Fiber Reinforced Plastics Market Growth Driven by Renewable Energy and Sustainable Material Innovation

ITOCHU Introduces a Pilot Project for Cellulose Nanofiber-Reinforced Plastic Logistics Materials

ITOCHU Corporation announced a joint demonstration project for cellulose nanofiber (CNF) reinforced plastic logistics containers. The initiative is being conducted in collaboration with Family Mart Co., Ltd., SANKO Co., Ltd., and Kyoto University's Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere.

Project Goals

Shizuoka Prefecture has selected this pilot demonstration project for the FY2025 cellulose-based circular economy business demonstration project. Scheduled to commence in August 2025, the initiative will operate for approximately six months across roughly 80 FamilyMart stores within Shizuoka to evaluate the performance of cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-reinforced plastic containers. Cellulose Nanofiber (CNF) is manufactured from sustainably sourced wood and delivers high-performance properties, including enhanced strength and recyclability. Although the global CNF market was valued at approximately 6 billion yen in 2024, it is projected to experience substantial growth as a sustainable, biomass-based alternative capable of replacing fossil-based materials to support decarbonization efforts.

According to Towards Chemicals And Materials Analytics and Consulting, the fiber-reinforced plastics market size was valued at USD 110.45 billion in 2025, is estimated to reach USD 119.12 billion in 2026, and is projected to reach USD 235.16 billion by 2035, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.85% over the forecast period from 2026 to 2035. In terms of volume, the fiber-reinforced plastics market is projected to grow from 18.87 million tons in 2025 to 36.95 million tons by 2035. growing at a CAGR of 6.95% from 2026 to 2035. as demand for high-strength, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant materials is increasing across various industries.

Renewable Energy Expansion Accelerates the Fiber-reinforced Plastics Market

• Ongoing expansion in wind energy projects is creating lucrative demand for lightweight and durable rotor blades, propelling the market for glass and carbon fiber composites.
• Increasing usage of FRP composites in building facades, bridges, and other infrastructure projects due to their low maintenance, durability, and high corrosion resistance.
• Innovations in production processes are making manufacturing more cost-effective and scalable, increasing applications in commercial and industrial sectors.
• FRP is rapidly replacing traditional materials such as aluminum, steel, and concrete due to its better strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to harsh chemicals.