Regional Growth Projections for European Carbon Fiber Industry Industry

Key Insights

The European carbon fiber industry, valued at €1380 million in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, projected to maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 12% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. The burgeoning aerospace and defense sector, with its increasing demand for lightweight yet high-strength materials in aircraft and spacecraft, is a significant contributor. Furthermore, the automotive industry's push towards electric vehicles (EVs) and fuel efficiency is boosting carbon fiber adoption in lightweight vehicle components. The renewable energy sector, particularly wind turbine manufacturing, also presents a substantial growth opportunity, leveraging carbon fiber's exceptional properties for blade construction. Construction and infrastructure applications are emerging as a significant area for growth, driven by the need for durable, high-performance materials in bridges, buildings and other structures. While the high cost of carbon fiber remains a restraint, ongoing technological advancements in production processes and the increasing availability of recycled carbon fiber (RCF) are mitigating this challenge, opening the market to a wider range of applications. The diverse range of applications across various end-user industries ensures market resilience and continued growth potential. The dominance of virgin carbon fiber (VCF) is expected to continue, however the RCF segment will show significant growth driven by sustainability concerns and cost reduction. Key players such as SGL Carbon, Solvay, and Toray Industries are actively investing in research and development, expanding production capacities, and exploring strategic partnerships to capitalize on the market's growth trajectory.

Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are expected to be the major contributors to the European market share due to established manufacturing bases and strong presence of key industry players. However, other European nations are also showing significant growth potential, especially as the renewable energy sector expands and government support for green initiatives increases. The market segmentation by raw material (PAN, petroleum pitch, rayon) and application (composite materials, textiles, microelectrodes, catalysis) provides further insights into specific opportunities. The continued innovation in carbon fiber technology and its increasing integration into various industries promise sustained growth for the European carbon fiber market in the coming years. Strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and the development of advanced composite materials are expected to shape the competitive landscape further.

European Carbon Fiber Industry Market Report: 2019-2033

This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the European carbon fiber industry, covering market dynamics, growth trends, key players, and future outlook. The study period spans 2019-2033, with 2025 serving as the base and estimated year. The report is essential for industry professionals, investors, and strategic decision-makers seeking to understand this dynamic market.

European Carbon Fiber Industry Market Dynamics & Structure

The European carbon fiber market is characterized by moderate concentration, with several major players and numerous smaller specialized firms. Technological innovation, particularly in materials science and manufacturing processes, is a key driver, alongside stringent environmental regulations promoting sustainable materials. Competitive substitutes, such as glass fiber and aluminum, exert pressure, while the growing demand from diverse end-user industries fuels market expansion. M&A activity remains relatively moderate, with strategic acquisitions focused on enhancing technological capabilities and expanding market reach.

• Market Concentration: Moderately concentrated, with top 5 players holding approximately xx% market share in 2025.
• Technological Innovation: Focus on improving fiber strength, reducing production costs, and developing sustainable recycling processes.
• Regulatory Framework: Stringent environmental regulations driving demand for sustainable carbon fiber production and recycling.
• Competitive Substitutes: Glass fiber and aluminum pose competitive pressure, especially in price-sensitive applications.
• End-User Demographics: Growth driven by aerospace & defense, automotive, and renewable energy sectors.
• M&A Trends: Strategic acquisitions to expand product portfolios and enhance technological capabilities, with xx deals recorded in the past 5 years (estimated value of xx Million).

European Carbon Fiber Industry Growth Trends & Insights

The European carbon fiber market exhibited strong growth between 2019 and 2024, driven by increasing demand from key end-use sectors. The market size is projected to reach xx Million in 2025, expanding at a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period (2025-2033). This growth is attributed to technological advancements, rising adoption rates in lightweighting applications across various industries, and increasing investments in renewable energy infrastructure. Consumer behavior shifts towards sustainable and high-performance materials further propel market expansion. Disruptive technologies, such as improved recycling methods and advanced fiber production techniques, are reshaping the industry landscape.

Dominant Regions, Countries, or Segments in European Carbon Fiber Industry

Germany, France, and the UK dominate the European carbon fiber market, driven by strong aerospace and automotive industries. Within segments, Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) remains the dominant raw material, accounting for approximately xx% of the market share in 2025. Virgin fiber (VCF) constitutes the majority of the fiber type segment, but recycled fiber (RCF) is gaining traction due to sustainability concerns. The composite materials application segment continues to lead in terms of consumption, followed by the aerospace & defense and automotive end-user industries.

• Key Drivers:
  • Strong presence of aerospace and automotive industries in Germany, France, and the UK.
  • Government support for renewable energy and sustainable materials.
  • Growing demand for lightweight materials in various applications.
• Dominance Factors:
  • Established manufacturing infrastructure and skilled workforce.
  • Proximity to key end-user industries.
  • Favorable government policies and regulations.

European Carbon Fiber Industry Product Landscape

The European carbon fiber market showcases a diverse range of products, from standard PAN-based fibers to high-performance pitch-based fibers and innovative recycled materials. Product innovations focus on enhancing mechanical properties, improving processability, and reducing costs. Unique selling propositions include superior strength-to-weight ratios, high stiffness, and excellent fatigue resistance. Technological advancements concentrate on optimizing fiber manufacturing processes and developing innovative composite materials for specific applications.

Key Drivers, Barriers & Challenges in European Carbon Fiber Industry

Key Drivers:

• Increasing demand for lightweight materials in automotive and aerospace sectors.
• Growth of the renewable energy industry.
• Government incentives and regulations promoting sustainable materials.

Challenges & Restraints:

• High production costs compared to alternative materials.
• Supply chain disruptions impacting raw material availability.
• Intense competition from established players and new entrants.
• Stringent environmental regulations requiring costly compliance measures.

Emerging Opportunities in European Carbon Fiber Industry

• Expanding applications in construction and infrastructure.
• Growing demand for carbon fiber in sporting goods and consumer electronics.
• Development of innovative recycling technologies to enhance sustainability.
• Exploration of new applications in medical and biomedical devices.

Growth Accelerators in the European Carbon Fiber Industry Industry

Long-term growth will be fueled by technological advancements resulting in lower production costs, the emergence of new high-performance fiber types, and strategic partnerships between material suppliers and end-users across various sectors. Expanding applications into untapped markets, particularly within infrastructure and consumer goods, will also contribute to accelerated growth.

Key Players Shaping the European Carbon Fiber Industry Market

• SGL Carbon
• Solvay
• Airborne International BV
• HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS
• Nippon Graphite Fiber Co Ltd
• TORAY INDUSTRIES INC
• Mitsubishi Chemical Carbon Fiber and Composites Inc
• Hexcel Corporation
• TEIJIN LIMITED
• Fairmat

Notable Milestones in European Carbon Fiber Industry Sector

• November 2022: Fairmat inaugurated a carbon fiber recycling plant in Bouguenais, France, with a capacity exceeding 3,500 tons annually. This significantly impacts the industry's sustainability profile.
• November 2022: MT Aerospace AG secured a EUR 35 million contract from ArianeGroup GmbH for CFRP upper stages in the ESA's PHOEBUS project. This highlights the increasing use of carbon fiber in aerospace applications.

In-Depth European Carbon Fiber Industry Market Outlook

The European carbon fiber industry is poised for sustained growth, driven by strong demand from key end-use sectors and technological innovations that enhance product performance and reduce costs. Strategic partnerships, investments in R&D, and expansion into new applications present lucrative opportunities for industry players. The increasing focus on sustainability will further shape the market, with recycling and sustainable manufacturing becoming central to future growth.

European Carbon Fiber Industry Segmentation

• 1. Raw Material
  • 1.1. Polyacrtlonitrile (PAN)
  • 1.2. Petroleum Pitch and Rayon
• 2. Type
  • 2.1. Virgin Fiber (VCF)
  • 2.2. Recycled Fiber (RCF)
• 3. Application
  • 3.1. Composite Materials
  • 3.2. Textiles
  • 3.3. Microelectrodes
  • 3.4. Catalysis
• 4. End-user Industry
  • 4.1. Aerospace & Defense
  • 4.2. Alternative Energy
  • 4.3. Automotive
  • 4.4. Construction & Infrastructure
  • 4.5. Sporting Goods
  • 4.6. Other End-user Industries

European Carbon Fiber Industry Segmentation By Geography

• 1. Germany
• 2. United Kingdom
• 3. Italy
• 4. France
• 5. Spain
• 6. Rest of Europe