The Global Short Fiber Thermoplastic (SFT) Market was valued at USD 4.2 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 7.5 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.2% during the forecast period (2023–2030). This growth is being driven by the rising demand for lightweight materials in automotive and aerospace sectors, advancements in composite manufacturing technologies, and the increasing emphasis on sustainable, recyclable thermoplastics to reduce carbon footprints across various industries.
As industries pivot toward efficiency, sustainability, and performance enhancement through advanced materials, the focus turns to leading manufacturers who innovate in fiber-reinforced composites. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Short Fiber Thermoplastic (SFT) Industry—a blend of chemical giants, specialty polymer producers, and composite specialists pioneering the next generation of lightweight, durable solutions for transportation, electronics, and beyond.
🔟 1. BASF SE
Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Ultramid® and Ulstramid® B SFT compounds with glass and carbon fibers
BASF SE stands as a global powerhouse in the SFT market, providing high-performance short fiber reinforced thermoplastics tailored for demanding applications in automotive under-the-hood components, electrical housings, and structural parts. Their extensive portfolio leverages decades of R&D to deliver materials that balance strength, weight reduction, and processability, serving major OEMs worldwide and contributing to fuel efficiency improvements in vehicles.
With a commitment to circular economy principles, BASF integrates recycled content into their SFT formulations, making them recyclable and reducing reliance on virgin materials. Their innovations include bio-based reinforcements and low-emission compounds that meet stringent regulatory standards.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Development of carbon fiber reinforced SFT for electric vehicle battery enclosures
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Partnerships with automotive leaders to achieve 20% weight reduction in components
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Goal to incorporate 30% recycled materials in all SFT products by 2030
Download FREE Sample Report: Short Fiber Thermoplastic (SFT) Market – View in Detailed Research Report
9️⃣ 2. DSM
Headquarters: Heerlen, Netherlands
Key Offering: Akulon® and Arnite® SFT grades reinforced with glass fibers for engineering applications
DSM excels in delivering engineering-grade short fiber thermoplastics that enhance durability and thermal resistance in sectors like consumer goods and industrial machinery. Operating through a network of global production sites, the company supplies SFT materials that enable faster injection molding cycles and superior mechanical properties, helping manufacturers cut production costs while meeting performance benchmarks.
Because of their focus on sustainable chemistry, DSM’s SFT solutions often incorporate renewable feedstocks, aligning with broader environmental goals. This approach not only minimizes ecological impact but also appeals to eco-conscious clients in competitive markets.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Launch of bio-based polyamide SFT for lightweighting in electronics
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Collaborations with recyclers to close the loop on post-consumer SFT waste
8️⃣ 3. DuPont
Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Zytel® HTN and Crastin® SFT with short glass fibers for high-temperature uses
DuPont’s SFT portfolio is renowned for its reliability in harsh environments, particularly in automotive and aerospace where heat resistance and dimensional stability are critical. Their materials are engineered to withstand extreme conditions, supporting applications from engine covers to aircraft interiors, and have been integral to the shift toward lighter, more efficient designs.
Furthermore, DuPont invests heavily in reducing the environmental footprint of their composites by exploring fiber alternatives and improving energy-efficient manufacturing processes. This proactive stance ensures their products remain at the forefront of industry trends.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Targets for 100% renewable energy in SFT production facilities by 2030
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Advancements in low-carbon fiber reinforcements for thermoplastics
7️⃣ 4. SABIC
Headquarters: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Key Offering: LNP™ Thermocomp™ SFT compounds with various fiber loadings
SABIC plays a pivotal role in the SFT market by offering customizable compounds that cater to diverse industry needs, from transportation to electrical and electronics. With a strong emphasis on innovation, their SFT products facilitate metal replacement in components, leading to significant weight savings and cost efficiencies for end-users globally.
The company’s sustainability efforts are evident in their push toward circular plastics, where SFT materials are designed for easy recycling and reduced virgin polymer use. However, challenges like supply chain volatility are addressed through strategic regional manufacturing expansions.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Expansion of production capacity for recycled-content SFT by 25% annually
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Partnerships with OEMs to integrate SFT in sustainable vehicle platforms
Download FREE Sample Report: Short Fiber Thermoplastic (SFT) Market – View in Detailed Research Report
6️⃣ 5. LANXESS
Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
Key Offering: Durethan® and Pocan® SFT reinforced with short glass and mineral fibers
LANXESS specializes in high-strength SFT for automotive and industrial applications, where their materials provide exceptional impact resistance and stiffness. Serving a broad client base, they enable the production of complex parts via standard processing techniques, which has accelerated adoption in mass-market vehicles and consumer electronics.
In terms of sustainability, LANXESS is advancing flame-retardant SFT formulations that eliminate hazardous additives, promoting safer and greener manufacturing. Their R&D also focuses on enhancing recyclability to support the industry’s circular economy transition.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Introduction of halogen-free SFT for E&E applications
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Commitment to carbon-neutral SFT production by 2040
5️⃣ 6. Celanese Corporation
Headquarters: Irving, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Fortron® and Celanex® SFT with short fiber reinforcements
Celanese leads with SFT solutions optimized for precision engineering, particularly in aerospace and defense where lightweighting directly translates to performance gains. Their global supply chain ensures consistent quality, and innovations in fiber-matrix bonding have improved overall composite integrity for high-stress environments.
Sustainability is woven into Celanese’s strategy, with initiatives aimed at bio-derived fibers and waste reduction in production. This not only complies with emerging regulations but also positions them as a preferred partner for forward-thinking industries.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Current output of sustainable SFT exceeding 500,000 tons annually
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Target to double bio-based SFT portfolio by 2027
4️⃣ 7. Daicel Corporation
Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Cellulosics-based SFT and engineering thermoplastics with short fibers
Daicel brings Asian market expertise to the SFT arena, focusing on cellulose-reinforced composites that offer unique biodegradability advantages. Their products are widely used in packaging and consumer goods, where natural fiber integration provides a sustainable edge over traditional synthetics.
Despite geopolitical influences, Daicel continues R&D in hybrid SFT for broader applications, emphasizing local innovation programs to bolster supply resilience in the region.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Investment in cellulosic fiber SFT for reduced environmental impact
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Collaborations for scaling production in emerging Asian markets
3️⃣ 8. Dieffenbacher Group
Headquarters: Eppingen, Germany
Key Offering: Machinery and SFT composites for press forming and injection
Dieffenbacher stands out as an equipment and materials integrator in the SFT space, enabling efficient production of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic parts for transportation and construction. Their holistic approach combines SFT formulation with advanced processing tech, optimizing throughput for large-scale manufacturers.
Sustainability drives their development of energy-efficient presses that minimize SFT waste, supporting indigenous research into greener composites and public-private ventures.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Bio-composite SFT research for construction applications
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Alliances to enhance SFT recyclability in Europe
2️⃣ 9. Hanwha Azdel Inc.
Headquarters: Forest, Virginia, USA
Key Offering: Azdel® SFT sheets and compounds for interior and structural uses
Hanwha Azdel focuses on automotive interiors with SFT that deliver acoustic damping and lightweight benefits, converting traditional materials to composites for better vehicle efficiency. Their North American base supports supply to major automakers, with expansions targeting EV growth.
Initiatives include major pushes toward renewable SFT feedstocks, aiming for substantial production increases in sustainable variants to meet rising demand.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Plans to produce over 1 million tons of eco-friendly SFT yearly
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Expansion of supply chains for recycled fiber integration
1️⃣ 10. Kingfa Sci & Tech Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Guangzhou, China
Key Offering: Various SFT grades including PP and PA reinforced with short fibers
Kingfa emerges as a top player with cost-effective SFT solutions dominating the Asian market, supplying transportation and E&E sectors with high-volume, reliable materials. Their vertical integration from resins to compounds ensures competitive pricing and quality control.
Sustainability is key, with end-to-end solutions for recycled SFT and partnerships across the supply chain to advance global adoption of green composites.
Sustainability Initiatives:
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Comprehensive SFT recycling programs for industrial clients
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Strategic alliances with international producers for technology transfer
Get Full Report Here: Short Fiber Thermoplastic (SFT) Market – View in Detailed Research Report
🌍 Outlook: The Future of Short Fiber Thermoplastics Is Lighter and Greener
The short fiber thermoplastic market is experiencing a transformative phase. While conventional reinforcements persist, the sector is channeling significant investments into recyclable composites, advanced fiber technologies, and sustainable supply chains to address global demands for reduced emissions and resource efficiency.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
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Rapid expansion of SFT capacity in Asia, Europe, and North America for EV applications
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Regulatory mandates for 20-30% recycled content in composites by 2030
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Digital twins and AI in SFT design for optimized material properties
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Cross-industry collaborations for bio-based fiber innovations
Get Full Report Here: Short Fiber Thermoplastic (SFT) Market – View in Detailed Research Report
The companies profiled here are not only reinforcing global industries—they’re leading the sustainable materials revolution for a lighter tomorrow.
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