Caprolactone market is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period (2024-2031). The market growth is attributed to pivotal factors such as increasing demand in biomedical applications, especially for drug delivery, tissue engineering, drug carriers, and scaffolding for repairing tissue, and the growing adoption of sustainable and bio-based materials driving the growth of the market. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), in August 2022, the global polymer market was valued at $522.7 billion in 2017, and a 4.0% annual increase is expected over 2019–2025. The largest volume of lactone is caprolactone, which is primarily produced from cyclohexanone using Baeyer?Villiger (BV) oxidation chemistry with peracetic acid at 50?°C with 85.0%–90.0% selectivity.

Market Dynamics

Increasing Demand for Biodegradable Polymers Globally

The demand for biodegradable polymers is rising attributing to the regulatory pressure and growing environmental concerns. A necessary monomer to produce PCL, a biodegradable polyester with uses in agriculture, biomedicine, and packaging, is caprolactone. The usage of non-biodegradable plastics is subject to tighter laws from governments and organizations, which is driving up demand for polycaprolactone and other biodegradable alternatives. The detrimental consequences of synthetic polymers on the environment and public health are coming to the attention of consumers. As a result, there is a rising market for environmentally friendly goods including packaging that degrades naturally. According to European Bioplastics, in 2022, the global production capacities of bioplastics are predicted to grow from around 2.2 million tons in 2022 to approximately 6.3 million tons by 2027.

Growing Adoption of Caprolactone in Coatings and Adhesives

Polyurethane adhesives and coatings can be made more flexible, resilient, and chemical-resistant by adding caprolactone to them. As of their superior performance features, caprolactone-based coatings and adhesives are being adopted by the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries on a growing basis. Polyurethane adhesives are used in textile laminates, automobile interiors, shoe assembly, and windshield bonding. Polyurethane adhesives are typically used to seal conveyor belts, and fiberboard is created by combining polyurethane binders with sawdust or wood chips. polyurethane sealants are utilized, in plumbing, building, and other applications requiring a high-strength, water-resistant seal. Excellent stress recovery to maintain shape after being bent or tugged, quick cure times, and even adherence to unprimed concrete are all features of polyurethane sealants.

Market Segmentation

• Based on the type, the market is segmented into 99.5% purity and 99.9% purity.

• Based on the application, the market is segmented into polycaprolactone, acrylic resin modified, polyesters modified, epoxy resin modified, and other (polyurethane resins).

99.5% Purity Segment is Projected to Hold the Largest Market Share

The primary factors supporting the growth include increasing demand for surgical sutures and other medical equipment. The use of sutures based on caprolactone has increased owing to its biodegradability. As these sutures are made of materials such as silk or nylon, they offer several advantages. They also degrade more consistently over time and are less likely to trigger an inflammatory response. Additionally, this could lead to a more comfortable healing process for the patient and better outcomes overall. For instance, Johnson & Johnson Medical NV offers MONOCRYL Suture a monofilament synthetic absorbable surgical suture prepared from a copolymer of glycolide and e-caprolactone. MONOCRYL Sutures are indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation where an absorbable material is indicated.

Polycaprolactone to Hold a Considerable Market Share

The factors supporting segment growth include increasing polycaprolactone applications in consumer packaging, 3D printing, footwear, agricultural films, textiles, and medical devices. Polycaprolactone is an important biodegradable polymer that can help reduce plastic waste. It makes it possible to produce polycaprolactone on a greater scale using both conventional and renewable resources, and it also keeps helping industry players make use of their sustainability advantage. For instance, in November 2023, Sulzer introduced a new end-to-end licensed technology – CAPSUL™ – for the continuous manufacturing of polycaprolactone (PCL), a biodegradable polyester often used in the packaging, textile, agricultural and horticultural industries. The CAPSULTM solution enables optimal process performance to produce premier-quality PCL grades at competitive rates.

Regional Outlook

The global caprolactone market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (the UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). 

Growing Demand for Caprolactone in North America

The regional growth is attributed to biodegradable and compostable polymers complementing efforts for more environmentally friendly options by providing superior barrier qualities for product protection. This development helps ensure a more sustainable future by positioning the caprolactone market for significant growth. Additionally, increasing demand for coatings & adhesives represents a significant growth in caprolactone where these materials are valued for their versatility and durability. They are extensively used in various industrial applications requiring robust adhesive properties and protective coatings.

Global Caprolactone Market Growth by Region 2024-2031

Europe Holds Major Market Share

Europe holds a significant share owing to the presence of caprolactone-offering companies such as BASF SE, Merck KGaA, Solvay S.A., and others. The market growth is attributed to the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly and increasingly many uses in biodegradable polymers, coatings, and medical devices. This trend is being driven by customer preference for ecologically friendly products. Market players offer vegetable oil-based fatty acid products to provide additional options for customers needing stronger, more durable alkyd coatings that maintain a high gloss. For instance, in March 2023, Ingevity Corp. highlighted Capa® caprolactone high-performance polyol technology and expanded vegetable oil-based offerings at the European Coatings Show 2023. The versatility and durability of Capa polyols make them an ideal choice for several high-performance polyurethane coating applications.

Market Players Outlook

*Note: Major Players Sorted in No Particular Order.

The major companies serving the caprolactone market include BASF SE, Daicel Corp., Ingevity Corp., Merck KGaA, and Solvay S.A. among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market. 

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2023 and forecast to 2031.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global caprolactone market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new products, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.