Top 10 Material and Chemicals Sectors Booming in the Next 5 Years

Several subsectors within the materials and chemicals industries (excluding pharmaceuticals, which we’ll cover in another blog post), are experiencing robust growth with a forecasted Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) near 10% or greater. These high-growth areas are largely driven by a global push for sustainability, advanced technology, and evolving consumer demands.

The fast pace of innovation makes market forecasting a complex task. Using the latest data from our network of trusted publishers, we’ve highlighted 10 sub-sectors expected to lead the market with high growth rates through 2030. Click the links below to view the comprehensive research for each industry.

1. 3D Printing Materials: This sector encompasses the various materials—such as plastics, metals, ceramics, and composites—used as “ink” in 3D printers. The growth is being driven by the increasing adoption of additive manufacturing in industries like automotive, aerospace, and medical devices for rapid prototyping and producing complex parts.

   In Global Industry Analyst’s 3D Printing Materials, the global market for 3D Printing Materials is estimated at US$5.8 Billion in the year 2024, and is expected to reach US$17.6 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 20.3% over the analysis period 2024-2030.

2. Biodegradable Polymers: These are a specific type of bioplastic that can be broken down naturally by microorganisms. The market for these materials is accelerating due to heightened environmental concerns, stricter regulations on single-use plastics, and consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging.

   Biodegradable Polymers Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034, from Expert Market Research, forecasts that the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21.10% during the period 2025-2034.

3. Bioplastics: This is a broader category of polymers made from renewable biomass sources, like corn starch or sugarcane. This sector is seeing strong growth as companies seek to reduce their carbon footprint and move away from fossil-fuel-based plastics.

   Future Market’s The Global Bioplastics Market 2026-2036 states that the bioplastics market demonstrated robust fundamentals in 2024, exceeding 4 million tonnes in production, and potentially reaching 15-18 million tonnes by2036, representing a four-fold increase from current levels. This expansion would position bioplastics to capture roughly 3-4% of the total polymer market by 2036, up from the current 1%. Conservative projections suggest the market value could exceed $120-150 billion by 2036, assuming the current growth momentum continues alongside technological improvements that reduce production costs.

4. Nanomaterials: This sector includes materials engineered at a microscopic scale to have unique properties, such as carbon nanotubes and nanoparticles. Their demand is rising in diverse applications, from high-performance electronics and energy storage to advanced composites and medical diagnostics.

   According to the research report Global Nanomaterials Market Outlook, 2030, published by Bonafide Research, the global nanomaterials market was valued at more than USD 36.80 Billion in 2024, and expected to reach a market size of more than USD 83.33 Billion by 2030 with the CAGR of 14.91% from 2025-2030.

5. Battery Materials: This subsector involves the chemicals and materials—including lithium, nickel, cobalt, and graphite—used to manufacture batteries. The rapid global adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems is the primary driver of this market’s significant expansion.

   In Battery Materials Market by Battery Type(Lead-Acid, Lithium-Ion), Material [Cathode (LFP, LCO, NMC, NCA, LMO), Anode, Electrolyte], Application (Automotive, Electric Vehicles, Portable Devices, Industrial), and Region – Global Forecast to 2030, MarketsandMarkets forecasts that the global battery materials market is projected to grow from USD 83.95 billion in 2025 to USD 147.93 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 13.7%during their forecast period.

6. Semiconductor Chemicals: These are ultra-high-purity chemicals essential for the fabrication of integrated circuits and other electronic components. The growth is fueled by the insatiable global demand for advanced electronics, including smartphones, AI devices, and 5G infrastructure.

   Semiconductor Chemical Market by Chemical Type (Adhesives, CMP Slurries, Deposition Chemicals), Form (Gases, Liquid, Solid), Application, End-Use Industry, Distribution Channel – Global Forecast 2025-2032, published recently by 360i Research, values this market at USD16.58 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 18.27 billion in 2025,with a CAGR of 10.72%, reaching USD 37.46 billion by 2032.

7. Green Chemicals: This category includes a wide range of chemicals produced using sustainable processes or derived from renewable feedstocks. The market is growing due to increasing regulatory pressure and corporate sustainability initiatives aiming to reduce environmental impact across various industries.

   According to Stratistics Market Research Consulting’s Green Chemicals Market Forecasts to 2032– Global Analysis By Product Type (Bio-based Alcohols, Bio-based Organic Acids, Bio-based Ketones, Bio-based Polymers & Plastics, Bio-surfactants, Bio-solvents, and Other Green Chemicals), & Source the Global Green Chemicals Market is accounted for $145.3 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $309.5 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 11.4% during the forecast period. This category includes bio-based solvents, surfactants, polymers, specialty chemicals, and intermediates used in various sectors such as packaging, detergents, agriculture, and automotive.

8. Sustainable Packaging: This market includes materials and chemicals that are renewable, recyclable, or biodegradable, used to create packaging with a reduced environmental footprint. Consumer preference and corporate commitment to sustainability are shifting the industry toward materials like paperboard, bioplastics, and recycled content.

   All end-use industries see a robust CAGR. For example, Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market -2025-2033, published by DataM Intelligence 4Market Research LLP, sets the Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market at US$91.94 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 316.05 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 12.7% during the forecast period 2025-2033.

9. Construction Chemicals: These are specialized chemical products, such as adhesives, sealants, and concrete admixtures, used to enhance the performance and durability of construction materials. The growth is tied to the expansion of infrastructure projects, urbanization, and a global focus on building energy-efficient and resilient structures.

   GIA’s Construction Chemicals estimates the market atUS$62.3 Billion in the year 2024, and is expected to reach US$93.6 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.0% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Concrete Admixtures, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a6.5% CAGR and reach US$58.5 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Construction Adhesives segment is estimated at 8.1% CAGR over the analysis period.

10. Advanced Composites: This sector includes high-performance materials like carbon fiber and aramid fiber composites, which are valued for their strength-to-weight ratio and durability. They are seeing increased demand in the automotive and aerospace industries for lightweighting to improve fuel efficiency and performance.

    According to Factview Research, in their report Advanced Composites Market-Global Trends and Forecasts (2025 to 2034), the global advanced composites Market was valued at USD 26.55 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 65.52 Billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2025 to 2034.