South Korea Polyols Market

South Korea Polyols Market Overview:

The South Korea polyols market size reached USD 560.5 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 804.5 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.68% during 2025-2033. The market is expanding due to rising demand for low-calorie sweeteners and sugar substitutes in food and beverage products. Additionally, increasing polyurethane foam use in automotive and construction supports South Korea polyols market share across industrial and consumer goods applications.

South Korea Polyols Market Trends:

Expanding Use in Food Applications

The South Korea polyols market growth is steadily advancing, primarily driven by the rising use of polyols in food and beverage applications. The increasing preference for low-calorie and sugar-free products among health-conscious consumers has led to greater incorporation of sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, xylitol, and erythritol. These ingredients are commonly used in confectionery, baked goods, and functional beverages to replace traditional sugars without compromising taste or texture. Domestic food manufacturers are actively developing and promoting products that align with dietary trends, including diabetic-friendly and weight management options. Regulatory emphasis on reducing sugar intake has further encouraged food companies to reformulate existing product lines using polyols. During the past year, several consumer goods companies in South Korea have launched snack items highlighting sugar-free formulations made with polyols. One such development includes the introduction of a new category of baked snacks in early 2025 by a local manufacturer, specifically positioned for calorie-conscious consumers. These trends underscore the continued shift in consumer preferences and industry adaptation to healthier alternatives.

Increased Consumption in Polyurethane Sector

Demand for polyols in South Korea’s industrial sector, particularly in polyurethane production, has shown consistent growth. Both polyether and polyester polyols are integral to the manufacture of flexible and rigid foams used in construction, automotive, and home appliances. As energy efficiency standards become more stringent, demand for polyurethane insulation materials has increased across commercial and residential projects. Additionally, automotive manufacturers are incorporating more lightweight materials to improve fuel efficiency, further contributing to the consumption of polyols. The appliance industry, especially refrigeration and air conditioning, also continues to be a stable outlet for polyurethane foam applications. In a recent development, a major South Korean chemical producer expanded its polyol production capacity at its Ulsan facility, with the upgraded line going into operation in the second quarter of 2025. This expansion is expected to enhance supply reliability and support downstream industries with consistent input materials. The continued investment in polyurethane and related sectors indicates a stable long-term demand for polyols in industrial manufacturing across the country.

South Korea Polyols Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional level for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type, application, and industry.

Type Insights:

• Polyether Polyols
• Polyester Polyols

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes polyether polyols and polyester polyols.

Application Insights:

• Flexible Polyurethane Foams
• Rigid Polyurethane Foams
• CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants & Elastomers)
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application. This includes flexible polyurethane foams, rigid polyurethane foams, CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants & elastomers), and others.

Industry Insights:

• Carpet Backing
• Packaging
• Furniture
• Automotive
• Building & Construction
• Electronics
• Footwear
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the industry. This includes carpet backing, packaging, furniture, automotive, building & construction, electronics, footwear, and others.

Regional Insights:

• Seoul Capital Area
• Yeongnam (Southeastern Region)
• Honam (Southwestern Region)
• Hoseo (Central Region)
• Others

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Seoul Capital Area, Yeongnam (Southeastern Region), Honam (Southwestern Region), Hoseo (Central Region), and others.

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

South Korea Polyols Market News:

• August 2024: GS Caltex initiated a CCU project in Yeosu, South Korea, developing polyol using captured carbon dioxide. The newly patented polyol offered 30% higher shore hardness, enhancing performance in automotive and appliance applications, and marked a sustainable advancement in the South Korea polyols market.

South Korea Polyols Market Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the South Korea polyols market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea polyols market on the basis of type?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea polyols market on the basis of application?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea polyols market on the basis of industry?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea polyols market on the basis of region?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the South Korea polyols market? 
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the South Korea polyols market?
• What is the structure of the South Korea polyols market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the South Korea polyols market? 

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the South Korea polyols market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the South Korea polyols market.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the South Korea polyols industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive type and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.