Posted On: MAY-2025 | Categories : Chemicals and Materials
Thermoplastics are a class of polymers that become pliable when heated, allowing them to be shaped through processes like extrusion, injection molding, and thermoforming. Their versatility and advantageous properties—such as durability & resistance to chemicals—make them widely used across numerous industries.
Key Property
Description
Re-meltable
Can be melted and reshaped repeatedly
Recyclable
Easily recyclable
Flexible and Tough
Good impact resistance and flexibility
Chemically Resistant
Stable against many chemicals
Easy to Process
Compatible with various molding techniques
Good Electrical Insulator
Excellent insulating properties
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) – Known for its strength and impact resistance, ABS is found in everything from automotive parts to LEGO bricks and electronics.
Polyolefins – A broad class that includes polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), widely used in packaging, textiles, and automotive industries. The Polyolefins Market continues to grow due to their cost-effectiveness and chemical resistance.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) – This versatile polymer is prominent in the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic pail market, ideal for storing industrial chemicals and food products due to its strength and durability.
Advanced Elastomers – Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) dominate the sector due to their recyclability, flexibility & ease of processing, while thermoset elastomers continue to be preferred in high-temperature and chemically resistant applications. The UV stabilized thermoplastic elastomer market is particularly important in outdoor applications like automotive trims and roofing, where sunlight resistance is crucial.
Aerospace: thermoplastic components are often preferred over metal due to their lighter weight, which aids in aircraft weight reduction and improves fuel efficiency. These materials are not only easy to manufacture and cost-effective but also offer corrosion resistance & a strong strength-to-weight ratio, making them ideal for various aircraft parts like brackets, clips, wings, tailplanes, etc. Common thermoplastics used in aerospace applications include PEEK, PA6, PA12, PPS and POM-C.
Construction: Due to their lightweight nature, strength & durability, and corrosion resistance, thermoplastic components are widely utilized in the construction industry. They are found in various applications, including pipes, insulating panels, bathtubs, window panel doors, structural profiles, tiles, flooring and more. Common thermoplastics used in construction include polycarbonate, polypropylene, ABS & PEEK.
Medical: Thermoplastic components are widely utilized in medical applications due to their chemical resistance, high-impact strength, wear resistance, low susceptibility to stress, and biocompatibility. They play a crucial role in the production of various medical devices & implants, including orthopedic implants, drug delivery systems, neurological and cardiovascular applications, and diagnostic tools. Commonly used polymers in these applications include UHMW PE, PEEK, acrylic, polypropylene & PPS.
Consumer Goods: Thermoplastics are widely used in consumer goods, including packaging, appliance components, household items & more. These polymers are favored for their versatility and ease of molding. Alongside their numerous advantages, thermoplastics also offer design flexibility which makes them ideal for manufacturing complex-shaped parts, such as certain appliance components. The most commonly utilized thermoplastics in the consumer goods sector include polypropylene, nylon, polycarbonate, POM and ABS.
PureCycle & Landbell Group: On March 31, 2025, PureCycle Technologies, Inc., a U.S.-based leader in plastic recycling innovation, announced a partnership with Landbell Group, a global company managing over 40 producer responsibility organizations (PROs) and specializing in closed-loop recycling solutions. This collaboration aims to enhance & expand the upcycling of polypropylene (PP) waste into high-purity, recycled PP, making it suitable for high-value, demanding applications across Europe.
Prism Worldwide & Sherwood Industries: On February 12, 2025, tire recycler Prism Worldwide, based in Kirkland, Washington, partnered with Sherwood Industries in Niles, Illinois, to integrate Prism’s thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) into extruded TPE sheets. Prism highlights that these extruded TPE rubber sheets are extensively utilized across various industries, where they serve as materials for mud flaps, wheel well protectors and bin mats. They are also commonly found in household products, appliances, and everyday items such as sporting goods, tool drawer liners and tread grips.
Neste & Braskem: On October 29, 2024, Neste and Braskem, the largest thermoplastic resin producer in the Americas, announced a strategic partnership to provide renewable and recycled feedstocks for manufacturing sustainable polymers and chemicals. The first products made from these eco-friendly feedstocks are expected to enter the South American market in the fourth quarter of 2024, expanding Braskem's Wenew portfolio. This collaboration marks a major step forward in advancing a circular economy by introducing renewable polymers to the region.
3D-printed ABS: Known for its strength, durability & heat resistance, ABS is widely used in automotive, consumer goods & prototyping. The adoption of 3D printing enhances design flexibility, reduces material waste & allows for rapid production of complex structures. Industries are leveraging ABS for customized parts, lightweight components, and sustainable manufacturing.
Bio-based PA: Traditional polyamides (nylons) are petroleum-derived, but bio-based PA is created from renewable sources like castor oil. This development reduces dependency on fossil fuels, lowers environmental impact, and maintains high performance. Bio-based PA is gaining traction in textiles, automotive components, and sustainable packaging, offering a greener alternative without compromising strength and chemical resistance.
The Aeson® total artificial heart, developed by the French company Carmat, is an impressive engineering achievement. Designed as a leading alternative to heart transplants, it features a structural housing made from PEEK, a material chosen for its exceptional mechanical properties and biocompatibility.
The upcoming generation of American rovers will have a strikingly different design—beginning with their wheels. As Cyrille Roget, Michelin's director of scientific innovation, explains, these are no longer considered traditional tires. Instead, they are entirely solid, airless, and crafted from high-performance thermoplastic. Built to withstand extreme conditions, these wheels are designed for a decade-long lunar exploration mission, supporting both crewed & autonomous operations across the Moon's rugged terrain.
The thermoplastic polymers market is poised for continued expansion, fueled by their versatility, lightweight properties & compatibility with advanced manufacturing technologies like 3D printing. As industries increasingly prioritize sustainability & performance, the shift toward bio-based, recyclable & high-performance thermoplastics is gaining momentum. This transformation is not only addressing environmental concerns but also opening new opportunities in automotive, electronics, healthcare & packaging sectors. Looking ahead, the market is expected to benefit from ongoing innovations, stronger regulatory support for eco-friendly material & growing demand across emerging economies. With a focus on circular economy practices and material efficiency, thermoplastics will remain a vital part of the global materials landscape well into the future.