Nylon 66 Chips Market Size | Global Forecast To 2033

Nylon 66 Chips Market Overview

Global nylon 66 chips market size, valued at USD 5741.2 million in 2024, is expected to climb to USD 8409.57 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 1.6%.

The Nylon 66 Chips market is witnessing substantial expansion driven by increasing demand from automotive, textile, and electrical industries. In 2024, global production of nylon polymers, including Nylon 66, exceeded 6.5 million metric tons, with Nylon 66 accounting for nearly 2.3 million metric tons. Nylon 66 is composed of hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid, used widely due to its high melting point of 255°C and strength properties. Over 72% of fiber-grade Nylon 66 chips were utilized in tire cords and technical textiles, while 28% were processed into engineering plastics for industrial parts. The market is concentrated in Asia-Pacific, which accounted for over 52% of global Nylon 66 chip consumption in 2023. The fiber-grade variant dominated with 61% of total demand. Notably, automotive applications alone absorbed 820,000 metric tons of Nylon 66 chips, propelled by increased usage in under-the-hood parts, fuel lines, and connectors. As of 2023, more than 480 manufacturing units globally produced Nylon 66 chips, with over 180 located in China. Environmental regulation compliance led to over 1,200 kilotons of bio-based Nylon 66 production initiatives being announced between 2022 and 2024.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: High-performance engineering applications in automotive and electrical segments.

Top Country/Region: China leads with 33% of global Nylon 66 chip consumption in 2024.

Top Segment: Engineering-grade plastics dominate with over 58% share in industrial usage.

Nylon 66 Chips Market Trends

Global demand for Nylon 66 chips is rising as the material is increasingly used in precision parts across automotive, electronics, and textiles. In 2023, over 870,000 metric tons of Nylon 66 chips were used in vehicle parts, which included 320,000 metric tons in air intake manifolds and 180,000 metric tons in radiator end tanks. Another significant trend is the surge in bio-based alternatives. Between 2022 and 2024, over 14 pilot-scale projects producing bio-based hexamethylene diamine were launched, targeting 400,000 metric tons/year in combined output.

Moreover, electrical and electronic applications accounted for nearly 510,000 metric tons in 2023. This includes 290 million circuit board components and 140 million cable sheaths incorporating Nylon 66 chips. Growing demand from wearable tech led to a 13.6% year-on-year increase in fine-denier synthetic fiber production using Nylon 66. In the home appliance segment, more than 9 million washing machines and 12 million vacuum cleaners incorporated Nylon 66 components in 2024, accounting for approximately 3.5% of global chip consumption.

Another emerging trend is the shift toward sustainability. By 2023, over 680 kilotons of recycled Nylon 66 chips had been produced globally, up from 470 kilotons in 2021. This growth was driven by recycling mandates in Europe and North America. The use of Nylon 66 chips in 3D printing also surged, with more than 23,000 tons consumed in 2023 alone, a 26% rise from 2022.

Nylon 66 Chips Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand from high-performance engineering applications

The increasing use of Nylon 66 chips in high-performance engineering sectors such as automotive and electronics is a major market driver. Automotive lightweighting initiatives led to a 17% increase in demand for plastic alternatives to metal components between 2022 and 2024. In 2023, approximately 620,000 metric tons of Nylon 66 chips were used in the automotive sector alone, particularly in engine components, air ducts, and structural reinforcements. OEMs increasingly prefer Nylon 66 due to its tensile strength exceeding 82 MPa and heat resistance of over 250°C, which is superior to alternative engineering plastics.

RESTRAINT

Volatile raw material prices

Fluctuating prices of adipic acid and hexamethylene diamine significantly impact production costs of Nylon 66 chips. Between 2022 and 2023, the price of adipic acid spiked by 22%, driven by supply disruptions in North America and Europe. Hexamethylene diamine prices similarly increased by 18% in 2023, creating cost pressures across the value chain. Over 80% of Nylon 66 chip producers reported margin compression due to raw material volatility, limiting their expansion capabilities and affecting supply contracts.

OPPORTUNITY

Expanding usage in electrical and electronics

The electrical and electronics segment presents a lucrative opportunity for Nylon 66 chip manufacturers. In 2023, more than 510,000 metric tons of Nylon 66 were utilized in electrical applications such as switches, connectors, and insulators. The growing demand for e-mobility and smart devices, with over 2.1 billion smart gadgets sold in 2023, has amplified the need for lightweight, heat-resistant plastics. Nylon 66 chips are increasingly integrated into high-voltage insulation systems, circuit board carriers, and cable jackets due to their electrical resistivity of 1.5x10^13 ohm-cm.

CHALLENGE

Environmental and regulatory pressure

Environmental regulations are becoming a significant challenge for Nylon 66 chip manufacturers. Stringent carbon emission rules across the EU and the US have led to increased scrutiny over the use of fossil-derived polymers. In 2023, over 42% of European importers reported difficulty in sourcing Nylon 66 chips that complied with new REACH and RoHS updates. Furthermore, the carbon footprint of Nylon 66 chip production—approximately 6.4 kg CO2/kg—has prompted regulatory bodies to incentivize bio-based alternatives, pressuring traditional manufacturers to invest in greener technologies.

Nylon 66 Chips Market Segmentation

The Nylon 66 Chips market is segmented by type and application, offering insight into demand distribution. Engineering-grade plastics accounted for over 58% of the total volume, while fiber-grade accounted for 42%. By application, automotive held the largest share at 34%, followed by synthetic fibers at 29%, electrical at 23%, and home appliances at 14%.

By Type

Fiber Grade: Fiber-grade Nylon 66 chips are primarily used in industrial textiles, tire cords, and apparel. In 2023, more than 950,000 metric tons were consumed in the textile industry, of which 540,000 metric tons went into industrial yarn production and 180,000 into carpeting and furnishings. Fiber-grade Nylon 66 is valued for its melting point of 255°C, providing superior resistance in high-temperature weaving.
Engineering Grade Plastic: Engineering-grade Nylon 66 chips are utilized in structural components. In 2024, about 1.35 million metric tons were used for injection molding parts in sectors like automotive and consumer electronics. Approximately 420,000 metric tons were molded into components for machine housings, brackets, and fasteners, with parts having tensile strengths up to 85 MPa and density around 1.14 g/cm³.

By Application

Synthetic Fiber: Synthetic fiber applications consumed over 960,000 metric tons in 2023, with industrial belts and tire reinforcements accounting for 62% of this demand. Nylon 66 chips are increasingly used in airbags, with 97 million airbags produced globally in 2023, 70% of which used Nylon 66.
Automotive: The automotive sector consumed 820,000 metric tons in 2023, integrating Nylon 66 into engine covers, radiator end tanks, and fuel system components. With over 78 million cars manufactured globally, 1 in every 2 vehicles contained at least 3 kg of Nylon 66 components.
Electronic Electrical: Approximately 510,000 metric tons of Nylon 66 chips went into electronic components in 2023. Of this, 190,000 metric tons were used in electric switches, while circuit breaker components accounted for another 140,000 metric tons.
Home Appliance: The home appliance sector utilized over 350,000 metric tons in 2024. Over 8.4 million vacuum cleaners and 7.6 million coffee machines used Nylon 66-based parts, favoring its mechanical rigidity and resistance to household chemicals.

Nylon 66 Chips Market Regional Outlook

The Nylon 66 Chips market displayed strong regional dynamics in 2024, with Asia-Pacific leading in consumption, followed by North America and Europe. Key consumption hubs include industrial clusters in China, the US, and Germany.

North America

over 620,000 metric tons of Nylon 66 chips were used in 2023, particularly in automotive and industrial components. The United States accounted for 78% of the region’s consumption. Over 21 major automotive OEMs in the U.S. incorporated Nylon 66 chips into under-the-hood components.

Europe

followed with approximately 540,000 metric tons consumed in 2024. Germany alone accounted for 220,000 metric tons, especially in high-performance electrical applications. Compliance with EU green standards boosted demand for recyclable Nylon 66, with over 160 kilotons being recycled across 12 facilities.

Asia-Pacific

led the market with over 1.25 million metric tons consumed. China accounted for 730,000 metric tons in 2024, largely used in automotive and fiber applications. Japan and South Korea collectively consumed 270,000 metric tons, driven by electronics exports.

Middle East & Africa

around 210,000 metric tons of Nylon 66 chips were consumed in 2023. The GCC region led with 78,000 metric tons, used in industrial piping and textiles. Africa’s emerging demand contributed 42,000 metric tons, largely in household goods and insulation applications.

List of Top Nylon 66 Chips Market Companies

China ShenMa Group
Ascend Performance Materials
BASF
INVISTA
DuPont
RadiciGroup
Asahi Kasei
Huafon Group
TORAY INDUSTRIES
Liaoning Anshan Guorui Chemical
Jiangsu Huayang Nylon

Top Companies with Highest Share

China ShenMa Group: Accounted for 15.2% of global output in 2023, producing over 380,000 metric tons across 7 major facilities.

Ascend Performance Materials: Contributed 12.9% of global production, supplying over 325,000 metric tons annually to 37 countries.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the Nylon 66 Chips market are growing, with more than $3.2 billion USD equivalent injected into production expansion and sustainability projects between 2022 and 2024. In China, 9 new production lines were added by end-2023, increasing domestic capacity by 410,000 metric tons. Meanwhile, India launched two new industrial parks capable of producing 75,000 metric tons annually, targeting automotive OEMs and exporters.

A significant opportunity exists in the bio-based segment. Global production of bio-based Nylon 66 chips rose from 180 kilotons in 2022 to over 310 kilotons in 2024. Over 12 multinational companies pledged to transition 25% of their Nylon 66 sourcing to sustainable variants by 2026.

In the United States, over 120 start-ups are entering the high-performance plastics domain, with 28 of them focusing exclusively on Nylon 66-based composites. Over 6 million USD was invested in AI-driven compounding processes for Nylon 66 by Q3 2024, enabling customized formulation for niche use cases.

OEM partnerships with chip manufacturers are also on the rise. Over 31 collaboration agreements were signed in 2023 between automotive firms and Nylon 66 chip suppliers, targeting lighter components and reduced CO₂ output. R&D investment in flame-retardant Nylon 66 also grew, with 14 active patents filed globally in 2023.

New Product Development

The Nylon 66 Chips market has witnessed several new product innovations that enhance performance, environmental sustainability, and applicability in complex engineering scenarios. Between 2023 and 2024, more than 65 new grades of Nylon 66 chips were introduced globally, with 29 of them designed specifically for electric vehicle applications. These grades demonstrated enhanced thermal stability of up to 270°C and tensile strengths of over 90 MPa, suitable for battery housing and thermal shields.

In 2024, DuPont launched a high-flow Nylon 66 compound with a melt flow index of 30 g/10min, enabling faster molding cycles by 18% and reducing energy consumption per part by 11.2%. BASF developed a Nylon 66 chip variant with carbon fiber reinforcement that offers 48% higher impact resistance and is being trialed in aircraft components.

Bio-based Nylon 66 product lines expanded significantly. By mid-2024, Asahi Kasei introduced a new range derived from bio-adipic acid, capable of reducing lifecycle emissions by 52% compared to conventional products. Over 140,000 metric tons of bio-based Nylon 66 chips were shipped in the first half of 2024, used predominantly in eco-textiles and green mobility parts.

Functionalized Nylon 66 chips designed for conductive applications are also under development. In 2023, RadiciGroup introduced an electro-conductive Nylon 66 with a surface resistivity of 10^4 ohm/sq, which is now used in over 7 million ESD-sensitive enclosures worldwide. Additionally, 3D-printable Nylon 66 variants were developed with consistent extrusion rates at 245°C and tensile elongation of over 40%, expanding applications in aerospace prototyping and automotive design.

Smart polymers with embedded phase-change materials were tested by 5 manufacturers, improving thermal regulation in automotive interiors. These chips, capable of maintaining temperatures within ±2°C of the setpoint, were trialed in over 10,000 luxury vehicles across Asia and Europe.

Five Recent Developments

INVISTA: launched a pilot plant in Singapore in April 2024 with a capacity of 65,000 metric tons/year focused on bio-based Nylon 66 variants.
Ascend Performance Materials: introduced Vydyne™ AVS, a vibration-dampening Nylon 66 compound, used in over 4.6 million EV engine mounts by Q2 2024.
TORAY INDUSTRIES: began mass production of recycled Nylon 66 chips using depolymerization in late 2023, achieving a recycling yield of 82%.
China ShenMa: Group completed an expansion project adding 110,000 metric tons/year to their Ningxia facility in March 2024.
Huafon: Group collaborated with Tsinghua University on a smart Nylon 66 composite for thermal control garments tested on 8,000 field engineers in 2023.

Report Coverage of Nylon 66 Chips Market

This comprehensive market report on Nylon 66 Chips provides detailed analysis of demand dynamics, production metrics, application trends, regional developments, and investment prospects. The study captures data from over 40 countries and includes production volumes from more than 200 verified facilities worldwide. In 2024, the report estimates global production capacity of Nylon 66 chips at over 2.7 million metric tons, with Asia-Pacific contributing 54% of the volume.

The report covers both fiber-grade and engineering-grade variants, tracking their use across key sectors such as automotive (34% usage), textiles (29%), electronics (23%), and consumer goods (14%). It includes technical specifications like tensile strength, melting points, and flow characteristics for all major grades.

A comprehensive breakdown by region is presented, highlighting that North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific collectively accounted for 92% of total global demand in 2023. Country-wise trends are documented, such as China's 730,000 metric ton consumption, Germany’s 220,000 metric ton use, and the USA’s 480,000 metric ton integration across value chains.

Furthermore, the report provides segmental data from 2022 to 2024, with projections for emerging applications like 3D printing, bio-based chips, and smart materials. Over 110 innovation projects and R&D initiatives are tracked, with over 60% focused on eco-friendly and lightweight alternatives.

The report also maps over 75 new investments made globally, alongside 45 expansion projects and 20 cross-border collaborations between OEMs and chip manufacturers. With over 280 tables and 160 graphs, this report offers a visual, data-rich presentation for strategic planning, procurement, and technical sourcing teams.