Brussels, 5 March 2025 – A newly released study underscores the significant socio-economic contribution of the polyurethane (PU) industry to Europe’s economy. Conducted by Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH for ISOPA and ALIPA – European Diisocyanate & Polyols Producers Association, the report, titled “European Polyurethane Industry Facts 2023. Socio-Economic Contribution of the Polyurethane Industry to Growth and Jobs in Europe“, provides an in-depth analysis of the industry’s economic impact, employment generation, and its vital role across multiple sectors. The study demonstrates not only the industry’s contributions to economic growth and job creation but also the pressing need for future investment in the face of recent economic downturns.
Key Findings
- The European polyurethane industry involves close to 80,000 companies million companies across the EU27, Switzerland, Norway, the UK, and Türkiye, generates an impressing €149 billion annually.
- The sector includes 700,000 employees, who directly contribute to the production of polyurethane and polyurethane products.
- In addition, over 1.7 million companies in Europe work with these products, generating another €84 billion and employing over 6.5 million people.
- With €55,6 billion in created value, flexible foams represent the largest economic significance out of all PU-applications, accounting for a third of the total value created by the PU-industry as a whole
- Automotive, furniture & bedding sectors are among the key sectors relying on polyurethane materials for high-performance applications.
- The polyurethane industry’s compound annual growth rate (CAGR) has reached 4.2% since 2018, reinforcing its role as a dynamic and expanding sector.
Methodology
The socio-economic study focuses on the state of the industry from 2018 to 2023 in the EU27, Switzerland, Norway, the UK, and Türkiye. While the data shows overall economic growth, it does not fully reflect the effects of the economic crisis that has affected the chemicals industry since 2022/2023. The findings are based on the latest market data, Eurostat statistics, and industry expert interviews, ensuring accurate insights into the industry’s evolving landscape. The study also serves as an update to previous assessments, reflecting the latest trends and challenges in polyurethane production and application.
Conclusion
The study underscores the polyurethane industry’s resilience and growth despite significant external challenges. But it also highlights the need to strengthen long-term competitiveness, as low growth rates, particularly in some sectors, reflect the economic difficulties the industry has faced in recent years.
With its widespread use in construction, automotive, appliances, and furniture, the polyurethane industry continues to be a cornerstone of European manufacturing. The study’s findings reinforce the industry’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic resilience.
For further details, the full report is available here.
“With the right stimuli, the polyurethane industry holds the potential to make a substantial contribution to Europe’s socio-economic landscape for many years to come”
