Europe Plastics for Tribology Application Market is expected to reach US$ 13.04 Billion by 2031

Rising Demand from Automotive Industry to Drive Europe Plastics for Tribology Application Market Growth

According to the latest market study on “Europe Plastics for Tribology Application Market Forecast to 2031 – Regional Share, Trend, and Growth Opportunity Analysis – by Material, Application, and End Use,” the market was valued at US$ 7.99 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$ 13.04 billion by 2031; it is anticipated to record a CAGR of 6.3% from 2023 to 2031. The report highlights key factors contributing to the Europe plastics for tribology application market size and prominent players, along with their developments in the market.

Plastics for tribology applications represent diverse materials specifically engineered to excel in friction, wear, and lubrication scenarios across industries such as automotive and aerospace. The European automotive industry is growing, fueled by factors such as increasing demand for new vehicles and a focus on technological advancements. This growth directly impacts the demand for plastics with specific tribological properties. Tribology is the science of friction, lubrication, and wear, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and durability of various automotive components. In tribological applications, plastic offers various advantages over traditional materials, such as metals and ceramics. Plastics can be engineered to have specific friction and wear properties, allowing manufacturers to tailor materials to meet the demands of different automotive components. For instance, polymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) exhibit low friction and wear characteristics, making them ideal for use in bearings, seals, and gears. As car manufacturers prioritize lightweight materials to improve fuel efficiency and meet emission regulations, plastics have become increasingly attractive alternatives to traditional materials. Additionally, plastics such as polyamides possess self-lubricating properties, eliminating the need for external lubricants, simplifying maintenance, and reducing environmental impact.

Europe Plastics for Tribology Application Market Breakdown – by Region

The growth of the European automotive industry translates to a higher production volume of vehicles. This, in turn, necessitates a larger quantity of tribological components such as bearings, gears, and seals. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, nearly 13.1 million motor vehicles are manufactured annually in the European Union (EU). With over 10.5 million new registrations, EU car sales surged by almost 14% in 2023. Battery-electric sales soared by 37%, accounting for ~15% market share. In addition, in 2023, the EU solidified its position as the second-largest global car producer as production reached 12.1 million units, a growth of over 11%.

The Europe plastics for tribology application market trends include the increasing popularity of EVs. The growing production of electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe is significantly driving the demand for plastics in tribological applications, reshaping the automotive industry, and accelerating the adoption of innovative plastic materials. As the shift toward electric mobility gains momentum, EV manufacturers are increasingly turning to lightweight materials, including plastics, to improve vehicle efficiency, range, and performance. Plastics offer unique advantages in tribology applications, providing low friction coefficients, wear resistance, and self-lubricating properties that are essential for various components in electric vehicles. According to the European Commission, Europe is one of the largest manufacturers of motor vehicles worldwide. The automobile industry directly and indirectly employs ∼13.8 million people, resulting in 6.1% of overall employment in the European Union (EU). According to the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (OICA), the EU automotive production increased to 4.2 million units in 2023 from 3.7 million units in 2022, registering a growth of 19%. The region is home to several prominent automotive players, including Volkswagen AG, Stellantis NV, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, and Renault SA. Automotive manufacturers are increasingly turning to lightweight materials such as plastics to replace traditional metal components as they strive to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Plastics offer several advantages in tribological applications, including lower friction coefficient, improved wear resistance, and the ability to self-lubricate. These properties make plastics ideal for use in components such as bearings, seals, and gears within automotive systems. With the rise in demand for EVs and hybrid vehicles, which require lighter materials to offset the weight of batteries, the use of plastics in tribology applications is expected to increase further. Automobile manufacturers in the region are investing heavily in EV production. For instance, in February 2024, Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz announced the plan to invest US$ 7.6 billion to set up three new EV gigafactories across the EU. These factories will be set up in Kaiserslautern in Germany, Termoli in Italy, and another undisclosed location in France. Plastics are widely used in bearings, bushings, and sliding components within electric vehicle drivetrains and suspension systems. Thus, the ever-expanding production needs of the automotive industry are driving the Europe plastics for tribology application market growth.

The Europe plastics for tribology application market is poised for significant growth, fueled by a rising focus on sustainable solutions. As industries increasingly prioritize environmental responsibility and resource efficiency, there is a heightened demand for materials that offer both performance advantages and reduced environmental impact. Sustainable methods such as green tribology, a branch of tribology emphasizing environmentally friendly materials and practices, present a wealth of opportunities for the market. Plastics, with their versatility and potential for eco-friendly formulations, are poised to play a key role in advancing green tribology initiatives across various industrial sectors in Europe. Stricter environmental regulations in Europe are pushing industries to adopt sustainable practices. Green tribology plastics comply with these regulations by offering low friction and wear resistance, reducing energy consumption, and lower lubricant use. This resonates well with manufacturers striving for environmental compliance. In addition, the development of bio-based and biodegradable tribology plastics presents a major leap forward. These materials perform similarly to traditional plastics but have a smaller environmental footprint as they decompose naturally at the end of their lifespan, eliminating concerns about plastic pollution.

The Europe plastics for tribology application market analysis is carried out by identifying and evaluating key players in the market across different regions. BASF SE, DuPont de Nemours Inc, Covestro AG, SABIC, Lanxess AG, Toray Industries Inc, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp, Solvay SA, Arkema SA, and Evonik Industries AG are among the key players profiled in the Europe plastics for tribology application market report.

Europe Plastics for Tribology Application Market Segmentation:

The market is segmented on the basis of material, application, and end use. Based on material, the market is segmented into polyamide (PA), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and others. On the basis of application, the market is bifurcated into bearings, gears, seals, bushings, and others. In terms of end use, the Europe plastics for tribology application market is segmented into the automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, oil & gas, marine, and others. The geographic scope of the Europe plastics for tribology application market report focuses on Europe (Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Russia, and the Rest of Europe). In terms of revenue, Germany dominated the Europe plastics for tribology application market share.

Based on application, the bearings segment held the largest Europe plastics for tribology application market share in 2023. Plastics are increasingly gaining traction in the field of bearing applications, offering a viable alternative to traditional metal bearings due to their tribological properties. Due to their self-lubricating nature, plastic bearings reduce the need for external lubrication and maintenance, making them particularly suitable for applications where cleanliness and reduced friction are essential. This characteristic is especially beneficial in industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, where contamination risks must be minimized. Plastic bearings also exhibit a low coefficient of friction, resulting in smoother operation and reduced wear over time, leading to improved efficiency and extended service life of machinery and equipment. In automotive engineering, plastic bearings are increasingly utilized in various components, including suspension systems, throttle bodies, and seat adjustments, where their lightweight nature and resistance to corrosion offer significant advantages. Thus, all these factors led to the dominance of the bearings segment in the Europe plastics for tribology application market.

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