology
The analyst has been in the business of market research and management consulting since 2000 and has published over 600 market intelligence reports in various markets/applications and served over 1,000 clients worldwide. Each study is a culmination of four months of full-time effort performed by the analyst team. The analysts used the following sources for the creation and completion of this valuable report:
- In-depth interviews of the major players in the market
- Detailed secondary research from competitors’ financial statements and published data
- Extensive searches of published works, market, and database information pertaining to industry news, company press releases, and customer intentions
- A compilation of the experiences, judgments, and insights of professionals, who have analyzed and tracked the market over the years.
Extensive research and interviews are conducted in the supply chain of the market to estimate market share, market size, trends, drivers, challenges and forecasts.
Thus, the analyst compiles vast amounts of data from numerous sources, validates the integrity of that data, and performs a comprehensive analysis. The analyst then organizes the data, its findings, and insights into a concise report designed to support the strategic decision-making process.

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