Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market: A Report on Growth and Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Market Overview and Sustainable Impact

The global Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) market, valued at US$ 1,839 million in 2024, is projected to experience significant growth, reaching an estimated US$ 3,997 million by 2031. This expansion, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9% for the 2025-2031 forecast period, is intrinsically linked to the global pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The increasing adoption of PCMs is a direct response to the urgent need for energy efficiency and sustainable technologies, positioning the market as a key enabler for achieving a sustainable future.

The Role of PCMs in Advancing Global Sustainability

Phase Change Materials are substances characterized by a high enthalpy of fusion, enabling them to absorb, store, and release large amounts of thermal energy during a phase transition (e.g., melting and solidifying). This property is fundamental to advancing several SDGs:

• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): By storing thermal energy, PCMs enhance the efficiency of heating and cooling systems, reducing overall energy consumption. They also facilitate the effective use of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar thermal power, contributing to a cleaner energy mix.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): The reduction in energy demand achieved through PCM applications directly translates to lower greenhouse gas emissions, offering a tangible tool for climate change mitigation.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Integrating PCMs into building materials helps create highly energy-efficient structures, reducing the carbon footprint of urban environments and enhancing the resilience of infrastructure.

Market Segmentation and Alignment with SDGs

The market’s structure reflects a growing alignment with sustainability principles, particularly through its product types and applications.

Market Segmentation by Type

The development across different PCM types demonstrates a commitment to innovation and resource responsibility, supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

• Organic PCMs: Derived from petroleum or plant sources, these materials are widely used in various applications.
• Inorganic PCMs: Typically salt hydrates, these offer high latent heat storage capacity and are common in building applications.
• Bio-Based PCMs: Representing a significant advancement in sustainability, these materials are derived from renewable resources like vegetable oils. Their adoption strongly supports a circular economy and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, directly contributing to SDG 12.

Market Segmentation by Application

The application of PCMs across various sectors is critical to achieving widespread energy efficiency and sustainability.

• Building & Construction: This is the largest application segment, where PCMs are used to regulate indoor temperatures, significantly reducing the energy required for heating and cooling. This directly advances SDG 7 and SDG 11.
• Refrigeration: In cold chain logistics and refrigeration, PCMs provide stable temperature control with lower energy input, which helps reduce food waste (supporting SDG 12) and energy consumption (supporting SDG 7).
• Consumer Goods: The integration of PCMs into textiles, electronics, and other goods enhances performance and energy efficiency at the consumer level.
• Others: Includes applications in thermal energy storage systems, logistics, and healthcare, all contributing to improved efficiency and resource management.

Key Industry Players and Corporate Responsibility

Leading corporations in the PCM market are pivotal in driving the innovation necessary to meet global sustainability targets. Their research and development efforts are crucial for creating more efficient and environmentally friendly materials, aligning their business strategies with the objectives of SDG 9.

• BASF
• Honeywell
• Cryopak
• Entropy Solutions Inc.
• Climator Sweden AB
• Phase Change Energy Solutions
• Outlast Technologies
• Dow Building Solutions
• Chemours Company
• PCM Energy Ltd
• Rubitherm Technologies GmbH

Regional Growth and Global Sustainability Efforts

The expansion of the PCM market is a global phenomenon, with significant growth anticipated across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. This widespread adoption is essential for the global implementation of the SDGs. Regional market growth enables countries to leverage PCM technology to meet nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement, thereby accelerating progress towards SDG 13 on a global scale.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The article focuses on Phase Change Materials (PCMs), which are used for thermal energy storage. This technology directly contributes to improving energy efficiency, a key aspect of clean energy.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – The report discusses an “Advanced” material technology and its application in various industries, including “Building & Construction.” This highlights innovation in materials science and its role in upgrading infrastructure to be more sustainable and efficient.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The application of PCMs in “Building & Construction” directly supports the development of energy-efficient buildings, which is crucial for creating sustainable cities with a lower environmental footprint.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – By improving energy efficiency, PCMs promote the efficient use of energy resources. Furthermore, the mention of “Bio-Based” PCMs points towards more sustainable production patterns and material sourcing.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – Enhanced energy efficiency is a fundamental strategy for mitigating climate change. By reducing the energy required for heating and cooling, PCMs help lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy consumption.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
   • Explanation: The article describes PCMs as substances that “can store large quantities of heat energy,” which is a core function for improving thermal energy efficiency. The growth of the PCM market, particularly in applications like building and refrigeration, signifies an increased adoption of technologies that directly contribute to this target.
2. Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
   • Explanation: The article identifies “Building & Construction” as a key application for PCMs. Using this advanced material to improve the thermal performance of buildings is a direct example of upgrading infrastructure to be more sustainable and energy-efficient. The projected market growth reflects the “greater adoption” of this technology.
3. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.
   • Explanation: The use of PCMs in the “Building & Construction” sector helps reduce the energy consumption of buildings for heating and cooling. This leads to a lower overall energy demand in urban areas, thereby reducing the environmental impact of cities.
4. Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Explanation: PCMs contribute to the efficient use of energy, a critical natural resource. The article also lists “Bio-Based” as a type of PCM, indicating a move towards using renewable and more sustainably managed materials in production.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Market Size and Growth Rate:
   • Explanation: The article explicitly states, “The global Advanced Phase Change Materials (PCM) Market was valued at US$ 1839 million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach US$ 3997 million by 2031, witnessing a CAGR of 11.9%.” This financial growth serves as a strong proxy indicator for the adoption rate of this energy-efficient technology, which is relevant for measuring progress towards Target 7.3 and Target 9.4.
2. Market Segmentation by Application:
   • Explanation: The report segments the market by application, including “Building & Construction” and “Refrigeration.” The growth within these specific segments can be used as an indicator to track the upgrading of infrastructure (Target 9.4) and the reduction of cities’ environmental impact (Target 11.6).
3. Market Segmentation by Type:
   • Explanation: The article identifies “Bio-Based” as a specific type of PCM. The market share and growth of this segment can serve as an indicator for progress towards sustainable resource use and production (Target 12.2).
4. Production and Consumption Volume:
   • Explanation: The article notes that the full research report analyzes “revenue and volume growth, production, consumption.” These metrics, particularly volume, production, and consumption, are direct indicators of the extent to which these materials are being integrated into the economy to achieve energy efficiency goals.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: openpr.com