Demand for Polysulfide in EU

Demand for Polysulfide in EU Size and Share Forecast Outlook 2025 to 2035

The demand for polysulfide in the European Union is projected to increase from USD 894.6 million in 2025 to USD 1,190.6 million by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 2.9%. The growth is at a modest yet steady pace, reflecting a balanced interplay between growing end-use consumption and structural limitations in supply and production. Polysulfide finds its principal application in aerospace sealants, construction adhesives, coatings, and specialty elastomers, where chemical resistance, durability, and flexibility are critical. The relatively conservative growth rate suggests that, while demand is expanding, challenges in supply availability, raw material sourcing, and production scalability continue to impact market equilibrium.

On the demand side, sectors such as aerospace, marine coatings, and civil engineering drive incremental consumption. The construction sector in particular utilizes polysulfide sealants for insulating glass units and expansion joints, while aerospace applications rely on it for sealing aircraft fuel tanks and fuselage components. Demand growth is being tempered by competitive materials such as polyurethane, silicone, and epoxy systems, which are gaining preference in certain applications due to cost or ease of processing. Yet, polysulfide remains resilient in segments where superior chemical resistance and long-term performance outweigh substitution risks. End-use industries such as automotive repair and renewable energy infrastructure also present niche opportunities for expansion, especially in sealing and coating systems exposed to aggressive chemical environments.

Supply dynamics are shaped by the limited number of integrated producers capable of manufacturing polysulfide polymers at scale. The EU market is dependent on a small cluster of chemical firms that specialize in sealant and elastomer technologies, making supply sensitive to operational outages, feedstock availability, or regulatory disruptions. Import dependency for precursor chemicals adds vulnerability, as any fluctuation in global sulfur or alkali feedstock pricing can shift cost structures. Producers are also challenged by compliance with EU directives on emissions and environmental health, which could constrain production capacity over the forecast horizon.

Production is concentrated among established specialty chemical manufacturers, with facilities designed for customized formulations catering to aerospace, construction, and industrial clients. Scaling production is complex due to stringent safety requirements and performance standards demanded by end-users. Production flexibility is limited, meaning that sudden spikes in demand cannot be quickly met without capital investment in capacity expansion. Recycling or reprocessing of polysulfide remains negligible, creating further reliance on virgin output. Efforts are underway to optimize formulations and extend product lifecycles, but adoption is gradual due to cost implications.

Quick Stats for Polysulfide in EU

• Polysulfide in EU Value (2025): USD 894.6 million
• Polysulfide in EU Forecast Value (2035): USD 1,190.6 million
• Polysulfide in EU Forecast CAGR: 2.9%
• Leading Product Type in Polysulfide in EU: Thiokols (58%)
• Key Growth Countries in Polysulfide in EU: Rest of Europe, Spain, and the Netherlands
• Top Application Segment in Polysulfide in EU: Aerospace & Transportation (32%)

Demand for Polysulfide in EU: Key Takeaways

Metric	Value
Estimated Value in (2025E)	USD 894.6 million
Forecast Value in (2035F)	USD 1190.6 million
Forecast CAGR (2025 to 2035)	2.9%

Why is the Demand for Polysulfide Growing in EU?

Industry expansion is being supported by the critical requirements of aerospace manufacturing and maintenance operations across European countries and the corresponding demand for fuel-resistant, flexible sealants with proven performance in demanding aircraft fuel tank applications. Modern aerospace manufacturers rely on polysulfide as an essential sealing material for integral fuel tanks in commercial and military aircraft, fuel system components requiring chemical resistance, and pressurized fuselage joints demanding flexibility and durability, driving demand for products that deliver exceptional fuel resistance, reliable adhesion to aluminum and composite substrates, and proven long-term performance characteristics. Even moderate aerospace activity, such as aircraft maintenance, retrofit programs, or regional aircraft production, drives comprehensive polysulfide consumption to maintain optimal safety standards and support aviation certification requirements.

The established infrastructure of European aerospace manufacturing clusters and increasing recognition of building envelope performance requirements are driving demand for polysulfide from certified suppliers with appropriate aerospace qualifications and construction product certifications. Regulatory authorities are increasingly establishing clear guidelines for aerospace material specifications ensuring fuel compatibility and fire resistance, building sealant standards requiring weatherability and movement accommodation, and quality requirements to maintain safety and ensure product consistency.

Aerospace certification protocols and construction performance specifications are providing requirements supporting polysulfide characteristics, requiring specialized polymerization processes and standardized curing protocols for consistent viscosity control, optimal cure rates, and appropriate mechanical properties, including validated fuel resistance testing for aerospace applications and accelerated weathering validation for construction sealants.

Segmental Analysis

Sales are segmented by product type (chemistry), application (end use), and country. By product type, demand is divided into thiokols and solid polysulfide elastomers. Based on the application, sales are categorized into aerospace and transportation, building and construction, industrial processing, protective coatings, and specialty chemicals and others. Regionally, demand is focused on Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and the Rest of Europe.

By Product Type, Thiokols Segment Accounts for 58% Industry Share

The thiokols segment is projected to account for 58% of EU polysulfide sales in 2025, establishing itself as the dominant product chemistry across European industries. This commanding position is fundamentally supported by thiokol polysulfides' exceptional fuel resistance making them irreplaceable in aerospace applications, superior flexibility enabling movement accommodation in building joints, and proven long-term performance across diverse sealing applications. The thiokol format delivers exceptional chemical resistance, providing aerospace manufacturers with liquid sealants that facilitate application in confined spaces, enable fuel tank assembly and maintenance, and deliver reliable sealing preventing fuel leakage throughout aircraft service life.

This segment benefits from established aerospace qualification programs validating specific thiokol formulations for aircraft applications, well-developed manufacturing infrastructure maintaining stringent quality controls, and extensive technical relationships with major European aerospace companies who maintain approved materials lists. Additionally, thiokol polysulfides offer versatility across viscosity grades, including brushable formulations for manual application, extrudable compounds for automated dispensing, and specialized grades for specific substrates, supported by proven curing systems delivering reliable performance across temperature ranges.

The segment is expected to increase share modestly to 59.0% through 2035, demonstrating continued dominance as the primary polysulfide chemistry serving critical aerospace and high-performance construction applications throughout the forecast period.

• Exceptional fuel resistance essential for aerospace fuel tank sealing applications
• Superior flexibility enabling movement accommodation in building expansion joints
• Aerospace qualification heritage supporting approved materials status with major aircraft manufacturers

By Application, Aerospace & Transportation Segment Accounts for 32% Industry Share

Aerospace and transportation application is positioned to represent 32% of total polysulfide demand across European industries in 2025, increasing to 33% by 2035, reflecting the segment's position as the primary consumption driver within the overall industry ecosystem. This considerable share directly demonstrates that aerospace sealing represents the largest single application, with manufacturers consuming polysulfide for integral fuel tank construction, fuel system sealing, and pressurized fuselage joints in commercial aircraft, military aircraft, and helicopters.

Modern aerospace manufacturing increasingly relies on polysulfide sealants meeting stringent aerospace specifications, driving demand for thiokol formulations optimized for fuel resistance preventing leakage throughout aircraft service life, adhesion to aluminum alloys and composite materials, and flexibility accommodating thermal expansion and structural movement during flight operations. The segment benefits from long-term aerospace production programs including Airbus commercial aircraft manufacturing at European facilities, continuing military aircraft production and maintenance, and helicopter manufacturing supporting civil and defense applications.

The segment's increasing share reflects aerospace sector resilience and growing aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activity requiring sealant replacement, while construction and industrial applications grow at slightly slower rates throughout the forecast period.

• Critical aerospace applications requiring fuel-resistant sealants for safety compliance
• Long-term production programs supporting steady consumption through aircraft manufacturing cycles
• MRO activity providing consistent demand beyond new aircraft production

What are the Drivers, Restraints, and Key Trends of the EU Polysulfide Industry?

EU polysulfide sales are advancing moderately due to steady aerospace production maintaining sealant requirements, consistent construction activity driving waterproofing applications, and ongoing industrial processing needs. However, the industry faces challenges, including competition from polyurethane and silicone sealants offering easier application in construction industries, raw material sulfur price volatility affecting production costs, and aerospace production cyclicality creating demand fluctuations. Continued focus on aerospace certification maintenance and application development remains central to industry stability.

Expansion of Aircraft MRO and Retrofit Programs

The steadily growing aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul sector across European aviation industries is fundamentally supporting polysulfide demand beyond new aircraft production, creating consistent consumption through fuel tank resealing, component refurbishment, and aircraft life extension programs. Advanced MRO operations require aerospace-certified polysulfide sealants meeting original equipment specifications for fuel tank maintenance, supporting aging aircraft fleet operations, and enabling service life extensions through comprehensive resealing programs. These maintenance applications prove particularly important for polysulfide suppliers, as MRO activity provides more stable demand compared to cyclical new aircraft production, supports afterindustry business models, and creates technical service opportunities through approved applicator networks.

Integration of Low-VOC Construction Formulations

Modern polysulfide sealant producers systematically develop reformulated construction products featuring reduced volatile organic compound emissions, meeting evolving European environmental regulations while maintaining the performance characteristics supporting polysulfide specification in demanding applications. Strategic integration of low-VOC technologies enables manufacturers to maintain industry access in construction applications where environmental regulations increasingly restrict traditional solvent-based sealants, support green building certification programs including LEED and BREEAM, and address architect and contractor preferences for environmentally responsible materials. These environmental formulation improvements prove essential for maintaining construction industry share, as VOC regulations directly determine product acceptability and project specification eligibility.

Growing Emphasis on Aerospace Supply Chain Resilience

European aerospace manufacturers and tier suppliers increasingly prioritize supply chain resilience for critical materials including polysulfide sealants, driving demand for qualified European production capacity, strategic inventory programs, and dual-source arrangements ensuring material availability supporting production continuity. This supply chain emphasis enables aerospace companies to mitigate risks through geographically diversified sourcing, qualified backup suppliers maintaining aerospace approvals, and inventory strategies protecting against supply disruptions. Supply chain resilience proves particularly important for polysulfide given its critical role in fuel system safety, limited number of qualified suppliers, and extended qualification timelines preventing rapid supplier changes.

Demand Analysis of Polysulfide in EU by Key Countries

Country	CAGR %
Rest of Europe	3.4%
Spain	3.3%
Netherlands	3.3%
Germany	3.2%
Italy	3.2%
France	3.1%

EU polysulfide sales demonstrate modest but steady growth across major European economies, with the Rest of Europe leading expansion at 3.4% CAGR through 2035, driven by developing aerospace manufacturing and construction activity. Germany maintains leadership through Airbus production facilities and comprehensive construction infrastructure. France benefits from major aerospace manufacturing concentration and diverse construction industries. Italy leverages growing aerospace component production and ongoing construction activity. Spain shows solid growth supported by Airbus final assembly operations and expanding construction sector. The Netherlands emphasizes aerospace component manufacturing and infrastructure construction. Overall, sales show stable regional development reflecting consistent aerospace demand and steady construction activity.

Germany Leads European Sales with Aerospace and Construction Concentration

Revenue from polysulfide in Germany is projected to exhibit steady growth with a CAGR of 3.2% through 2035, driven by substantial aerospace manufacturing including Airbus production facilities and component suppliers, comprehensive construction industry, and strong industrial processing base throughout the country. Germany's position as a major European aerospace hub and its extensive construction activity are creating substantial demand for diverse polysulfide grades across aerospace and construction applications.

Major aerospace operations, including Airbus Hamburg facility producing commercial aircraft sections, along with construction projects requiring high-performance waterproofing and movement joint sealants, systematically consume polysulfide for fuel tank sealing, building envelope applications, and industrial processing equipment. German demand benefits from stringent aerospace quality standards ensuring continued polysulfide specification, substantial infrastructure investment supporting construction sealant consumption, and technical sophistication supporting proper material selection and application techniques.

• Aerospace manufacturing concentration driving aerospace-grade polysulfide consumption
• Construction infrastructure supporting waterproofing and movement joint applications
• Industrial processing base requiring chemical-resistant sealing solutions

France Demonstrates Solid Growth with Airbus Production Concentration

Revenue from polysulfide in France is expanding at a CAGR of 3.1%, substantially supported by major Airbus final assembly facilities in Toulouse and other locations, growing construction industry activity, and steady industrial applications. France's position as Airbus headquarters country and substantial aerospace manufacturing presence are systematically driving demand for aerospace-grade polysulfide sealants.

Major aerospace manufacturing operations, particularly Airbus commercial aircraft production facilities, along with construction projects and industrial processing facilities, are steadily maintaining polysulfide consumption serving continuously evolving requirements. French sales particularly benefit from Airbus production volume driving substantial aerospace sealant consumption, construction industry supporting building envelope sealing applications, and industrial chemical processing requiring polysulfide's chemical resistance properties.

• Airbus headquarters and major production facilities driving aerospace demand
• Commercial aircraft final assembly supporting substantial sealant consumption
• Construction industry activity maintaining steady building envelope applications

Italy Maintains Solid Growth with Aerospace Components and Construction

Revenue from polysulfide in Italy is growing at a CAGR of 3.2%, fundamentally driven by aerospace component manufacturing, ongoing construction activity including infrastructure projects, and steady industrial processing applications. Italy's growing aerospace supply chain participation and traditional construction sector are gradually increasing polysulfide requirements across multiple application segments.

Major aerospace component suppliers, construction contractors executing building and infrastructure projects, and industrial facilities strategically utilize polysulfide for component sealing, waterproofing applications, and equipment protection. Italian sales particularly benefit from expanding aerospace tier supplier network serving major European aircraft programs, construction activity including historic building restoration requiring proven sealing materials, and industrial processing supporting chemical resistance applications.

• Aerospace component manufacturing supporting tier supplier sealant consumption
• Construction activity including infrastructure and historic restoration projects
• Industrial processing requiring chemical-resistant sealing materials

Spain Focuses on Airbus Assembly and Construction Development

Demand for polysulfide in Spain is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.3%, substantially supported by Airbus final assembly operations in Seville, expanding construction sector, and growing industrial applications. Spanish aerospace manufacturing presence through Airbus and developing construction industries position polysulfide as important specialty material supporting industrial growth.

Major aerospace operations, particularly Airbus military aircraft assembly, along with expanding construction projects and industrial facilities systematically utilize polysulfide for aircraft sealing, building waterproofing, and specialty applications. Spain's aerospace manufacturing creates concentrated aerospace-grade demand, construction sector growth drives building sealant consumption, and industrial development supports specialty processing applications.

• Airbus military aircraft assembly driving aerospace-grade sealant demand
• Construction sector expansion supporting waterproofing and joint sealing
• Industrial development creating specialty processing applications

Netherlands Emphasizes Aerospace Components and Infrastructure

Demand for polysulfide in the Netherlands is expanding at a CAGR of 3.3%, fundamentally driven by aerospace component manufacturing, infrastructure construction projects, and industrial processing applications. Dutch aerospace supply chain participation and ongoing infrastructure investment position polysulfide as important sealing material supporting diverse applications.

Netherlands sales significantly benefit from aerospace component manufacturing supporting European aircraft programs, infrastructure projects requiring durable waterproofing systems, and industrial facilities demanding chemical-resistant sealing solutions. The country's aerospace component specialization creates consistent demand, while infrastructure investment drives construction sealant applications, and industrial concentration supports processing equipment sealing requirements.

• Aerospace component manufacturing supporting European supply chain
• Infrastructure construction driving waterproofing and joint sealing
• Industrial processing requiring chemical-resistant sealing materials

Europe Industry Split by Key Countries

EU polysulfide sales are projected to grow from USD 894.6 million in 2025 to USD 1190.6 million by 2035, registering a CAGR of 2.9% over the forecast period. The Rest of Europe region is expected to demonstrate the strongest growth trajectory with a 3.4% CAGR, supported by emerging aerospace activity, expanding construction industries, and growing industrial applications. Spain and the Netherlands follow with 3.3% CAGR each, attributed to aerospace manufacturing presence and construction industry development.

Germany, while maintaining the largest share at 24.1% in 2025, is expected to grow at a 3.2% CAGR, reflecting its position as Europe's aerospace and construction hub. France and Italy demonstrate 3.1% and 3.2% CAGR respectively, supported by Airbus production and diversified construction activity.

Competitive Landscape

EU polysulfide sales are defined by competition among specialized aerospace sealant manufacturers, integrated construction products companies, and specialty chemical suppliers. Companies are investing in aerospace certification maintenance, construction product development, technical service capabilities, and quality assurance programs to deliver high-performance, specification-compliant, and application-appropriate polysulfide solutions. Strategic relationships with aerospace OEMs, long-term supply agreements, and technical support programs are central to strengthening competitive position.

Major participants include Nouryon with an estimated 25.0% share, leveraging its Thioplast polysulfide brand recognized throughout aerospace and construction industries, comprehensive European production infrastructure, and strong technical relationships with major aerospace manufacturers. Nouryon benefits from established aerospace qualifications on major aircraft programs, diverse product portfolio spanning aerospace to construction grades, and the ability to provide technical support services helping customers optimize polysulfide application techniques and performance.

PPG Industries holds approximately 20.0% share, emphasizing its PRC-DeSoto aerospace sealant brand with extensive qualification heritage, European production presence including Hamburg operations, and comprehensive aerospace product portfolio. PPG's success in maintaining aerospace approvals on major commercial and military aircraft programs and providing integrated coating and sealing solutions creates strong positioning across aerospace applications, supported by technical service teams providing application support and quality assurance assistance.

Tremco CPG accounts for roughly 15.0% share through its position as a construction products specialist, emphasizing comprehensive building envelope sealing solutions, European distribution networks serving construction industries, and technical expertise in waterproofing and movement joint applications. The company benefits from focused construction industry concentration, extensive product portfolio addressing diverse building sealing requirements, and technical capabilities supporting proper sealant selection and installation techniques. Other companies and regional suppliers collectively hold 40.0% share, reflecting moderate fragmentation in European polysulfide sales.

Key Players

• Nouryon
• PPG Industries
• Tremco CPG
• Regional aerospace and construction sealant specialists

Scope of the Report

Item	Value
Quantitative Units	USD 1190.6 Million
Product Type (Chemistry)	Thiokols, Solid Polysulfide Elastomers
Application (End Use)	Aerospace & Transportation, Building & Construction, Industrial Processing, Protective Coatings, Specialty Chemicals & Others
Forecast Period	2025-2035
Base Year	2025
Historical Data	2020-2024
Countries Covered	Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and the Rest of Europe
Key Companies Profiled	Nouryon, PPG Industries, Tremco CPG, Regional specialists
Report Pages	180+ Pages
Data Tables	50+ Tables and Figures
Additional Attributes	Dollar sales by product type (chemistry) and application (end use); regional demand trends across major European industries; competitive landscape analysis with established aerospace sealant manufacturers and construction products companies; customer preferences for various polysulfide grades and viscosity specifications; integration with aerospace fuel tank manufacturing and building envelope systems; innovations in low-VOC formulations and improved application characteristics; adoption across commercial aviation, military aerospace, and construction sectors.

Key Segments

Product Type (Chemistry):

• Thiokols
• Solid Polysulfide Elastomers

Application (End Use):

• Aerospace & Transportation
• Building & Construction
• Industrial Processing
• Protective Coatings
• Specialty Chemicals & Others

Countries:

• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe