According to Stratistics MRC, the Global C9 Resin Market is accounted for $2.03 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $3.33 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period. C9 resin is a hydrocarbon resin derived primarily from the polymerization of aromatic by-products of petroleum refining, particularly C9 fraction feedstock. It serves as a tackifier and performance enhancer in adhesives, rubber compounding, coatings, and printing inks. Characterized by its dark color and excellent compatibility with various polymers, C9 resin improves adhesion, thermal stability, and gloss. Its versatile chemical properties make it valuable in both industrial and commercial formulations, contributing to enhanced product durability, flexibility, and process ability across applications.
According to the European Petrochemical Association, C9 resins are primarily used in applications such as adhesives, paints, rubber compounding, and printing inks due to their tackifying and binding properties.
Market Dynamics:
Driver:
Rising demand in adhesives, paints & coatings
Radiometric dating machines are seeing increased demand due to their pivotal role in disciplines such as earth sciences, archaeology, and climate reconstruction. These instruments enable researchers to determine the age of materials with precision, aiding in historical site verification and environmental baseline analysis. As climate variability becomes a critical focus, institutions are investing in these technologies for sediment and ice core dating. Enhanced research funding and collaborative academic programs are further boosting adoption.
Restraint:
Lack of sustainable alternatives and environmental persistence
any institutions struggle to recruit personnel with specialized knowledge in isotope analysis or mass spectrometry. This talent gap restricts the utilization of sophisticated systems, particularly in emerging regions lacking formal training programs. Additionally, the steep learning curve involved in data interpretation and calibration increases operational dependency on a narrow pool of experts. Addressing workforce development remains key to scaling these technologies effectively.
Opportunity:
Growth of flexible packaging & printing inks
Next-generation machines offer improved sensitivity, faster throughput, and simplified calibration procedures, catering to a broader range of research applications. Manufacturers are also integrating AI-powered software to streamline data visualization and age modeling. These tools enable institutions to handle complex sample matrices with greater reliability. As demand grows for versatile and precise analytical platforms, innovation is driving a more competitive and adaptive market.
Threat:
Substitution by bio-based resins
Laboratories must comply with national and international protocols related to sample storage, radiation exposure, and waste disposal. Frequent audits and the need for specialized licenses can delay project timelines and inflate operational costs. For smaller labs or academic units, these constraints may limit the feasibility of maintaining in-house radiometric systems. Navigating compliance complexities is critical for sustained market access.
Covid-19 Impact:
The pandemic significantly hindered archaeological expeditions, environmental fieldwork, and laboratory-based sample processing. Travel restrictions and research facility closures delayed numerous dating projects and curtailed new instrument installations. However, post-pandemic recovery efforts have renewed focus on climate change and historical analysis, revitalizing demand for radiometric dating solutions.
The modified C9 resin segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The modified C9 resin segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period due to its established use in determining isotope concentrations across biological and geological samples. Beta counters are valued for their reliability, cost-effectiveness, and broad applicability in radiocarbon and tritium measurements. These systems support both academic research and regulatory compliance testing. The development of low-background counting instruments has enhanced detection sensitivity, particularly in high-precision applications.
The adhesives & sealants segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the adhesives & sealants segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate driven by its extensive utility in archaeological, geological, and forensic investigations. Radiocarbon dating is increasingly used to validate historical artifacts, date environmental samples, and assess soil carbon cycles. Technological refinement—such as accelerator mass spectrometry has significantly improved precision and reduced required sample sizes. This has broadened the method’s applicability in interdisciplinary studies.
Region with largest share:
During the forecast period, the North America region is expected to hold the largest market share due to its rising investment in geoscience research and cultural preservation. Countries like China, Japan, and India are expanding their analytical infrastructure to support extensive excavation and mineral exploration activities. Government-backed archaeological missions and collaborations with academic institutions are encouraging the use of advanced dating techniques.
Region with highest CAGR:
Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR owing to strong academic funding, technological innovation, and institutional partnerships. Research organizations and universities are investing in sophisticated radiometric platforms to support paleoclimate reconstruction and environmental monitoring projects. The presence of leading equipment manufacturers and robust regulatory frameworks is supporting rapid commercialization of advanced analytical tools.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in C9 Resin Market include Kolon Industries, Inc., Cray Valley, Neville Chemical Company, Eastman Chemical Company, Arakawa Chemical Industries, Ltd., Exxon Mobil Corporation, Henan Anglxxon Chemical Co., Ltd., Lesco Chemical Limited, Puyang Ruisen Petroleum Resins Co., Ltd., Seacon Corporation, Shandong Landun Petroleum Resin Co., Ltd., Formosan Union Chemical Corp., Qingdao Bater Chemical Co., Ltd., Yuen Liang Industrial & Co., Ltd., and Shandong Qilong Chemical Co., Ltd.
Key Developments:
In June 2025, Eastman Chemical Company launched Esmeri™ CC1N10, a biodegradable cellulose ester micropowder for color cosmetics designed to meet EU microplastics regulations while enhancing soft-focus effects and color intensity.
In May 2025, ExxonMobil signed a CO₂ transportation and storage agreement with Calpine to capture and store up to 2 million metric tons per year from Calpine’s power generation facilities supporting decarbonisation and job creation.
In February 2025, Eastman Chemical Company announced effective March 1 price increases for EB and DB solvents across North America and Latin America, citing market conditions and supply dynamics.
Types Covered:
• Modified C9 Resin
• Unmodified C9 Resins
• Homopolymer Resins
• Copolymer Resins
• Terpolymer Resins
• Hydrogenated C9 Resins
• Other Types
Forms Covered:
• Granules
• Flakes
• Powder
• Pellets
• Solution/Dispersion
Distribution Channels Covered:
• Distributors/Wholesalers
• Direct Sales (B2B)
• Online Retail
• Specialty Chemical Suppliers
Applications Covered:
• Adhesives & Sealants
• Rubber Compounding
• Paints & Coatings
• Printing Inks
• Tapes & Labels
• Hot Melt Adhesives (HMA)
End Users Covered:
• Automotive
• Construction
• Packaging
• Printing & Publishing
• Textiles
• Consumer Goods
• Other End Users
Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements
Learn how to effectively navigate the market research process to help guide your organization on the journey to success.
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