Global Nylon Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In June 2023, Advansix, a U.S.-based company, announced the launch of a new product featuring 100% post-consumer and post-industrial recycled content nylon, namely Aegis Resins and Capran BOPA Films. This initiative is aimed at assisting customers in achieving their sustainability goals

• In November 2021, LANXESS announced an investment of USD 36.85 million (EUR 30.0 million) to build a second compounding line for Pocan and Durethan branded plastics at its manufacturing site in Changzhou. This is expected to bring the company’s total compounding capacity in China to 110,000 metric tons per year and the facility is expected to be operational by 2023

The global nylon market is segmented by product type, including Nylon 6 and Nylon 66, with both variants playing significant roles in various industrial applications. Nylon 6 is widely favored for its exceptional strength, elasticity, and ease of processing, making it a popular choice in textiles, carpets, and industrial fibers. Nylon 66, known for its superior thermal and chemical resistance, is extensively used in high-performance applications, such as automotive components, electrical and electronics, and engineering plastics. From 2016 to 2026, the market for both Nylon 6 and Nylon 66 is expected to witness substantial growth, driven by increasing demand for durable and high-performance materials across multiple industries.

The nylon market caters to a diverse range of industries, including automobiles, electrical and electronics, engineering plastics, and textiles. In the automotive sector, nylon is essential for manufacturing lightweight, high-strength components, contributing to fuel efficiency and vehicle performance. The electrical and electronics industry leverages nylon's insulating properties and durability for connectors, circuit breakers, and other components. Engineering plastics benefit from nylon's versatility and resilience, which are critical for producing gears, bearings, and structural parts. The textile industry remains a significant consumer of nylon, utilizing its strength, elasticity, and dyeability for a variety of fabrics and industrial textiles.

Geographically, the nylon market spans North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. Asia Pacific leads the market, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and a growing automotive industry in countries like China and India. North America and Europe also hold significant market shares due to their advanced automotive and electronics industries and increasing focus on sustainable materials. The Middle East and Africa and Latin America regions are emerging markets, with potential growth fueled by expanding manufacturing sectors and infrastructural development. The geographic segmentation underscores the diverse demand dynamics and regional growth opportunities in the global nylon market from 2016 to 2026.

Global Nylon Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Nylon Market has been segmented by Product 2016 - 2026 (USD Million), Application and Geography.

Global Nylon Market, Segmentation by Product

The Global Nylon Market has been segmented by Product into Nylon 6 and Nylon 66.

Nylon 6, known for its lower melting point and ease of processing, finds extensive application in textiles, industrial yarns, and various consumer goods. Its superior flexibility and durability make it a preferred choice for products ranging from clothing and carpets to industrial fabrics and packaging materials. Nylon 66, on the other hand, is valued for its higher melting point, greater strength, and resistance to chemicals and heat, making it indispensable in high-performance applications such as automotive components, electrical and electronic parts, and engineering plastics.

The market for Nylon 6 and Nylon 66 has been driven by robust demand across diverse industries. In the automotive sector, both types of nylon are essential for manufacturing lightweight and high-strength components that enhance vehicle performance and fuel efficiency. The electrical and electronics industry benefits from nylon's excellent insulating properties, durability, and resistance to wear and tear, which are crucial for the production of connectors, circuit breakers, and various electronic components. Engineering plastics, which utilize both Nylon 6 and Nylon 66, are integral to producing gears, bearings, and other structural parts that require high mechanical strength and thermal stability.

The global market for Nylon 6 and Nylon 66 is expected to grow substantially, measured in USD millions, due to continuous technological advancements, increasing industrialization, and rising consumer demand for durable and high-performance materials. Efforts towards sustainability and innovations in recycling processes are also anticipated to contribute to the market's growth. As industries seek more efficient and eco-friendly materials, the unique properties of Nylon 6 and Nylon 66 will ensure their continued relevance and expansion in the global market.

Global Nylon Market, Segmentation by Application

The Global Nylon Market has been segmented by Application into Automobile, Electrical & electronics, Engineering plastics and Textile.

In the automotive sector, nylon is indispensable for its strength, durability, and lightweight characteristics. It is extensively used in manufacturing components such as airbags, tires, fuel tanks, engine covers, and interior parts. The shift towards lightweight materials to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions has bolstered the demand for nylon in this industry. As electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity, the use of nylon in producing lightweight and high-performance components continues to grow, further driving the market.

The electrical and electronics industry relies on nylon for its excellent insulating properties, thermal stability, and resistance to chemicals and wear. Nylon is crucial for producing connectors, circuit breakers, switches, and various other electrical components that require high performance and reliability. With the increasing proliferation of electronic devices and the growth of smart technologies, the demand for nylon in this sector is expected to rise significantly.

In the realm of engineering plastics, nylon's versatility makes it a preferred material for manufacturing gears, bearings, bushings, and structural parts that require high mechanical strength and resilience. Its ability to withstand harsh environments and maintain performance under stress makes it invaluable in industrial applications. Lastly, the textile industry remains a major consumer of nylon, utilizing it for its strength, elasticity, and dyeability in clothing, carpets, and industrial fabrics. The ongoing demand for durable and high-quality textiles continues to drive the nylon market within this segment. Collectively, these applications underscore the critical role of nylon in modern industrial and consumer products, fueling its market growth from 2016 to 2026.

Global Nylon Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Nylon Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Nylon Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

In North America, the nylon market is primarily driven by the robust automotive and electronics industries. The United States and Canada are significant consumers of nylon due to their well-established manufacturing sectors. The push towards lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles has spurred the demand for high-performance materials like nylon. Additionally, the region's advanced electronics industry relies on nylon for various components due to its excellent insulating properties. The focus on sustainability and recycling practices is also gaining momentum, further shaping the market dynamics.

Europe's nylon market is characterized by its emphasis on innovation and sustainability. Countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are at the forefront of automotive engineering, making extensive use of nylon in manufacturing lightweight and durable vehicle components. The European Union's stringent regulations on emissions and environmental impact are driving the adoption of eco-friendly materials, including recycled nylon. The region also has a significant presence in the textiles and electronics sectors, contributing to the steady demand for nylon products.

Asia Pacific dominates the global nylon market, with China, India, and Japan being key contributors. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the booming automotive industry are the primary drivers of nylon demand in this region. The growing middle-class population and increasing consumer spending on textiles and household goods further boost the market. Additionally, the electronics and electrical industry in countries like South Korea and Taiwan significantly contribute to the demand for nylon. The region's focus on technological advancements and manufacturing capabilities ensures continuous market growth.

The Middle East and Africa region presents emerging opportunities in the nylon market. The growth is driven by infrastructural development, increasing industrialization, and the expanding automotive sector. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are investing heavily in diversifying their economies beyond oil, leading to increased demand for industrial and consumer goods. The textile industry, although smaller compared to other regions, is also developing, contributing to the demand for nylon. The region's focus on building sustainable and resilient industries will likely boost the market further.

In Latin America, Brazil and Mexico are the major markets for nylon. The automotive industry, particularly in Mexico, plays a crucial role in driving the demand for nylon due to its position as a manufacturing hub for numerous international car manufacturers. The region also has a growing textiles industry, which utilizes nylon for its durability and versatility. Economic growth and rising consumer spending on durable goods are additional factors supporting the market. As industrial activities and infrastructural developments increase, the demand for nylon in various applications is expected to rise, contributing to market expansion.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Nylon Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Automotive Industry
• Lightweight Materials
• Fuel Efficiency

• Durability - Durability is one of the most defining characteristics of nylon, making it a preferred material across various industries. Nylon's durability stems from its strong molecular structure, which provides high tensile strength and resistance to wear and tear. This intrinsic strength allows nylon to withstand significant stress and strain without deforming, making it ideal for applications that require long-lasting performance. For instance, in the automotive industry, nylon components are used in areas subjected to continuous mechanical stress and exposure to harsh environments, such as engine parts, gears, and bearings.

  The textile industry also leverages nylon's durability to produce fabrics that can endure extensive use and laundering without significant degradation. Nylon fibers are resistant to abrasion, making them suitable for high-wear applications such as activewear, hosiery, and outdoor gear.

  In the realm of consumer electronics and electrical applications, nylon's durability ensures that components remain reliable under constant use and exposure to electrical and thermal stress. Nylon's ability to endure high temperatures and its excellent insulating properties make it a suitable material for connectors, circuit boards, and other electrical components.

Restraints

• Raw Material Price Volatility
• Supply Chain Disruptions
• Environmental Concerns

• Competition from Alternatives - Competition from alternatives poses a significant challenge to the global nylon market across various applications and industries. Alternatives such as polyester and polypropylene offer compelling advantages that compete directly with nylon in terms of performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact.

  Polyester, for example, is widely used in the textile industry due to its excellent moisture-wicking properties, resistance to wrinkles, and ease of care. It competes directly with nylon in apparel and home furnishings markets, offering consumers a broader range of options based on specific performance needs and preferences.

  In engineering plastics, polypropylene presents a strong competition to nylon due to its lower density, which results in lighter finished products. Polypropylene is known for its excellent chemical resistance, impact strength, and cost-efficiency in automotive applications, such as bumpers and interior trim components.

Opportunities

• Sustainable Practices
• Recycling Innovations
• Bio-based Nylon

• Electric Vehicles (EVs) - Electric vehicles (EVs) represent a growing and transformative segment within the automotive industry, with significant implications for the materials market, including nylon. As the global shift towards sustainable transportation intensifies, EVs are increasingly seen as a key solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuels.

  One of the primary applications of nylon in EVs is in battery components and housing. Nylon's excellent mechanical properties, including high strength and impact resistance, make it suitable for battery casings and structural supports.

  Nylon is utilized in various other parts of EVs, such as electrical connectors, wire insulation, and thermal management systems. Its excellent electrical insulation properties and resistance to heat make nylon an ideal material for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of electrical systems in EVs.

Key players in Global Nylon Market include;

• BASF SE
• Lanxess AG
• Huntsman Corporation
• AdvanSix Inc.
• Ube Industries Ltd.
• INVISTA

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis