The unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) industry stands as a cornerstone of the global thermoset resin market, powering the backbone of numerous industrial applications through its versatile, cost-effective, and high-performance material properties. UPRs are synthesized by the condensation reaction of unsaturated dicarboxylic acids or anhydrides with polyols, typically dissolved in a reactive monomer like styrene to form a liquid resin. This formulation is widely used in the production of composite materials, most notably fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP), which are valued for their strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and moldability. The industry has witnessed remarkable growth over the past few decades, driven by increasing demand from end-use sectors such as building & construction, marine, automotive, electrical, and consumer goods. UPRs are particularly favored in applications where performance, affordability, and customization intersect, making them ideal for use in roofing sheets, pipelines, tanks, bathroom fittings, automotive panels, and even wind turbine components. A major strength of the UPR industry lies in its ability to adapt to a wide range of formulations to meet specific mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance requirements. This adaptability has led to the development of multiple types of UPRs, including orthophthalic, isophthalic, dicyclopentadiene (DCPD)-based, and specialty resins, each tailored for specific uses. Accor

ding to the research report “Global Unsaturated Polyester Resins (UPR) Market Outlook, 2030” published by Bonafide Research, the global market is projected to reach market size of USD 13.62 Billion by 2030 increasing from USD 19.60 Billion in 2024, growing with 6.39% CAGR by 2025-30. Orthophthalic resins are widely used in general-purpose applications due to their low cost and satisfactory performance, while isophthalic resins offer improved durability and chemical resistance, especially in marine and corrosion-sensitive environments. The choice of resin type, along with the appropriate reinforcement and curing agents, allows manufacturers to design customized composite solutions that cater to both structural and aesthetic requirements. Geographically, the Asia-Pacific region dominates the global UPR market, owing to its booming infrastructure development, automotive manufacturing base, and cost-efficient production capabilities. Countries such as China and India are at the forefront of consumption and manufacturing, supported by favorable government policies, expanding urbanization, and rising investments in residential, commercial, and industrial projects. North America and Europe also contribute significantly, particularly in high-performance applications where stringent regulatory and environmental standards drive innovation in resin technology. Meanwhile, growing interest in renewable energy and sustainable construction practices is prompting UPR manufacturers to inv

est in bio-based raw materials and low-styrene formulations, helping the industry align with evolving global sustainability goals.Orthophthalic resins hold the largest market share due to their widespread use in general-purpose applications. These resins offer a good balance of mechanical properties and affordability, making them suitable for a variety of mass-produced items such as building materials, bath fittings, pipes, and containers. They are preferred in markets where cost-efficiency is a key factor, and performance demands are moderate. Isophthalic resins, on the other hand, are more advanced in terms of chemical resistance and durability. They are commonly used in marine applications, chemical storage tanks, and environments exposed to aggressive corrosion or temperature fluctuations. Their enhanced properties make them a go-to choice for projects requiring longevity and reliability, albeit at a slightly higher cost compared to orthophthalic resins. Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD)-based resins are valued for their low shrinkage, good water resistance, and ease of processing, making them ideal for large molded parts, such as automotive panels and appliances, where dimensional stability and smooth finish are important. DCPD resins also exhibit low exothermic behavior, which helps reduce heat generation during curing. The “others” category includes specialized resins like terephthalic-based UPRs, which provide higher performance in demanding structural applications; vinyl este

r-modified UPRs, known for superior chemical resistance and toughness often used in premium corrosion-resistant applications; halogenated UPRs, which offer flame-retardant properties required in electrical and building materials; and bio-based UPRs, an emerging segment developed from renewable resources to cater to the growing demand for sustainable alternatives. These specialty UPRs address the increasing complexity of industry needs, environmental regulations, and sustainability goals. The building & construction sector stands out as the largest consumer, utilizing UPRs for roofing sheets, wall panels, concrete reinforcement, sanitary ware, and decorative applications. The resins’ high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and adaptability to complex shapes make them ideal for modern infrastructure demands. Tanks & pipes represent another major segment, especially in chemical, water treatment, and industrial applications, where UPRs are favored for their excellent chemical resistance, impermeability, and long service life making them suitable for storage tanks, sewer pipes, and underground drainage systems. In the electrical industry, UPRs are used for producing insulating components, circuit boards, and electrical enclosures due to their good dielectric properties and flame resistance, offering safety and reliability in power distribution systems. The marine sector also relies heavily on UPRs, particularly isophthalic and specialty resins, for manufacturing boat

hulls, decks, and other structural components. Their resistance to water, salt, and UV exposure ensures long-term performance in harsh maritime environments. In transportation, UPRs contribute to vehicle weight reduction and fuel efficiency by replacing heavier metal parts with composite panels, bumpers, and hoods. The resins’ ease of molding and surface finish quality are also advantageous in automotive and railway interiors. Artificial stones, made using UPRs combined with fillers and pigments, are gaining popularity in both residential and commercial settings as durable, aesthetically appealing alternatives to natural stone. These materials are used in countertops, flooring, and bathroom vanities due to their customizable design and affordability. The “others” segment includes diverse applications such as consumer goods, wind energy components, and medical equipment, where UPRs are selected for their adaptability, mechanical strength, and cost-efficiency. The widespread use of UPRs across these industries is a testament to their multi-functional nature, offering manufacturers the ability to meet specific performance requirements while maintaining cost control and processing convenience. Liquid UPRs are widely used across industries because they can be easily mixed with curing agents, fillers, and reinforcements, allowing for versatile application in processes such as hand lay-up, spray-up, resin transfer molding (RTM), and filament winding. These attributes make them ideal

for large-scale composite production, especially in construction, automotive, marine, and consumer goods industries where speed, cost-efficiency, and customization are key. The fluid nature of liquid resins also enables better mold filling, reduced air entrapment, and more uniform fiber wet-out, which enhances the mechanical strength and surface finish of the final product. Additionally, their adaptability to varying viscosities allows manufacturers to tailor formulations based on specific processing or end-use requirements. On the other hand, powder form UPRs, though representing a smaller portion of the market, are gradually gaining attention due to their environmental advantages mainly the absence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like styrene, which is commonly found in liquid UPRs. Powder UPRs are solid at room temperature and offer better storage stability, longer shelf life, and are safer to transport. They are particularly used in niche applications such as powder coatings and high-performance composites where environmental compliance and heat resistance are essential. However, their adoption is limited by higher processing temperatures and costs, as well as lower ease of mixing and mold filling compared to their liquid counterparts. While ongoing innovations in powder resin formulation may gradually increase their appeal, liquid UPRs continue to dominate the global market, especially in developing economies and high-volume production settings where efficiency, co

st, and processing speed remain top priorities.