Pipe Coating Materials Market Expected to Reach $15.3 Billion by 2033

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Pipe Coating Materials Market," The pipe coating materials market was valued at $10.1 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $15.3 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2024 to 2033.

Introduction

Pipe coating materials refer to a variety of substances used to coat the surfaces of pipes, primarily to protect them from corrosion, abrasion, and other forms of damage. These materials are applied to both the interior and exterior of pipes in various industries, including oil and gas, water distribution, chemical processing, and infrastructure development.

In the oil and gas industry, pipe coating materials play a critical role in preserving the integrity of pipelines that transport petroleum products over long distances. Corrosion is a major concern in these pipelines due to the corrosive nature of oil and gas, as well as the harsh conditions where oil and gas pipes are exposed, that is underground or underwater. Coating materials such as fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) are commonly used to provide a protective barrier against corrosion. These coatings adhere tightly to the surface of the pipe, preventing moisture and corrosive substances from reaching the metal substrate.

In the water distribution sector, pipe coating materials are essential to ensure the quality and longevity of municipal water supply systems. Coatings are applied to both metal and concrete pipes to prevent corrosion, microbial growth, and the leaching of contaminants into the water. Materials such as cement mortar lining (CML), epoxy coatings, and thermoplastic liners are commonly used for water pipe protection. These coatings help maintain water quality, reduce the risk of pipe failures, and prolong the lifespan of distribution networks.

In the mining industry, pipelines are used to transport slurries, tailings, and other abrasive materials, exposing them to wear and erosion. Abrasion-resistant coatings such as ceramic epoxy composites and polyurethane coatings are applied to the interior of pipes to protect against abrasion and extend their service life. These coatings reduce downtime and maintenance costs associated with pipe replacement and repair, making them an integral part of mining operations.

Market Dynamics

Advancements in coating technologies are expected to drive the growth of the pipe coating materials market. Advancements in fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE) coatings formulations have led to improved adhesion to steel surfaces, enhanced chemical resistance, and greater flexibility, reducing the risk of coating and corrosion under insulation (CUI). Polyethylene (PE) coatings are widely used for corrosion protection in both onshore and offshore pipelines due to their excellent resistance to chemicals, moisture, and soil stress. Innovations in PE coatings include the development of multi-layer systems, such as three-layer polyethylene (3LPE) and three-layer polypropylene (3LPP), which provide superior mechanical strength, impact resistance, and barrier properties as compared to traditional single-layer coatings.

In August 2022, PPG invested $11 million to expand its powder coatings production capacity at its San Juan del Rio plant in Mexico. The expansion project aims to double the current production capacity and is completed by mid-2023. This strategic initiative is intended to enable the plant to meet the projected increase in demand for powder coatings in Mexico in the coming years.

Potential health and safety concerns are expected to restrain the growth of the pipe coating materials market during the forecast period. As the demand for pipe coating materials continues to rise due to the imperative need for corrosion protection and infrastructure development, it becomes imperative to address and mitigate the associated health and safety risks comprehensively. Many traditional coatings contain hazardous substances such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, and other toxic chemicals. During the application process, these substances can be released into the air, posing risks to the health of workers and nearby communities. Prolonged exposure to VOCs, for example, can lead to respiratory issues, neurological disorders, and even cancer.

Segments Overview

The global pipe coating materials market is segmented into coating material, end use, and region. On the basis of coating material, the market is classified into polyethylene (PE) coatings, polypropylene (PP) coatings, fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE) coatings, polyurethane (PU) coatings, and others. On the basis of end use, the market is divided into oil and gas pipelines, water and wastewater, chemical processing, and others. Region-wise, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

On the basis of coating material, polyurethane (PU) coatings is the fastest-growing segment in the pipe coating materials market.  Polyurethane coatings are known for their flexibility, which allows them to accommodate pipe expansion and contraction, as well as resist cracking and chipping under stress. This flexibility is particularly advantageous in applications where pipes are subjected to temperature fluctuations or ground movement.

On the basis of end use, oil and gas pipelines segment is the most lucrative segment in the market. Fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE) coatings are commonly used in oil and gas pipelines due to their excellent corrosion resistance properties. These coatings are applied to the pipe surface using a fusion-bonding process, providing a durable and abrasion-resistant layer.

Regional Analysis

Region-wise, Asia-Pacific dominated the pipe coating materials market. India is another major market for pipe coatings due to its rapid industrialization and urbanization. With growing energy demand, there's significant investment in oil and gas pipelines, as well as water and sewage pipelines. Various types of coatings such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and epoxy coatings are used in India to protect pipelines.

As of March 2022, India's pipeline infrastructure comprised approximately 10,419 km of crude oil pipelines (9,825 km onshore and 594 km offshore), 17,389 km of natural gas pipelines (17,365 km onshore and 24 km offshore), and 14,729 km of refined products pipelines. These pipelines were operated by IOCL, BORL, Cairn India, OIL, HMEL, and ONGC. Additionally, India had 5 LNG terminals in operation during the same period. Thus the increase in demand for pipelines in India is expected to boost the pipe coating materials market during the forecast period.

Competitive Analysis

The major players operating in the pipe coating materials market include 3M, AkzoNobel, BASF SE, Arkema, PPG Industries, Inc., Axalta Coating Systems, LLC, Tenaris, The Sherwin-Williams Company, DENSO-Holding GmbH & Co. KG, and LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V.

Historic Trends of the Pipe Coating Materials Market

• In the 1920s coal tar enamel emerged as a popular choice for pipe coating due to its excellent corrosion resistance properties. It was applied as a hot-applied coating to steel pipes.
• In the 1940s fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE) coatings began to gain traction for pipe protection. This involved applying a thermosetting epoxy powder to the heated pipe surface, which would then melt and form a strong bond upon cooling.
• In the 1970s polyethylene (PE) coatings were introduced as a cost-effective solution for corrosion protection. PE coatings could be applied in various forms, including extruded coatings and tape wraps. PE tape wraps consist of rolls of polyethylene tape that are applied spirally around the surface of the pipe. These tapes may be applied with or without a primer, depending on the specific application requirements.
• In the 2000s advances in coating technologies led to the development of various specialty coatings tailored to specific pipeline applications. These include coatings designed for high-temperature pipelines, offshore pipelines, and pipelines carrying corrosive substances.

Key Market Insights

• By coating material, the fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE) coatings was the highest revenue contributor in the market representing the CAGR of 4.0% form 2024 to 2033.
• By end use, the oil and gas pipelines is the most lucrative segment accounting for more than one third of the market share.
• By region, Asia-Pacific was the fastest growing region growing with a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period.