The global thermoplastic pipe market was valued at USD 2,826.9 million in 2024 and is expected to grow from USD 2,960.8 million in 2025 to USD 4,303.9 million by 2032 , growing at a steady CAGR of 5.49% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is driven by the rising demand for lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and durable piping solutions in industries such as oil and gas, water management, chemical processing, mining, and power generation .
Unlike conventional steel and metal pipes, thermoplastic pipes offer greater resistance to corrosion, chemicals, and deposits , while being easier to install and maintain. Their flexibility, long service life, and cost-effectiveness make them an attractive alternative in demanding environments, particularly in subsea and offshore applications, where metal pipes are subject to rapid wear.
Market size 2024: USD 2,826.9 million
Market size 2025: USD 2,960.8 million
Market size 2032: USD 4,303.9 million
CAGR (2025–2032): 5.49%
Growth drivers: Offshore oil and gas projects, urban water infrastructure development, corrosion resistance, lightweight materials
Limitations: High manufacturing costs, low awareness in developing countries, competition from composite materials
Opportunities: Hydrogen transport pipelines, deep-sea oil production, replacement of outdated infrastructure, pipelines for renewable energies
Market prospects suggest that thermoplastic pipes will play an increasingly important role in supporting sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy and modern industrial applications .
1. Offshore and subsea oil and gas production
Thermoplastic composite pipes (TCPs) are widely used in underwater work due to their flexibility and corrosion resistance.
They can withstand high pressure and harsh marine conditions better than conventional steel pipes.
2. Increasing demand for corrosion-resistant piping systems
In industries such as chemical processing and desalination, thermoplastic pipes offer a longer service life than metallic alternatives.
Reduces maintenance costs and downtime.
3. Urbanization and water management projects
Rapid urbanization in emerging economies is driving demand for durable water and wastewater networks .
Thermoplastic pipes are lightweight and easier to install, especially in urban infrastructure projects.
4. Renewable energies and the hydrogen economy
Growing investments in hydrogen pipelines and renewable energy projects create opportunities.
Thermoplastic materials are ideal for handling hydrogen due to their low permeability and high pressure tolerance.
5. Cost and performance advantages
Reduced installation costs (lightweight pipes require fewer resources for handling).
Longer service life compared to steel and ductile iron.
High initial production costs: The production of modern thermoplastic composites is expensive.
Limited awareness: Developing countries still prefer conventional steel pipes due to low upfront costs.
Competition from alternatives: Composite materials, hybrid metal-polymer solutions and improved steel coatings compete with thermoplastic pipes.
Temperature limitations: Some thermoplastic grades cannot withstand extremely high temperatures, which limits their use in certain industrial applications.
Hydrogen transport and storage: Thermoplastic pipelines will play a crucial role on the path to green hydrogen.
Desalination plants: Increasing freshwater scarcity is increasing the demand for durable, corrosion-resistant pipelines.
Applications in the mining industry: Lightweight thermoplastic pipes are increasingly used in sludge transport and tailings management.
Retrofitting old infrastructure: replacing aging metallic pipelines with thermoplastic alternatives.
Advances in materials: Innovations in reinforced thermoplastic composites (RTPs) enable high-pressure and deep-sea applications.
Strict certification standards: Regulatory approvals for oil and gas projects are time-consuming.
Market fragmentation: presence of regional players with different quality standards.
Recycling and environmental concerns: The disposal of thermoplastic waste remains a problem despite the high recycling potential.
Reinforced thermoplastic pipes (RTPs) – high-pressure applications, oil and gas, mining.
Polyethylene (PE) pipes – water supply, sewage, irrigation.
Polypropylene pipes (PP) – Chemical and industrial use.
Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) pipes – corrosion-resistant, chemical plants.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes – widely used in construction and water management.
Others (nylon, PEX, etc.) – niche industrial applications.
Oil and Gas – Offshore pipelines, risers, flowlines, subsea applications.
Water and wastewater management – urban infrastructure, desalination plants.
Mining and slurry transport – high-performance applications in harsh environments.
Chemical and industrial processing – Corrosion-resistant piping for chemicals.
Power generation – cooling water systems, applications in nuclear power plants.
Renewable energies – hydrogen transport, offshore wind projects.
industry
Municipal
Oil and gas operators
mining company
Utilities and power plants
Strong acceptance in shale oil and gas projects .
The United States is leading the way with significant investments in pipeline replacement programs .
Canada is focusing on developing hydrogen infrastructure .
Countries such as Norway, the UK and the Netherlands are driving demand for offshore pipelines .
EU policies on decarbonisation and hydrogen transport support growth.
Replacing old metallic water infrastructure in Western Europe offers great opportunities.
Fastest growing market due to urbanization and infrastructure spending.
China and India expand municipal water supply projects .
Japan and South Korea are investing in hydrogen pipeline networks .
Brazil and Mexico use thermoplastic pipes in offshore oil projects.
Increasing use in water and sewage networks.
Major oil and gas production in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar .
The increasing water scarcity in Africa is leading to the introduction of thermoplastic water pipes .
The thermoplastic pipes market is moderately consolidated, with both global and regional players competing on technology, price, and application specialization .
Key players
TechnipFMC plc
Baker Hughes Company
Prysmian Group
National Oilwell Varco (NOV Inc.)
Shawcor Ltd.
Pipelife International GmbH
Wienerberger AG
Advanced Drainage Systems Inc.
Georg Fischer Piping Systems
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
Strategic initiatives
Partnerships with oil and gas operators for offshore projects.
Development of RTPs for high-pressure hydrogen transport .
Expansion into emerging markets through acquisitions.
Investments in sustainable, recyclable thermoplastic materials.
Expansion of the hydrogen infrastructure: Thermoplastic composite pipes will become crucial for hydrogen transport.
Smart pipes with sensors: IoT-enabled monitoring for leak detection and pressure control.
Increasing acceptance in mining: high-performance and lightweight solutions are replacing steel.
Focus on circular economy: Increasing emphasis on the recycling of thermoplastic pipes.
Hybrid materials: Integration of carbon fibers with thermoplastics to increase strength.
1. TechnipFMC Subsea Projects
TechnipFMC has pioneered thermoplastic composite pipes for subsea applications in the oil and gas industry, reducing weight and improving service life.
2. Pipelife in urban water networks
Pipelife International has implemented thermoplastic piping solutions in European cities, improving the durability of urban water systems.
3. Desalination plants in the Middle East
Due to their superior corrosion resistance, thermoplastic pipes are increasingly being used in desalination projects in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The global thermoplastic pipe market is expected to grow from USD 2,826.9 million in 2024 to USD 4,303.9 million by 2032 , at a compound annual growth rate of 5.49% . The industry is transitioning from traditional steel piping to lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant thermoplastic solutions .
While challenges such as high manufacturing costs and lack of awareness remain , increasing adoption in the oil and gas, water management, chemical processing and renewable energy sectors is expected to sustain growth.
The future of the thermoplastic pipe industry lies in innovative materials science, intelligent monitoring and sustainable infrastructure integration , making it a cornerstone of modern industrial development.
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