Electroplating Market

Key Factors Shaping Electroplating Market

High Fragmentation Results in Low Threat from New Market Entrants in Electroplating

Plating, in the automotive industry, for rust protection and brightening of metal & non-metal components is quite common. Growth in the automotive industry drives the demand for zinc and zinc-nickel alloy plating, for corrosion protection, and to improve aesthetics of OEM & Automotive Aftermarket parts. The demand for gold-plated exterior parts is fueled by the luxury car segment for aesthetic appeal, as well as corrosion and wear resistance. Electroplating is also being used to improve electrical conductivity of electronic parts and components. High demand for chrome-plated exterior automotive parts, such as tire rims, bumpers, grills, etc., is expected to continue over the forecast period.

North America and Europe re projected to hold strong prominence in the global electroplating market. Major automotive manufacturing hubs are prominent in countries such as Germany and the U.S.; however, Asia Pacific is anticipated to show extensive growth in the coming years. High production activities from  consumer electronics and automotive industries (particularly electric and hybrid vehicles), in countries such as Japan, China, India, and ASEAN countries have projected healthier demand rate for electroplating.

Growing Application in Electrical & Electronics Industry and Other End Users

Electrical & electronics industry is considerably reliant on electroplating service providers as it helps increase product lifespan and makes it more resilient. The electrical & electronics industry uses precious as well as non-precious plated components for various end-use applications to improve characteristics such as corrosion resistance, wear resistance, solder-ability, and electrical conductivity of the product.

Electroplating is a cost-effective process to perform, resulting in a lot of players entering the market over recent years. Large number of fresh electroplating participants have emerged in regions of East Asia and South Asia, owing to the increase in demand from various small-scale end users across the globe as multiple service providers offer services globally.

End users, which are heavily reliant on the electroplating process have developed in-house electroplating coating facilities and are self-sufficient.

Key Challenge in Electroplating Market

Substandard Waste Management Techniques

With advantages of electroplating, comes the adverse aftermath of high pollution caused by the process. The electroplating industry constantly engages with hazardous materials, which are harmful to humans as well as the environment. However, service providers have embraced the implementation of green chemicals, cleaner & greener technology, waste management, and recycling techniques as probable solutions, which are expected to propel the growth of the electroplating market.

The process of electroplating results in production of sludge, which contains high quantity of metals that should be classified as hazardous waste or should be subjected to metal recovery procedures. Sludge should be reused to ensure that toxics are not released in the environment and process baths should be recycled post concentration and filtration. Thus, waste management is the most challenging aspect of the electroplating industry, making electroplating industry growth uncertain.

Electroplating Market: Structure Analysis

• The global electroplating market is a highly fragmented market owing to the presence of large number of players in the global market.
• Service providers operating in the electroplating market are focusing on business expansion through mergers, collaborations, partnership, and joint ventures. Key market players focus on strategies such as offering customized services and enlargement of distribution channels, which will help drive market growth.
• Major players in the electroplating market include, Interplex Holdings Pte. Ltd., Kuntz Electroplating Inc., Pioneer Metal Finishing Inc., Atotech Deutschland Gmbh, Sharretts Plating Co. Inc. and Allied Finishing, Inc. among others

FAQ About the Market

Will the electroplating market head towards consolidation?

Definitely not, the electroplating market is projected to remain highly fragmented across the forecast period and beyond. Threat of new entrants is very low as tier I service providers hold nearly 5% of the global market share. Service providers are focusing on establishing brand presence in the global market, and aiming to get long-term contracts from end users.

Which end-use industry holds potential growth opportunities for electroplating market participants?

While automotive industry continues to influence growth strategies, end users tend to have in-built facilities and are self-sufficient in electroplating and protective coating department. Moreover, end users and service providers have shifted focus towards green chemicals, recycling methods, and waste management to stand out from the competition abiding by new norms against toxins and hazardous waste regulations.

What is the degree of competition in the electroplating market?

The market portrays highly competitive nature with large number of regional and local market players. In the current scenario, prominent industry participants include, Interplex Holdings Pte. Ltd., Kuntz Electroplating Inc., Pioneer Metal Finishing Inc., Atotech Deutschland GmbH, Sharretts Plating Co. Inc. and Allied Finishing, Inc.

Which region will lead the global sales for the electroplating market?

APEJ (Asia Pacific Excluding Japan) is anticipated to lead the electroplating market with emergence of China as a prominent consumer, owing to high presence of growing automotive, consumer goods, and electrical & electronics industries.