Nylon 6 & 66 Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Nylon 6, Nylon 66), By Application (Engineering Plastics, Automotive, Textiles, Electrical & Electronics, Others), And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2025

Industry Insights

The global Nylon 6 and 66 market size was estimated at USD 25.66 billion in 2017 and is expected to register a CAGR of 6.2% over the forecast period. The growth is attributed to accelerated usage of these products in the automobile industry as different components promoting reduced vehicle weights, and fewer emissions to the atmosphere.

Moreover, nylon 6, as well as 66, is gradually replacing metal parts in automobiles owing to its suitable properties of high tensile strength, high elasticity, and excellent resistance to abrasion. These factors are expected to favor growth of the global nylon market.

Rising demand for nylon 6 in applications such as engineering plastics, electrical and electronics, and several other niche applications is majorly fueling the market growth. At present, majority of the demand for nylon 66 is derived by the engineering plastic manufacturers but is also exhibiting a trend of being absorbed by the textile and automotive industries.

However, increasing threat of substitution from other products such as polypropylene, bioabsorbable polymers, para-aramid synthetic fibers, and Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVF) is anticipated to hamper growth of the global Nylon 6 and 66 market owing to their lower competitive prices. PVF is a non-reactive thermoplastic, which possesses excellent characteristics when compared to nylon PVFs, which have a lower optical density, higher density, high wear resistance, high UV resistance, harder surface, and low elasticity.

In recent years, PVF is gaining acceptance as a significant substitute for nylon fishing lines. Other environment-friendly substitutes such as bioabsorbable polymer pose a key threat due to its biodegradable nature. Compared to nylon, polypropylene is highly smooth, more elastic, has high tensile strength, low elongation, and better handling. It finds application in textiles, medical, and fishing. Para-aramid synthetic fibers are stronger and have higher heat resistance compared to nylon monofilaments.

Product Insights

The unique properties of PA 6 make it a cost-effective substitute for materials such as steel, bronze, brass, gunmetal, aluminum, plastics, and rubbers. These properties attract electrical protection device manufacturers to use PA 6 in their offerings. Rise in scope of application of the product over the past few years has established its reliability, utility, and supportive economics on the basis of cost and performance. Excellent surface finish of the product even under reinforced conditions makes it suitable for applications where aesthetics is important.

Moreover, demand for nylon 6 filament is on the rise for application in travel accessories owing to their ability to provide high abrasion resistance, better dimensional stability, and higher impact strength. Furthermore, nylon is also known to facilitate better resistance to dirt, dust, and wear thus making it easy to maintain. Being lightweight is another major factor, likely to propel their demand as a baggage material.

Application Insights

Based on application, the market is segmented into automobile, electrical and electronics, engineering plastics, textile, and others. Automotive was estimated as the largest application segment in 2017, followed by engineering plastics and textiles. Nylon composites are used to increase the environmental sustainability of automotive parts and to reduce weight of automotive components.

The composites are used to manufacture hydraulic clutch lines, headlamp bezels, automotive cooling systems, air intake manifold, and airbag containers. They are also used in exterior parts such as wheel covers, fuel caps, tailgate handles, doors, front end grilles, and exterior mirrors. Nylon composites are expected to drive demand in the automotive industry due to factors such as excellent mechanical properties, wear resistance, and growing need for lightweight vehicles to improve fuel efficiency.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific was the dominant regional segment occupying 41.77% of the market share in terms of revenue in 2017. The region is projected to account for a significant share over the forecast period. Availability of low-cost raw materials and labor coupled with increased spending power is a significant driver for the regional polyamide market. Availability of huge untapped market and supportive government policies are attracting polyamide producers to set up manufacturing and distribution facilities in the region.

Nylon 6 & 66 Market Share Insights

The market is characterized by the presence of various well-established players, such as BASF SE; Lanxess AG; Huntsman Corporation; AdvanSix Inc.; INVESTA; and DOMO Chemicals among others. The competitive rivalry is expected to remain high over the years to come as the key players strive to develop better-finished products at competitive raw material prices.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue and volume growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2025. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global nylon 6 and 66 market report on the basis of product, application, and region:

• Product Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Nylon 6

  • Nylon 66

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Automobile

  • Electrical & Electronics

  • Engineering Plastics

  • Textile

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • North America

    • U.S.

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • U.K.

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • India

  • Central & South America

  • Middle East & Africa