The PU CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers) category, while smaller than foam segments, is crucial for its versatility and utility across industries such as automotive, construction, footwear and textiles. These products enhance durability, flexibility, adhesion, and sealing properties, driving innovation and efficiency in modern manufacturing.
Global production of polyurethane
CASE products reached 10.9mt in 2023, with Asia accounting for 71%, led by its robust elastomer industry. Elastomers dominate the CASE market, driven by demand in automotive, construction, and consumer goods. CASE applications grew in 2023 after a 2022 decline, fueled by infrastructure projects in Asia-Pacific and automotive growth in China and India. However, challenges such as high inflation in North America and geopolitical tensions in Europe tempered overall growth.
DATA: CASE in graphs
PU coatings are primarily used in the wood, construction, and automotive sectors, with automotive demand driving growth. In 2023, global vehicle production surged by 10.3%, boosting coatings demand, especially in Asia-Pacific, which holds over half the global market, led by China.
Polyurethane adhesives experienced robust growth in automotive and flexible packaging. Flexible packaging, especially in food and pharma, dominated the market with over 35% share. Asia-Pacific, driven by China and India, accounted for over 60% of global demand.
Sealants reflected mixed results. Auto glazing rose 6%, supported by increased vehicle production and sustainability goals. However, construction sealants declined by over 3% due to geopolitical and economic disrup-tions, particularly in Europe.
Elastomers remain vital across indus-tries, with spandex fibers growing 8% in 2023, supported by activewear de-mand. Synthetic leather production increased 5.3%, driven by eco-friendly alternatives. However, footwear elastomers declined, mirroring a 6% drop in global footwear production.
Despite headwinds, PU CASE products are poised for recovery by 2025, with elastomers, adhesives, and coatings forecasted to grow by 3.3%, 2.5%, and 2.4%, respectively. Their adaptability ensures continued relevance across diverse industries.