The Global Acrylonitrile (ACN) Market was valued at US$ 11,890 million in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 14,790 million by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.2% during the forecast period (2022–2029). This growth is being driven by rising demand for high-performance polymers like ABS and SAN resins in the automotive, electronics, and consumer goods sectors, alongside expanding applications in acrylic fibers for textiles and nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) for industrial uses. Factors such as recovering supply chains post-COVID-19 and ongoing geopolitical influences, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have been factored into these projections, highlighting the market’s resilience amid volatility in raw materials like propylene.
Acrylonitrile is an organic compound with the formula CH2CHCN, appearing as a clear, colorless liquid with a slightly pungent odor. As a hazardous chemical regulated worldwide due to its reactivity and toxicity at low doses, it serves as a crucial monomer in producing useful plastics like polyacrylonitrile. This analysis draws from comprehensive market data, including global revenue from US$ millions between 2018-2023 and forecasts to 2029, alongside sales volumes in thousands of metric tons (K MT). Key players like Ineos, Asahi Kasei, Shanghai Secco Petrochemical, Ascend Performance Materials, and others lead the charge, with China commanding about 40% of the market, followed by Europe and South Korea at roughly 25% each. The propylene method overwhelms the production landscape with over 95% share, while applications in ABS and SAN resins take the forefront, trailed by acrylic fibers, NBR, and acrylamide. In today’s chemical landscape, where sustainability and efficiency are paramount, the focus turns to the major producers who are innovating production methods, enhancing safety protocols, and meeting global demands for advanced materials. This blog profiles the Top 10 Companies in the Acrylonitrile (ACN) Market—a blend of petrochemical giants, specialized chemical firms, and regional powerhouses that dominate over 45% of the global share through the top five alone, shaping the trajectory of synthetic polymers and fibers.
🔟 1. Taekwang Industrial
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Acrylonitrile via propylene method, ABS resins, acrylic fibers
Taekwang Industrial stands as a prominent player in the Asian chemical sector, with a strong emphasis on acrylonitrile production for downstream applications in textiles and plastics. Operating advanced facilities in South Korea, the company supplies high-purity ACN to regional manufacturers, supporting the robust demand from electronics and automotive industries. Its integrated approach ensures reliable supply chains, leveraging local propylene resources to maintain competitive pricing amid global fluctuations. Because of its strategic location in a key market holding about 25% global share, Taekwang has expanded its output to meet rising needs for ABS in consumer electronics. Furthermore, the firm invests in process optimizations to enhance yield and reduce energy consumption, addressing environmental concerns associated with ACN’s production.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Capacity expansions in response to growing acrylic fiber demand
- Collaborations for developing high-performance SAN copolymers
- Adoption of advanced catalysis to minimize waste in propylene-based synthesis
Download FREE Sample Report: Acrylonitrile (ACN) Market – View in Detailed Research Report
9️⃣ 2. Formosa Plastics Corp.
Headquarters: Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Key Offering: Acrylonitrile, NBR, ABS and SAN polymers
Formosa Plastics Corp. is a cornerstone in Taiwan’s petrochemical industry, producing acrylonitrile primarily through the propylene route for a wide array of synthetic materials. The company’s facilities cater to both domestic and export markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific, where it supports the burgeoning electronics sector with specialized SAN resins. With decades of expertise, Formosa maintains stringent quality controls to handle ACN’s hazardous nature, ensuring compliance with international safety standards. However, the company faces opportunities in diversifying applications, such as expanding NBR production for automotive seals and hoses. Its vertical integration from feedstock to end-products allows for efficient scaling, contributing to the regional market’s growth trajectory.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Investments in safer handling technologies for ACN transport
- Partnerships to advance bio-based alternatives in fiber production
- R&D focused on enhancing ABS durability for electric vehicle components
8️⃣ 3. Mitsubishi Rayon
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: High-purity acrylonitrile, polyacrylonitrile fibers, carbon fiber precursors
Mitsubishi Rayon, now part of Mitsubishi Chemical Group, excels in acrylonitrile production tailored for advanced materials like carbon fibers used in aerospace and automotive lightweighting. Japan’s precision manufacturing ethos underpins its operations, with facilities optimized for the propylene method to achieve superior purity levels essential for high-tech applications. The company serves global clients, benefiting from Europe’s strong 25% market presence through exports. In addition, Mitsubishi Rayon’s focus on sustainability includes recycling initiatives for acrylic wastes, reducing the environmental footprint of polymer production. This positions it well as industries shift toward circular economies.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Development of next-gen carbon fibers from ACN for renewable energy sectors
- Efficiency upgrades in production to lower emissions
- Strategic alliances for acrylamide-based flocculants in water purification
7️⃣ 4. SINOPEC
Headquarters: Beijing, China
Key Offering: Large-scale acrylonitrile via propylene, ABS, acrylic fibers
As one of China’s petrochemical behemoths, SINOPEC dominates the world’s largest ACN market, accounting for 40% of global consumption. Its vast integrated complexes produce millions of tons annually, supplying domestic giants in appliances and textiles while exporting to Asia and beyond. SINOPEC’s scale enables competitive costs, crucial in an industry sensitive to propylene price swings influenced by oil markets. Moreover, the company is adapting to regulatory pressures on hazardous chemicals by investing in cleaner technologies. This not only mitigates risks but also supports China’s push for high-quality industrial growth.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Massive capacity build-ups to meet surging ABS demand in electronics
- Joint ventures for advanced NBR formulations in tire manufacturing
- Process innovations to enhance energy efficiency in ACN synthesis
Download FREE Sample Report: Acrylonitrile (ACN) Market – View in Detailed Research Report
6️⃣ 5. Ascend Performance Materials
Headquarters: Houston, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Acrylonitrile for nylon precursors, ABS, specialty chemicals
Ascend Performance Materials leads North American production of acrylonitrile, focusing on integrated nylon chains where ACN is a vital intermediate. Based in the U.S., the company leverages shale gas advantages for cost-effective propylene sourcing, serving automotive and engineering plastics markets. Its commitment to safety is evident in state-of-the-art facilities that prioritize worker protection and environmental compliance. Furthermore, Ascend is exploring expansions to capitalize on regional growth in advanced materials for 3D printing and composites. This strategic positioning helps navigate global challenges like supply disruptions.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Advancements in bio-derived ACN pathways for sustainable polymers
- Enhancements in SAN production for optical applications
- Collaborations with downstream users to optimize fiber performance
5️⃣ 6. Shanghai SECCO Petrochemical
Headquarters: Shanghai, China
Key Offering: Acrylonitrile, styrene co-products, ABS resins
Shanghai SECCO Petrochemical, a joint venture powerhouse, is integral to China’s ACN ecosystem, producing high volumes through efficient propylene ammoxidation processes. Located in a major industrial hub, it supplies key applications in construction and packaging, benefiting from proximity to end-users. The firm’s output contributes significantly to the Asia-Pacific dominance in global sales volumes. However, with increasing scrutiny on emissions, SECCO is implementing greener practices. These efforts align with broader industry trends toward responsible manufacturing.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Integration of digital monitoring for safer ACN handling
- Expansion projects targeting acrylamide for agricultural chemicals
- R&D in high-impact ABS for consumer durables
4️⃣ 7. PetroChina
Headquarters: Beijing, China
Key Offering: Acrylonitrile from propane and propylene methods, NBR, fibers
PetroChina, through subsidiaries like Jilin Petrochemical, is a top global producer, harnessing China’s vast energy resources for ACN manufacturing. Its facilities support national priorities in materials science, feeding into automotive and textile sectors with reliable, large-scale supplies. As part of the top five holding over 45% share, PetroChina’s influence is profound in stabilizing regional markets. In response to geopolitical tensions affecting feedstocks, the company diversifies sourcing strategies. This resilience underscores its role in sustaining growth despite external pressures.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Exploration of propane method for cost diversification
- Investments in NBR for enhanced oil and gas applications
- Safety enhancements and training programs for hazardous operations
Download FREE Sample Report: Acrylonitrile (ACN) Market – View in Detailed Research Report
3️⃣ 8. Asahi Kasei Corp.
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Acrylonitrile, acrylic fibers, ABS and SAN
Asahi Kasei Corp. is renowned for its high-quality acrylonitrile, integral to Japan’s advanced materials industry. The company excels in producing ACN for synthetic fibers and engineering plastics, exporting to Europe and North America where regulatory standards are stringent. Its innovative approaches ensure product consistency, vital for applications in healthcare and electronics. Moreover, Asahi Kasei emphasizes R&D to address toxicity concerns, developing encapsulation technologies for safer downstream processing. This forward-thinking stance bolsters its competitive edge.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Bio-engineering of acrylic fibers for eco-friendly textiles
- Partnerships for SAN in medical devices
- Process improvements to boost propylene conversion rates
2️⃣ 9. Asahi Chemicals
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Specialty acrylonitrile, acrylamide, polymer intermediates
Asahi Chemicals complements the sector with focused acrylonitrile variants for niche markets like water treatment via acrylamide. Operating in Japan’s innovation-driven economy, it supplies global chains, contributing to the 25% European and Korean shares through technical expertise. The company’s agility allows quick adaptation to demand shifts in specialty chemicals. Furthermore, it invests in purification technologies to meet purity demands for pharmaceuticals, expanding beyond traditional polymers.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Development of low-toxicity ACN derivatives
- Expansion in acrylamide for sustainable agriculture
- Collaborative R&D for next-gen ABS formulations
1️⃣ 10. Ineos
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Acrylonitrile via propylene, ABS, SAN, NBR
Ineos tops the list as a global leader in acrylonitrile, with extensive European operations driving innovation in petrochemicals. As part of the top five, it holds significant market share through efficient plants in the UK and Germany, serving automotive and packaging industries worldwide. Ineos’s scale and technology prowess position it to lead in volume and value. The company navigates challenges like energy costs by optimizing operations and exploring propane alternatives. Its global footprint ensures supply stability, crucial for downstream manufacturers.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Strategic acquisitions to bolster ACN capacity
- Advancements in recycling ABS for circular economy
- Global partnerships for NBR in advanced composites
Read Full Report: Acrylonitrile (ACN) Market – View in Detailed Research Report
🌍 Outlook: The Future of Acrylonitrile (ACN) Market Is Resilient and Innovative
The acrylonitrile market is evolving steadily, with traditional propylene dominance persisting at over 95% while propane methods gain traction for diversification. Investments in capacity, particularly in Asia-Pacific, are set to propel volumes, even as industries grapple with raw material volatility and sustainability mandates. Market segmentation reveals propylene’s enduring lead, with applications in ABS and SAN commanding the largest shares due to their versatility in durable goods. Regionally, China’s industrial might continues to anchor growth, supplemented by Europe’s emphasis on high-value specialties and North America’s innovation in performance materials. Insights from surveys indicate that manufacturers are prioritizing R&D in efficient processes, safety enhancements, and mergers to consolidate positions.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
- Dominance of propylene method with incremental shifts to propane for resilience
- Expansion in ABS and SAN for automotive and electronics amid electrification trends
- Regulatory focus on ACN safety driving innovations in handling and emissions reduction
- Regional capacity builds in China and Asia-Pacific to meet 40%+ global demand
- Integration of digital tools for supply chain optimization and predictive analytics
Read Full Report: Acrylonitrile (ACN) Market – View in Detailed Research Report
The companies profiled are not only producing essential monomers—they’re pioneering the next era of synthetic materials that power modern industries.
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