• In November 2023, Luxi Chemical Group inaugurated a new bio‑based caprolactam production line in Shandong, China, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable chemical offerings and positioning itself at the forefront of eco-friendly caprolactam manufacturing.

• In January 2023, BASF SE permanently closed its 70,000-ton-per-year caprolactam facility in Germany in response to escalating energy costs. This move reduced the company’s European production capacity and aligned with its strategy to streamline operations and enhance cost efficiency.

In this report, the Caprolactam Market has been segmented by Raw Material, Application, End-user Industry, and Geography.

Caprolactam Market, Segmentation by Raw Material

The Caprolactam Market has been segmented by Raw Material into Phenol and Cyclohexane.

Phenol

Phenol accounts for approximately 35% of the caprolactam market as a raw material. It is primarily used in the production of cyclohexanone via hydrogenation, which is a key intermediate in caprolactam synthesis. This route is commonly adopted in regions with a strong petrochemical base, offering high conversion efficiency and compatibility with nylon 6 production.

Cyclohexane

Cyclohexane holds the majority share of around 65% in the caprolactam market. It undergoes oxidation to form a mixture of cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol, known as KA oil, which is then processed into caprolactam. Due to its low cost, high availability, and scalability, cyclohexane is the preferred feedstock in major caprolactam-producing regions, especially in Asia Pacific.

Caprolactam Market, Segmentation by Application

The Caprolactam Market has been segmented by Application into Films, Nylon 6 Fibers, Nylon 6 Engineering Plastics, and Others.

Films

Films account for approximately 15% of the caprolactam market. Caprolactam is used to produce nylon 6 films, which offer excellent mechanical strength, clarity, and barrier properties. These films are widely used in food packaging, industrial laminates, and medical applications due to their durability and flexibility.

Nylon 6 Fibers

Nylon 6 fibers represent the largest application segment, contributing over 55% of the caprolactam demand. These fibers are extensively used in the production of textiles, carpets, industrial yarns, and fishing nets. Known for their strength, abrasion resistance, and elasticity, they are a staple in both consumer and industrial markets.

Nylon 6 Engineering Plastics

Nylon 6 engineering plastics account for approximately 25% of the market. Caprolactam-derived polymers are used in applications requiring high-performance thermoplastics, such as automotive components, electrical housings, and machinery parts. Their heat resistance, chemical stability, and dimensional accuracy make them ideal for demanding environments.

Others

The 'Others' category comprises about 5% of the market and includes specialized applications like adhesives, coatings, and composite materials. These niche uses benefit from caprolactam’s film-forming ability, solubility, and compatibility with functional additives.

Caprolactam Market, Segmentation by End-user Industry

The caprolactam market is segmented by end-user industry into Automotive, Carpet, and Textile.

Automotive

The automotive industry accounts for approximately 35% of the caprolactam market. Caprolactam is primarily used in the production of nylon 6 engineering plastics, which are molded into under-the-hood components, fuel systems, radiator fans, and air intake manifolds. Its advantages include lightweight strength, heat resistance, and durability, helping automakers reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency.

Carpet

The carpet industry represents around 30% of the market. Caprolactam-derived nylon 6 fibers are a preferred material for residential, commercial, and automotive carpeting due to their resilience, stain resistance, and wear durability. These fibers also support color retention and ease of maintenance, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.

Textile

Textile applications account for about 35% of the caprolactam market. Nylon 6 fibers are extensively used in apparel, sportswear, hosiery, industrial fabrics, and home furnishings. Their characteristics, including high tensile strength, flexibility, and quick drying, make them valuable across a wide range of clothing and industrial textile applications.

Caprolactam Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Caprolactam Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Caprolactam Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America

North America holds approximately 18% of the caprolactam market. The region benefits from a mature automotive sector and strong demand for engineering plastics and textile fibers. The United States and Canada lead in consumption, driven by investments in lightweight materials and domestic textile applications.

Europe

Europe accounts for around 22% of the market, led by countries such as Germany, France, Italy, United Kingdom, and Spain. The region's advanced automotive engineering and carpet manufacturing industries heavily utilize nylon 6 fibers and resins derived from caprolactam.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific dominates the caprolactam market with over 45% share. This growth is propelled by rapid industrialization and massive demand for textiles, automotive parts, and packaging films in countries such as China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia. The region also hosts key production facilities and raw material suppliers.

Middle East and Africa

Middle East and Africa contribute around 7% of caprolactam demand. Growing construction and automotive sectors in countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, and Egypt are driving usage of nylon-based engineering plastics and industrial textiles.

Latin America

Latin America accounts for about 8% of the market. Nations like Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile are seeing increasing demand for caprolactam in the carpet, textile, and packaging industries, supported by rising urbanization and consumer goods production.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Caprolactam Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Growth in automotive applications
• Expanding textile and apparel sector

• Increasing urbanization and infrastructure - Urbanization and infrastructure development across emerging economies have significantly contributed to the rising demand for caprolactam. As cities expand and populations grow, there is a greater need for modern housing, transportation, and utilities, which in turn drives the consumption of materials made from nylon 6, a key derivative of caprolactam. Nylon 6 is extensively used in construction, textiles, and automotive components due to its **strength, flexibility, and durability**, making caprolactam an essential input for supporting these developments.

  Increased investments in smart city initiatives and infrastructure modernization projects have created a steady demand for high-performance materials, especially in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. These regions are witnessing **rapid industrialization and urban expansion**, boosting the need for reliable and cost-effective raw materials. Caprolactam, being a critical component in engineering plastics and industrial fibers, is positioned to benefit from this trend. Its role in producing high-quality products for cables, industrial machinery, and transport networks makes it a **crucial enabler of urban infrastructure growth**.

Restraints

• Environmental concerns and regulations
• Volatility in raw material prices

• Health hazards from toxic emissions - The production and use of caprolactam have raised **concerns regarding toxic emissions** that pose potential health risks to workers and surrounding communities. During manufacturing, caprolactam releases substances such as ammonia and nitrous oxide, which are hazardous when inhaled or released in high concentrations. Long-term exposure to these emissions may lead to **respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other occupational health issues**, making it a key area of concern in industrial safety practices.

  As environmental awareness and workplace safety standards continue to strengthen globally, regulatory bodies are imposing **strict emission control guidelines** on chemical manufacturers, including those producing caprolactam. These mandates increase operational costs and require significant investments in **emission reduction technologies and compliance infrastructure**. The need to manage these health hazards without compromising cost-efficiency or productivity serves as a major restraint for the caprolactam market’s growth trajectory, particularly in regions with stringent environmental policies.

Opportunities

• Increasing demand for bio-based caprolactam
• Growing emphasis on sustainability

• Expansion into emerging markets - The expansion into emerging markets offers a significant opportunity for the caprolactam market. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth in regions such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and parts of Africa have led to a surge in demand for nylon-based products, which rely heavily on caprolactam. These markets are witnessing an increase in applications across the automotive, construction, textile, and electrical sectors, where caprolactam-based nylon 6 is widely used due to its strength, elasticity, and durability.

  Developing economies are investing heavily in infrastructure and manufacturing growth, creating substantial demand for high-performance materials. The growth in disposable income and changing lifestyles in these regions are also fueling demand for durable consumer goods and automobiles—both of which use nylon components extensively. As a result, manufacturers are increasingly exploring production expansion and distribution partnerships within these countries to tap into local demand and improve supply chain efficiency.

  Furthermore, emerging markets typically offer cost advantages such as lower labor costs and favorable regulatory conditions, making them attractive locations for setting up production units. The relocation or establishment of caprolactam manufacturing facilities in these regions could help companies reduce operational expenses while increasing their market footprint. Additionally, governments in many emerging economies are offering incentives for foreign investment, further supporting industry expansion.

  By leveraging these regional dynamics, companies in the caprolactam market can achieve sustainable growth and competitive advantage. However, to maximize this opportunity, manufacturers must adapt their products to meet local standards and environmental requirements, ensuring compliance while building consumer trust. The long-term potential of these markets lies in their rising industrial output and evolving consumer needs, presenting a promising avenue for caprolactam market growth.

Key players in Caprolactam Market include;

• Advansix Inc.
• Alpek S.A.B. De C.V.
• The Aquafil Group
• BASF SE
• China Petrochemical Development Corporation
• Grupa Azoty
• Lanxess AG
• China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec)
• Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.
• Toray Industries, Inc.
• UBE Industries, Ltd.
• Capro Co.
• DOMO Chemicals
• Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited
• Highsun Group

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Market Share Analysis
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis