Top 10 Companies in the Aerospace Thermoplastics Industry (2026): Market Leaders Enabling Lighter, Smarter Aircraft

In Business Insights
February 11, 2026


The Global Aerospace Thermoplastics Market was valued at USD 10.99 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 15.21 Billion by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.9% during the forecast period (2024–2034). This substantial growth is fueled by the aviation industry’s uncompromising focus on lightweighting for enhanced fuel efficiency, the mass production of next-generation aircraft, and the continuous innovation in high-performance polymer technologies.

As aircraft manufacturers push the boundaries of design and performance, the materials used are undergoing a revolution. Aerospace thermoplastics are at the forefront, replacing traditional metals to create lighter, stronger, and more durable airframes and components. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Aerospace Thermoplastics Industry—a group of specialized chemical giants and advanced material pioneers who are shaping the future of flight.

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🔟 1. Victrex plc

Headquarters: Thornton-Cleveleys, United Kingdom
Key Offering: VICTREX PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), high-performance polymer compounds

Victrex is a global leader in high-performance polyaryletherketones (PAEKs), with its VICTREX PEEK polymer being a cornerstone material in aerospace applications. Renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, chemical resistance, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures, PEEK is used in critical components from aircraft interiors to engine parts. The company works closely with major OEMs and tier-one suppliers to develop tailored solutions.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Continuous R&D into next-generation PEEK and PEKK formulations

  • Development of lightweighting solutions for primary and secondary structures

  • Strategic partnerships for advancing additive manufacturing with thermoplastics


9️⃣ 2. Syensqo

Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
Key Offering: Specialty polymers including PEI (ULTEM), PPSU, PEEK

Formerly part of Solvay, Syensqo is a powerhouse in advanced materials for aerospace. Its ULTEM polyetherimide (PEI) is a benchmark material for aircraft interiors due to its inherent flame, smoke, and toxicity (FST) compliance. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of thermoplastics and thermoplastic composites that meet the stringent demands of the aviation sector.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Leading provider of FST-compliant materials for cabin interiors

  • Investment in thermoplastic composite technologies for structural applications

  • Focus on sustainable material solutions and circular economy principles


8️⃣ 3. Arkema Group

Headquarters: Colombes, France
Key Offering: PEKK (Kepstan®), technical polymers, and high-performance bio-based materials

Arkema is a key innovator in the aerospace thermoplastics space, particularly with its Kepstan® PEKK (Polyetherketoneketone) resins. PEKK offers an excellent alternative to PEEK with unique benefits for additive manufacturing and composite applications. Arkema’s materials are used in everything from ducting and brackets to more demanding structural parts.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Pioneering the use of PEKK in aerospace additive manufacturing

  • Development of advanced thermoplastic composites for fusion-based processes

  • Expanding production capacity to meet growing market demand


7️⃣ 4. Evonik Industries AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: VESTAKEEP® PEEK, polyamide 12 (PA 12), and other high-performance polymers

Evonik is a leading global specialty chemicals company with a strong portfolio of high-performance polymers for aerospace. Its VESTAKEEP® PEEK is used in demanding applications requiring thermal stability and mechanical strength. The company is also a major supplier of materials for aerospace 3D printing, enabling the production of complex, lightweight parts.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Expertise in materials for laser sintering and fused deposition modeling

  • Development of high-temperature resistant polymers for engine components

  • Focus on creating sustainable and recyclable material solutions

Download FREE Sample Report:
Aerospace Thermoplastics Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. SABIC

Headquarters: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Key Offering: LNP and ULTEM thermoplastics, reinforced compounds

SABIC’s extensive portfolio of engineered thermoplastics serves numerous aerospace applications. Through its LNP product line and ULTEM resins (following acquisition of certain businesses), SABIC provides materials for interior components, brackets, and covers. The company’s global scale and technical support make it a vital partner for aerospace manufacturers.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of laser-direct structured materials for integrated electronics

  • Advanced compounds for metal replacement in non-structural parts

  • Investment in carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics for enhanced performance


5️⃣ 6. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Ultrason® (PESU, PPSU), Ultramid® (PA), and other engineering plastics

BASF, one of the world’s largest chemical producers, offers a range of high-performance thermoplastics under the Ultrason® brand (Polyethersulfone and Polyphenylsulfone). These materials are known for their high heat resistance, transparency, and compliance with aerospace safety standards, making them ideal for interior components like window reveals and lighting.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of transparent thermoplastics for cabin applications

  • Focus on lightweighting solutions through advanced material science

  • Collaborations with OEMs to qualify new materials for specific applications


4️⃣ 7. Celanese Corporation

Headquarters: Irving, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Fortron® PPS, Celanese PEEK, Vectra® LCP

Celanese is a global chemical and specialty materials company with a strong presence in high-performance thermoplastics. Its Fortron® polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) is widely used in aerospace for its exceptional chemical resistance and thermal stability. The company’s engineered materials are critical for applications where durability and weight savings are paramount.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Leading supplier of PPS for fluid handling and electrical systems

  • Expansion of high-temperature polymer production capacity

  • Custom compounding services to meet specific aerospace requirements


3️⃣ 8. Toray Industries, Inc.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Torayca® carbon fiber, thermoplastic prepregs, and composites

While renowned for its carbon fibers, Toray is a major force in advanced thermoplastic composites. The company develops carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) prepregs that offer fast processing times and excellent mechanical properties. These materials are increasingly used in secondary structures and are being developed for primary applications.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Integrated supply chain from carbon fiber to finished composite parts

  • Development of out-of-autoclave (OOA) thermoplastic manufacturing processes

  • Strong focus on the Asia-Pacific aerospace market growth


2️⃣ 9. Mitsubishi Chemical Group

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Iupital® POM, DURANEX® PBT, and other engineering plastics

Mitsubishi Chemical Group offers a diverse portfolio of high-performance materials that find applications in aerospace components. The company’s engineering plastics are used in interior parts, small structural components, and systems requiring high precision and reliability. Their global reach supports aerospace manufacturers worldwide.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of specialized compounds for specific mechanical and thermal needs

  • Investment in recycling technologies for engineering plastics

  • Collaboration with Japanese aerospace programs and global partners


1️⃣ 10. Ensinger GmbH

Headquarters: Nufringen, Germany
Key Offering: TECATEC® (PEEK compounds), TECAPEEK®, engineering plastic semi-finished products

Ensinger specializes in the manufacture of high-performance thermoplastics in semi-finished forms (rods, plates, tubes) and finished parts. The company’s TECATEC® brand represents carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK and other high-end compounds that are machined into precision components for aerospace, including brackets, bushings, and insulators.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Expertise in machining complex parts from high-performance plastic stock shapes

  • Development of custom compounds for extreme environmental conditions

  • Focus on providing solutions for the MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) market

Get Full Report Here:
Aerospace Thermoplastics Market – View in Detailed Research Report


✈️ Outlook: The Future of Aerospace Thermoplastics Is Intelligent and Integrated

The aerospace thermoplastics market is experiencing a profound transformation. While metals traditionally dominated airframes, advanced polymers are now integral to achieving the next leap in aviation efficiency and performance. The industry is investing heavily in material science, automated manufacturing, and sustainable solutions.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerated adoption of thermoplastic composites in primary aircraft structures

  • Rise of additive manufacturing for complex, certified flight parts

  • Development of bio-based and recyclable thermoplastic resins

  • Increased use in emerging sectors like Urban Air Mobility and unmanned systems

Get Full Report Here:
Aerospace Thermoplastics Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not just supplying materials—they are essential partners in building the lighter, smarter, and more sustainable aircraft of tomorrow.