Lightweight Composites Market Forecasts to 2032 – Global Analysis By Fiber Type (Glass Fiber Composites, Carbon Fiber Composites, Aramid Fiber Composites, Boron Fiber Composites, Natural Fiber Composites and Hybrid Fiber Composites), Resin Type, Manufactu
Description
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Lightweight Composites Market is accounted for $155.05 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $255.57 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period. Lightweight composites are advanced materials engineered by combining two or more constituent materials with distinct physical or chemical properties to produce a superior material with enhanced performance. These composites are specifically designed to be strong yet light, offering high strength-to-weight ratios, durability, and resistance to corrosion or fatigue. Commonly used in automotive, aerospace, and construction sectors, lightweight composites help reduce overall weight, improve fuel efficiency, and lower emissions. They include fiber-reinforced polymers, metal-matrix composites, and ceramic-matrix composites, playing a critical role in modern engineering and sustainable design.
Market Dynamics:
Driver:
Demand for fuel-efficient vehicles
Increasing pressure to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency is accelerating the use of lightweight composites in mobility applications. Manufacturers are replacing conventional metals with advanced materials to achieve weight reduction without compromising structural integrity. Integration with electric vehicles, hybrid platforms, and modular architectures is expanding design flexibility. Public and private investments in sustainable transport and composite engineering are reinforcing demand. OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are embedding these materials across chassis, interiors, and propulsion systems. These dynamics are positioning fuel efficiency as a key driver of the lightweight composites market, thereby boosting overall market growth.
Restraint:
High production costs
Limited access to cost-efficient resins, fibers, and curing technologies is affecting profitability. Regulatory compliance and quality assurance further increase operational overhead. Price sensitivity among end-users is slowing adoption in cost-constrained sectors. R&D intensity and capital expenditure are tempering innovation. These factors are constraining market expansion despite rising demand for lightweight solutions.
Opportunity:
Technological innovations in manufacturing
Integration with digital twins, simulation tools, and AI-driven process optimization is accelerating time-to-market. Public and private investments in composite R&D centers and pilot facilities are reinforcing innovation. Demand for multifunctional, recyclable, and high-performance materials is expanding across industries. Partnerships between OEMs, material scientists, and equipment providers are driving scalability. These developments are creating favorable conditions for market growth, thereby accelerating adoption of lightweight composites.
Threat:
Limited awareness and technical expertise
Training infrastructure, certification programs, and academic-industry collaboration remain underdeveloped in several regions. Misconceptions around cost, durability, and recyclability are affecting market penetration. Lack of standardized testing and performance benchmarks is slowing integration into mainstream applications. These limitations are introducing strategic risk and constraining full-scale market development.
Covid-19 Impact:
The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the Lightweight Composites market, causing temporary supply chain interruptions, project delays, and reduced industrial activity. Aerospace, automotive, and construction sectors experienced demand fluctuations and capital expenditure constraints. However, the increased focus on sustainability, material efficiency, and resilient manufacturing partially offset the slowdown. Post-pandemic recovery is driven by growing demand for lightweight, high-strength, and multifunctional materials, along with innovations in digital fabrication, remote prototyping, and decentralized production across global markets.
The glass fibre composites segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The glass fibre composites segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period owing to its cost-effectiveness, versatility, and widespread use across automotive, construction, and consumer goods. These composites offer excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and design adaptability. Manufacturers are optimizing formulations for thermoset and thermoplastic matrices to meet diverse application needs. Demand remains strong across structural, aesthetic, and insulation components. Regulatory support and material standardization are reinforcing adoption.
The aerospace & defense segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the aerospace & defense segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate driven by demand for high-performance, weight-saving materials in aircraft, UAVs, and defense systems. Composites are being integrated into fuselage, wings, radomes, and armor applications to enhance fuel efficiency, payload capacity, and operational durability. Public and private investments in advanced materials, stealth technologies, and modular platforms are accelerating adoption. Regulatory mandates and performance benchmarks are reinforcing innovation. Demand for lightweight, impact-resistant, and thermally stable materials is expanding across defense modernization programs, thereby accelerating market expansion.
Region with largest share:
During the forecast period, the North America region is expected to hold the largest market share due to its advanced manufacturing infrastructure, strong aerospace and automotive base, and robust R&D ecosystem. The U.S. and Canada are leading in composite innovation, regulatory compliance, and industrial integration. Public initiatives in sustainable mobility, defense modernization, and infrastructure resilience are reinforcing demand. Regional manufacturers and global players are scaling production, partnerships, and technology transfer. Regulatory clarity and institutional support are enabling widespread deployment.
Region with highest CAGR:
Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR driven by rising industrialization, infrastructure investment, and government support for advanced materials. Countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea are scaling composite production, automotive electrification, and aerospace development. Public-private partnerships and mobile-first strategies are improving access to composite technologies in urban and semi-urban areas. Demand for affordable, high-performance, and locally manufactured materials is reinforcing innovation. Regional manufacturers and global players are collaborating to localize and scale solutions.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Lightweight Composites Market include Hexcel Corporation, TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC., Owens Corning, Solvay S.A., Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation, Teijin Limited, SGL Carbon SE, Gurit Holding AG, BASF SE, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., DSM-Firmenich AG, SABIC, UPM-Kymmene Corporation, Covestro AG and Exel Composites Oyj.
Key Developments:
In June 2025, Toray Industries expanded its collaboration with Airbus and Safran to co-develop thermoplastic composite materials for next-gen aircraft structures. These partnerships support sustainability goals and enable scalable production of lightweight, high-strength components for fuselage and wing assemblies.
In June 2025, Hexcel signed a long-term partnership agreement with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to co-develop lightweight composite solutions for defense platforms. This collaboration enhances Hexcel’s footprint in structural composites and supports Norway’s strategic defense modernization efforts.
Fiber Types Covered:
• Glass Fiber Composites
• Carbon Fiber Composites
• Aramid Fiber Composites
• Boron Fiber Composites
• Natural Fiber Composites
• Hybrid Fiber Composites
Resin Types Covered:
• Epoxy-Based Composites
• Polyester-Based Composites
• Vinyl Ester-Based Composites
• Thermoplastic Composites
Manufacturing Processes Covered:
• Hand Lay-Up
• Spray-Up
• Filament Winding
• Pultrusion
• Compression Molding
• Injection Molding
• Resin Transfer Molding (RTM)
• Autoclave Molding
• Vacuum Bag Molding
End Users Covered:
• Aerospace & Defense
• Automotive & Transportation
• Marine
• Rail & Mass Transit
• Wind Energy
• Construction & Infrastructure
• Electrical & Electronics
• Sports & Recreation
• Medical & Healthcare
• 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
• Company Profiling
Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances
Market Dynamics:
Driver:
Demand for fuel-efficient vehicles
Increasing pressure to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency is accelerating the use of lightweight composites in mobility applications. Manufacturers are replacing conventional metals with advanced materials to achieve weight reduction without compromising structural integrity. Integration with electric vehicles, hybrid platforms, and modular architectures is expanding design flexibility. Public and private investments in sustainable transport and composite engineering are reinforcing demand. OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are embedding these materials across chassis, interiors, and propulsion systems. These dynamics are positioning fuel efficiency as a key driver of the lightweight composites market, thereby boosting overall market growth.
Restraint:
High production costs
Limited access to cost-efficient resins, fibers, and curing technologies is affecting profitability. Regulatory compliance and quality assurance further increase operational overhead. Price sensitivity among end-users is slowing adoption in cost-constrained sectors. R&D intensity and capital expenditure are tempering innovation. These factors are constraining market expansion despite rising demand for lightweight solutions.
Opportunity:
Technological innovations in manufacturing
Integration with digital twins, simulation tools, and AI-driven process optimization is accelerating time-to-market. Public and private investments in composite R&D centers and pilot facilities are reinforcing innovation. Demand for multifunctional, recyclable, and high-performance materials is expanding across industries. Partnerships between OEMs, material scientists, and equipment providers are driving scalability. These developments are creating favorable conditions for market growth, thereby accelerating adoption of lightweight composites.
Threat:
Limited awareness and technical expertise
Training infrastructure, certification programs, and academic-industry collaboration remain underdeveloped in several regions. Misconceptions around cost, durability, and recyclability are affecting market penetration. Lack of standardized testing and performance benchmarks is slowing integration into mainstream applications. These limitations are introducing strategic risk and constraining full-scale market development.
Covid-19 Impact:
The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the Lightweight Composites market, causing temporary supply chain interruptions, project delays, and reduced industrial activity. Aerospace, automotive, and construction sectors experienced demand fluctuations and capital expenditure constraints. However, the increased focus on sustainability, material efficiency, and resilient manufacturing partially offset the slowdown. Post-pandemic recovery is driven by growing demand for lightweight, high-strength, and multifunctional materials, along with innovations in digital fabrication, remote prototyping, and decentralized production across global markets.
The glass fibre composites segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The glass fibre composites segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period owing to its cost-effectiveness, versatility, and widespread use across automotive, construction, and consumer goods. These composites offer excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and design adaptability. Manufacturers are optimizing formulations for thermoset and thermoplastic matrices to meet diverse application needs. Demand remains strong across structural, aesthetic, and insulation components. Regulatory support and material standardization are reinforcing adoption.
The aerospace & defense segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the aerospace & defense segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate driven by demand for high-performance, weight-saving materials in aircraft, UAVs, and defense systems. Composites are being integrated into fuselage, wings, radomes, and armor applications to enhance fuel efficiency, payload capacity, and operational durability. Public and private investments in advanced materials, stealth technologies, and modular platforms are accelerating adoption. Regulatory mandates and performance benchmarks are reinforcing innovation. Demand for lightweight, impact-resistant, and thermally stable materials is expanding across defense modernization programs, thereby accelerating market expansion.
Region with largest share:
During the forecast period, the North America region is expected to hold the largest market share due to its advanced manufacturing infrastructure, strong aerospace and automotive base, and robust R&D ecosystem. The U.S. and Canada are leading in composite innovation, regulatory compliance, and industrial integration. Public initiatives in sustainable mobility, defense modernization, and infrastructure resilience are reinforcing demand. Regional manufacturers and global players are scaling production, partnerships, and technology transfer. Regulatory clarity and institutional support are enabling widespread deployment.
Region with highest CAGR:
Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR driven by rising industrialization, infrastructure investment, and government support for advanced materials. Countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea are scaling composite production, automotive electrification, and aerospace development. Public-private partnerships and mobile-first strategies are improving access to composite technologies in urban and semi-urban areas. Demand for affordable, high-performance, and locally manufactured materials is reinforcing innovation. Regional manufacturers and global players are collaborating to localize and scale solutions.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Lightweight Composites Market include Hexcel Corporation, TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC., Owens Corning, Solvay S.A., Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation, Teijin Limited, SGL Carbon SE, Gurit Holding AG, BASF SE, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., DSM-Firmenich AG, SABIC, UPM-Kymmene Corporation, Covestro AG and Exel Composites Oyj.
Key Developments:
In June 2025, Toray Industries expanded its collaboration with Airbus and Safran to co-develop thermoplastic composite materials for next-gen aircraft structures. These partnerships support sustainability goals and enable scalable production of lightweight, high-strength components for fuselage and wing assemblies.
In June 2025, Hexcel signed a long-term partnership agreement with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to co-develop lightweight composite solutions for defense platforms. This collaboration enhances Hexcel’s footprint in structural composites and supports Norway’s strategic defense modernization efforts.
Fiber Types Covered:
• Glass Fiber Composites
• Carbon Fiber Composites
• Aramid Fiber Composites
• Boron Fiber Composites
• Natural Fiber Composites
• Hybrid Fiber Composites
Resin Types Covered:
• Epoxy-Based Composites
• Polyester-Based Composites
• Vinyl Ester-Based Composites
• Thermoplastic Composites
Manufacturing Processes Covered:
• Hand Lay-Up
• Spray-Up
• Filament Winding
• Pultrusion
• Compression Molding
• Injection Molding
• Resin Transfer Molding (RTM)
• Autoclave Molding
• Vacuum Bag Molding
End Users Covered:
• Aerospace & Defense
• Automotive & Transportation
• Marine
• Rail & Mass Transit
• Wind Energy
• Construction & Infrastructure
• Electrical & Electronics
• Sports & Recreation
• Medical & Healthcare
• 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
• Company Profiling
Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances
Table of Contents
200 Pages
- 1 Executive Summary
- 2 Preface
- 2.1 Abstract
- 2.2 Stake Holders
- 2.3 Research Scope
- 2.4 Research Methodology
- 2.4.1 Data Mining
- 2.4.2 Data Analysis
- 2.4.3 Data Validation
- 2.4.4 Research Approach
- 2.5 Research Sources
- 2.5.1 Primary Research Sources
- 2.5.2 Secondary Research Sources
- 2.5.3 Assumptions
- 3 Market Trend Analysis
- 3.1 Introduction
- 3.2 Drivers
- 3.3 Restraints
- 3.4 Opportunities
- 3.5 Threats
- 3.6 End User Analysis
- 3.7 Emerging Markets
- 3.8 Impact of Covid-19
- 4 Porters Five Force Analysis
- 4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers
- 4.2 Bargaining power of buyers
- 4.3 Threat of substitutes
- 4.4 Threat of new entrants
- 4.5 Competitive rivalry
- 5 Global Lightweight Composites Market, By Fiber Type
- 5.1 Introduction
- 5.2 Glass Fiber Composites
- 5.3 Carbon Fiber Composites
- 5.4 Aramid Fiber Composites
- 5.5 Boron Fiber Composites
- 5.6 Natural Fiber Composites
- 5.7 Hybrid Fiber Composites
- 6 Global Lightweight Composites Market, By Resin Type
- 6.1 Introduction
- 6.2 Epoxy-Based Composites
- 6.3 Polyester-Based Composites
- 6.4 Vinyl Ester-Based Composites
- 6.5 Thermoplastic Composites
- 7 Global Lightweight Composites Market, By Manufacturing Process
- 7.1 Introduction
- 7.2 Hand Lay-Up
- 7.3 Spray-Up
- 7.4 Filament Winding
- 7.5 Pultrusion
- 7.6 Compression Molding
- 7.7 Injection Molding
- 7.8 Resin Transfer Molding (RTM)
- 7.9 Autoclave Molding
- 7.10 Vacuum Bag Molding
- 8 Global Lightweight Composites Market, By End User
- 8.1 Introduction
- 8.2 Aerospace & Defense
- 8.3 Automotive & Transportation
- 8.4 Marine
- 8.5 Rail & Mass Transit
- 8.6 Wind Energy
- 8.7 Construction & Infrastructure
- 8.8 Electrical & Electronics
- 8.9 Sports & Recreation
- 8.10 Medical & Healthcare
- 8.11 Other End Users
- 9 Global Lightweight Composites Market, By Geography
- 9.1 Introduction
- 9.2 North America
- 9.2.1 US
- 9.2.2 Canada
- 9.2.3 Mexico
- 9.3 Europe
- 9.3.1 Germany
- 9.3.2 UK
- 9.3.3 Italy
- 9.3.4 France
- 9.3.5 Spain
- 9.3.6 Rest of Europe
- 9.4 Asia Pacific
- 9.4.1 Japan
- 9.4.2 China
- 9.4.3 India
- 9.4.4 Australia
- 9.4.5 New Zealand
- 9.4.6 South Korea
- 9.4.7 Rest of Asia Pacific
- 9.5 South America
- 9.5.1 Argentina
- 9.5.2 Brazil
- 9.5.3 Chile
- 9.5.4 Rest of South America
- 9.6 Middle East & Africa
- 9.6.1 Saudi Arabia
- 9.6.2 UAE
- 9.6.3 Qatar
- 9.6.4 South Africa
- 9.6.5 Rest of Middle East & Africa
- 10 Key Developments
- 10.1 Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures
- 10.2 Acquisitions & Mergers
- 10.3 New Product Launch
- 10.4 Expansions
- 10.5 Other Key Strategies
- 11 Company Profiling
- 11.1 Hexcel Corporation
- 11.2 TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.
- 11.3 Owens Corning
- 11.4 Solvay S.A.
- 11.5 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation
- 11.6 Teijin Limited
- 11.7 SGL Carbon SE
- 11.8 Gurit Holding AG
- 11.9 BASF SE
- 11.10 DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
- 11.11 DSM-Firmenich AG
- 11.12 SABIC
- 11.13 UPM-Kymmene Corporation
- 11.14 Covestro AG
- 11.15 Exel Composites Oyj
- List of Tables
- Table 1 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Region (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 2 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Fiber Type (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 3 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Glass Fiber Composites (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 4 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Carbon Fiber Composites (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 5 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Aramid Fiber Composites (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 6 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Boron Fiber Composites (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 7 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Natural Fiber Composites (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 8 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Hybrid Fiber Composites (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 9 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Resin Type (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 10 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Epoxy-Based Composites (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 11 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Polyester-Based Composites (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 12 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Vinyl Ester-Based Composites (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 13 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Thermoplastic Composites (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 14 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Manufacturing Process (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 15 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Hand Lay-Up (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 16 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Spray-Up (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 17 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Filament Winding (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 18 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Pultrusion (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 19 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Compression Molding (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 20 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Injection Molding (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 21 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 22 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Autoclave Molding (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 23 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Vacuum Bag Molding (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 24 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By End User (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 25 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Aerospace & Defense (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 26 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Automotive & Transportation (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 27 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Marine (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 28 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Rail & Mass Transit (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 29 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Wind Energy (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 30 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Construction & Infrastructure (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 31 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Electrical & Electronics (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 32 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Sports & Recreation (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 33 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Medical & Healthcare (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 34 Global Lightweight Composites Market Outlook, By Other End Users (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Note: Tables for North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East & Africa Regions are also represented in the same manner as above.
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