Global Automotive Foam Market Outlook

the global automotive foam market outlook for 2018 to 2032 paints a complex picture of a maturing industry where the traditional metrics of volume and market share can no longer be used as reliable indicators of success. with the ongoing emergence of lighter weight advanced materials, the demand for automotive foams is shifting away from large, rigid elastomers, with polyurethanes taking up an important market share. in the past, the automotive foam market was dominated by a narrow range of basic products, such as expanded polystyrene, melamine foam, and polyurethane. however, the changing needs of the automotive industry have resulted in the emergence of new, more specialized foams, such as in-moulded seat-cushioning or sound-absorbing materials. these newer types of foams are usually made of polyurethane and offer superior performance during extreme temperatures. in addition, polyurethane foams are often used in composite structures, including in the automotive industry. the shift from traditional elastomers to modern, lightweight materials, has increased the importance of automotive foams in the industry and as such, the importance of the companies developing these products. to remain competitive, automotive foam producers must constantly innovate and keep up with the ticklish pace of the automotive industry. in order to remain at the forefront of the market, automotive foam manufacturers must find ways to do more with less, which includes reducing production times, maintaining close relationships with oems and suppliers, and seeking certifications. as automakers shift to lightweight materials, the demand for foam that is lightweight, durable, and able to meet safety and environmental requirements is growing exponentially. moving forward into the next decade, it is expected that the automotive foam market will continue to grow as automakers attempt to reduce the weight of their vehicles in order to improve their environmental footprint. as a result, existing industry players are expected to benefit, with new and innovative product lines valuable in meeting the changing needs of the automotive industry. there will likely be some shake-up within the market though, with the entry of disruptive startups bringing innovative new products and solutions to the market.