Report ID: PMRREP34555
Report Type: Ongoing
Format: PPT*, PDF, EXCEL
Industry: Chemicals and Materials
The global expired aviation chemicals market is set to grow at approximately 4.1% CAGR between 2024 and 2031, reaching an estimated size of US$165.1 Mn by the end of forecast year.
Attributes |
Key Insights |
Expired Aviation Chemicals Market Size (2024E) |
US$124.8 Mn |
Projected Market Value (2031F) |
US$165.1 Mn |
Forecast Growth Rate (CAGR 2024 to 2031) |
4.1% |
Historical Growth Rate (CAGR 2018 to 2023) |
5.4% |
The global aviation industry is thriving on the back of all the favorable factors, including rapidly increasing urbanization, notable expansion of airports and aircraft fleets, and rising per capita income worldwide.
The industry utilizes a variety of chemicals, including paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, lubricants, de-icing fluids for aircraft and runways, and cleaning chemicals, during manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities.
Many of these chemicals have a short shelf-life and require specific storage conditions. If not stored properly or used within their shelf-life, they can expire and lose their intended properties, leading to substantial volumes of chemical wastage in addition to significant operational inefficiency.
While some of these chemicals are hazardous, others can be recycled or repurposed for different applications. The market for expired aviation chemicals is expected to grow as technologies for recycling these chemicals continuously witness advancements.
Governments and international bodies are tightening emission standards for aviation, urging airlines to embrace greener practices, including maintenance.
Expired aviation chemicals are crucial for maintenance, prompting manufacturers to develop eco-friendly formulations that help them meet the regulatory compliance.
Stakeholders recognize the sustainability imperative, with consumers favoring airlines committed to green initiatives. This demand, coupled with investor pressure, drives airlines to prioritize sustainability across their supply chains, including chemical sourcing.
Technological advancements further fuel demand for eco-friendly aviation chemicals, offering cost savings and operational efficiency alongside environmental benefits. This will be a major highlight of the global expired aviation chemicals market in the years to come.
During the historical period from 2018 to 2023, the market for expired aviation chemicals grew at a significant CAGR of 5.4%. This growth was influenced by disruptions in both the manufacturing and aviation industries during and post-COVID-19 pandemic.
Pandemic-driven disruptions in industry led to reduced demand for aviation chemicals at major airports and MRO service stations. This eventually translated into the expiration of all unused chemicals.
However, starting in 2021, the global aviation fleet, and the manufacturing sector experienced a rapid rebound, fueling the demand for aviation chemicals and thereby reducing waste.
Persistence Market Research expects the expired aviation chemicals market to grow at a moderate CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031. The lack of awareness about sustainable practices, excessive purchasing of aviation chemicals, and geopolitical scenarios will be the major impact factors ahead.
The Rise of Alternative Sustainable Chemicals
In the aviation industry, particularly within the aviation chemicals sector, there is a strong focus on research and development to introduce advanced, and more effective solutions for maintenance, repair, cleaning, and painting activities.
As new chemicals are brought to market, older alternatives are being replaced with more efficient options. Additionally, changing regulations regarding the use of hazardous chemicals in the aviation sector are prompting the replacement of harmful substances with eco-friendlier, and safer alternatives.
Chemicals purchased earlier that are not used before their shelf-life expires clearly indicates a significant waste of resources, time, and money. However, certain companies view this scenario as an opportunity to recycle, recover, or reuse these expired chemicals, contributing to the global sustainability drive.
Stringent Regulatory Guidelines Surrounding Disposal of Expired Chemicals
The aviation industry, regulated by bodies such as the FAA, and EASA, prioritizes safety, and environmental protection in the management of expired chemicals.
Such regulations primarily aim to mitigate the potential risks associated with essential substances used in aircraft maintenance, most commonly including hydraulic fluids, and lubricants.
Compliance requires robust inventory systems, strict storage and disposal protocols, and thorough staff training to prevent penalties, legal issues, and reputational damage.
Investments in effective chemical management highlight the industry's commitment to safety, and environmental responsibility. This ensures rigorous adherence to regulatory standards.
Mounting Air Travel
The ongoing growth of air travel presents significant opportunities for the global market. As airlines expand their fleets to meet rising demand, the need for aviation chemicals for maintenance also increases.
With higher flight volumes, frequent maintenance checks have become paramount, driving the demand for these chemicals up. As this process ensures aircraft safety and reliability, the market is likely to witness a constant stream of opportunity.
This surge in air travel is particularly noticeable in emerging and developing markets, where rising incomes, and a growing middle class are developing greater interest in air tourism.
As airlines extend their reach to these regions, the demand for aircraft maintenance services, and associated chemicals also rises to a large extent.
However, with the increasing demand for aviation chemicals, the wastage due to the expiration of these chemicals will also grow. This chain effect is expected to bolster the market for expired aviation chemicals in the coming decade.
Reluctance to Embrace Sustainability
Despite regulations and guidelines for the treatment of expired chemicals, most chemicals in the aviation industry remain untreated to be discarded as is. The lack of sufficient recycling and recovery facilities near airports, and MRO facilities is a massive challenge.
This has been leading to waste of money and materials, in addition to significantly harming the environment. The lack of infrastructure, and notable reluctance of several companies to adopt sustainable practices are taking a toll on the market for expired aviation chemicals.
Development of recovery and recycling facilities near airports, and MRO facilities could reduce material wastage, potentially driving growth in the market for expired chemicals in aviation industry.
Product Category |
Projected CAGR through 2031 |
Paints and Coatings |
4.2% |
Lubricants |
3.6% |
Paints and Coatings Spearhead with Nearly 50% Market Share
Among product types, the paints and coatings segment is anticipated to dominate the expired chemicals market, accounting for about half of the market share.
The demand for paints and coatings in the aviation industry is substantial, as coating is a frequent requirement for international flights. It is estimated that only 50% of the paint sprayed on an aircraft adheres to the surface, necessitating a higher purchase volume.
Additionally, since different aircraft require specific types of paint, leftover paint often cannot be used for other aircraft, eventually leading to expiration. The market for expired aviation paints is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031.
Sector Type |
Projected CAGR through 2031 |
General Aviation |
4.0% |
Commercial Airlines |
4.5% |
General Aviation Sector to be at the Forefront
In the global aviation industry, the general aviation category encompasses the take-off and landing of civil aircraft. With a global civil aircraft fleet exceeding 28,000, numerous chemicals are required for operations.
De-icing fluids are especially employed more extensively in colder regions to clean runways, and airplanes after landing. Additionally, cleaning chemicals, lubricants, adhesives, and sealants are essential during repair and maintenance.
However, due to varying aircraft frequencies and the short shelf-life of these chemicals, many of these chemicals tend to expire before they can be used. The expired aviation chemicals market is thus expected to witness the rise of the general aviation sector at a CAGR of 4.0% by 2031.
Region |
CAGR through 2031 |
North America |
3.1% |
South Asia and Oceania |
6.5% |
North America Tops as the US Houses the World’s Largest Aircraft Market
The US aircraft manufacturing sector is the world's largest in terms of value, with exports exceeding US$100 Bn in 2022. Consequently, the demand for aviation paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, and lubricants is highest in the country, and the region.
North America has a fleet of over 7,500 aircraft, expected to surpass 10,000 by 2040, driving significant demand for aviation chemicals like cleaning chemicals, and de-icing fluids.
However, stringent regulations and guidelines from the US EPA prohibit the use of chemicals past their expiration dates, necessitating safe treatment for recovery, recycling, or disposal. The expired aviation chemicals market of North America is thus substantial, accounting for more than 40% of the global market.
South Asia Gears up for a Solid CAGR
The countries in South Asia, Oceania, and Latin America, including India, Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil, are expected to compete at an average CAGR of 6.5% between 2024 and 2031.
Asia Pacific is expected to have 9,400 new deliveries of aircraft in between 2021 and 2040. Of the total new deliveries in this period, 6,770 are small aircrafts, 1,730 medium aircrafts and rest is large.
The demand for chemicals from general aviation, and MRO service providers will thus be huge in the upcoming years. As the region is also adopting sustainability-centered regulations, the expired aviation chemicals market in Asia Pacific will continue to flourish.
The global aviation chemicals market is in an emerging phase, with numerous companies partnering with airports and MRO service providers to manage their expired chemicals.
Advances in technologies for the recovery, recycling, and reuse of these chemicals are expected to drive market growth in the coming years. Stringent regulations governing the use of chemicals in the aviation sector are also benefiting the market.
The competition is thus likely to intensify in regions such as North America, and Europe, where regulatory adherence is assured.
May 2024
The US Senate approved the FAA reauthorization act. In this act, the legislation sets national priorities to strengthen aviation safety standards, grow air traffic controller and safety inspector workforce, implement safety technology on runways and in cockpits.
The change in US regulations can lead to major activities in advanced technology and innovation which can cause maintenance practices and change in chemical usage patterns. As the US is the leading country in the market, the change in its regulations will impact most of the market.
Attribute |
Details |
Forecast Period |
2024 to 2031 |
Historical Data Available for |
2018 to 2023 |
Market Analysis |
US$ Million for Value Tons for Volume |
Key Regions Covered |
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Key Countries Covered |
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Key Market Segments Covered |
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Key Companies Profiled |
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Report Coverage |
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Customization & Pricing |
Available upon request |
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The market for expired expired aviation chemicals is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% during the projected period.
The expired aviation chemicals market size is estimated at US$124.8 Mn as of 2024.
The US holds the largest market value share as of 2024.
The prominent players in the market are Chem Klean Corporation, Clean Harbors Inc., Republic Service Ltd., and Waste Management Inc.
The commercial airlines segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period.