Top 10 Companies in the Expanded Polypropylene Industry (2026): Market Leaders Driving Lightweight Innovation

In Business Insights
January 08, 2026


The Global Expanded Polypropylene Market was valued at USD 1.84 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 2.92 Billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.2% during the forecast period (2025–2032). This growth is being driven by increasing demand for lightweight materials in the automotive sector, the rise of sustainable packaging solutions, and the accelerating adoption of high-performance foams across consumer goods and industrial applications.

As industries worldwide transform toward sustainability and efficiency, the spotlight is on the key material producers who are driving innovation in lightweighting and recyclability. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Expanded Polypropylene Industry—a mix of chemical giants, specialty foam manufacturers, and regional leaders shaping the future of advanced polymer materials.


🔟 1. JSP Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: ARPRO® EPP, EPERAN® PP Foam

JSP Corporation is the global pioneer and market leader in expanded polypropylene, holding the largest market share worldwide. The company’s proprietary ARPRO® technology set the industry standard for EPP performance, offering exceptional energy absorption, thermal insulation, and design flexibility. JSP serves major automotive OEMs, packaging manufacturers, and consumer goods companies across all continents.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Continuous R&D in advanced bead foam technologies

  • Expansion of production capacity in Europe and Americas

  • Development of specialized grades for electric vehicle applications

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Expanded Polypropylene Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Kaneka Corporation

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: EPP Beads, Custom Molded EPP Parts

Kaneka Corporation is a major global player in EPP manufacturing, with strong market presence particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The company produces high-quality EPP beads and offers comprehensive molding services for automotive, packaging, and industrial applications. Kaneka’s technical expertise in polymer science enables them to develop customized solutions for specific customer requirements.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Focus on sustainable and recyclable foam solutions

  • Development of flame-retardant EPP grades


8️⃣ 3. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Neopolen® P EPP, Engineering Foam Solutions

BASF SE is one of the world’s leading chemical companies and a significant player in the EPP market through its Neopolen® P product line. The company leverages its extensive polymer expertise to develop high-performance EPP materials for demanding applications in automotive, construction, and technical packaging. BASF’s global production network ensures reliable supply to customers worldwide.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Integration of EPP into circular economy models

  • Development of lightweight solutions for automotive lightweighting


7️⃣ 4. Hanwha Corporation

Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Q-CEL® EPP, Advanced Composite Foams

Hanwha Corporation has established itself as a key competitor in the Asian EPP market, with growing international presence. The company’s Q-CEL® EPP products are known for their consistent quality and performance characteristics. Hanwha serves diverse industries including automotive components, protective packaging, and consumer products with tailored foam solutions.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Expansion of automotive applications in partnership with Korean OEMs

  • Development of specialized grades for electronics packaging

Download FREE Sample Report:
Expanded Polypropylene Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Bo Fan New Material Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Suzhou, China
Key Offering: EPP Beads, Custom Molded Components

Bo Fan New Material is a leading Chinese EPP manufacturer with significant production capacity and growing export business. The company has capitalized on China’s manufacturing boom by providing cost-effective EPP solutions to domestic and international customers. Bo Fan’s technical capabilities include complex molding and finishing operations for automotive and industrial applications.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Capacity expansion to meet growing domestic demand

  • Development of cost-competitive solutions for mass-market applications


5️⃣ 6. Wuxi Hi-Tech PE Foam Plastics Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Wuxi, China
Key Offering: EPP Products, PE Foam Alternatives

Wuxi Hi-Tech is a prominent Chinese foam manufacturer with diverse product portfolio including expanded polypropylene. The company serves both domestic Chinese market and international customers with quality foam products. Wuxi Hi-Tech’s strength lies in its manufacturing efficiency and ability to serve price-sensitive market segments.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Vertical integration to control production costs

  • Development of hybrid foam solutions


4️⃣ 7. Sinopec Group

Headquarters: Beijing, China
Key Offering: Polypropylene Feedstock, EPP Intermediate Products

Sinopec Group, as one of China’s largest petrochemical companies, plays a crucial role in the EPP value chain through polypropylene resin production. While not primarily an EPP manufacturer, Sinopec’s position as a major PP producer gives it significant influence in the market. The company supplies feedstock to numerous EPP processors throughout Asia.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of specialized polypropylene grades for foam applications

  • Investment in recycling technologies for polymer materials


3️⃣ 8. DS Smith Plc

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: EPP Protective Packaging, Sustainable Solutions

DS Smith Plc is a leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions with growing involvement in EPP applications. The company utilizes EPP for high-value protective packaging, particularly in electronics, automotive parts, and fragile goods. DS Smith’s circular economy focus drives innovation in reusable EPP packaging systems.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of closed-loop EPP packaging systems

  • Integration of EPP into sustainable packaging portfolios


2️⃣ 9. Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: EPP for Automotive, Technical Foam Applications

Furukawa Electric has developed specialized EPP capabilities focusing on high-performance applications in automotive and electronics sectors. The company’s technical expertise in materials science enables them to produce EPP with specific properties for demanding environments. Furukawa serves Japanese automotive OEMs and industrial customers with premium foam solutions.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of conductive EPP grades for electronics

  • Specialized solutions for Japanese automotive market


1️⃣ 10. Knauf Industries

Headquarters: Ipsen, Germany
Key Offering: EPP Automotive Components, Packaging Solutions

Knauf Industries is a European leader in foam packaging and automotive components with significant EPP manufacturing capabilities. The company specializes in custom-molded EPP parts for automotive applications including bumper systems, seating, and interior components. Knauf’s strong presence in European automotive supply chains positions it as a key regional player.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Focus on automotive lightweighting solutions

  • Development of sustainable foam applications

Get Full Report Here:
Expanded Polypropylene Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Expanded Polypropylene Is Lightweight and Sustainable

The expanded polypropylene market is undergoing a significant transformation. While traditional applications still dominate in volume, the industry is investing heavily in sustainable solutions, advanced manufacturing technologies, and new application development across multiple sectors.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rapid adoption in electric vehicle battery protection and interior components

  • Growing demand for reusable and recyclable packaging systems

  • Development of specialized grades for medical and electronics applications

  • Automotive-industry partnerships for lightweight component development

Get Full Report Here:
Expanded Polypropylene Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential materials—they’re driving the innovation revolution in lightweight, sustainable polymer solutions.