Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) Composites Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Integrating digital twins and automation: These particular technologies are being readily integrated into composite manufacturing, which, in turn, is uplifting the GFRP composites market globally. According to an article published by NLM in March 2023, 85% of Internet of Things (IoT)-based devices utilize digital twins to safeguard information security. Therefore, digital twin-specific smart city construction has emerged as one of the research hotspots. Besides, as per the September 2025 ITA article, with over USD 165 billion investment as of 2024, along with the latest U.S.-India tactical technological partnerships, there is a growing demand for exports in industrial automation, which is also driving the market’s growth and expansion across different countries.
• Expansion in renewable energy: The aspect of wind energy projects requiring GFRP for turbine blades and structural supports is gradually proliferating the GFRP composites market globally. As per a data report published by the IEA Organization in 2025, the international renewable source capacity is predicted to double by the end of 2030, thereby increasing by 4,600 GW. Based on this expansion, solar photovoltaic (PV) caters to nearly 80% of the increase, which is followed by geothermal, bioenergy, hydropower, and wind. Besides, in over 80% of countries, the renewable power capacity is expected to grow rapidly between 2025 and 2030. Therefore, with this continuous surge in the renewable source capacity, the glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites market is poised to witness increasing growth and demand.
• Focus on advanced molding techniques: The presence of techniques, such as filament winding, pultrusion, and RTM, is gradually optimizing throughput and diminishing expenses, which in turn, is fueling the GFRP composites market. As stated in an article published by NLM in May 2022, the automotive industry in Germany consumes 19 kt of natural fiber composites every year, along with 64% flax, 11% jute or kenaf, 10% hemp, and 7% sisal. Meanwhile, different textile processes are readily compatible with natural fibers, but remaining textiles require adaptations to manage the material characteristics of natural fiber products. Therefore, with the presence of innovative molding technologies, there is a huge growth opportunity for the glass fiber reinforced plastic composites market to gain importance globally.

Challenges

• Increased production expenses and capital intensity: This is one of the most significant challenges for the GFRP composites market, which is associated with advanced manufacturing processes. Techniques such as resin transfer molding (RTM), pultrusion, and filament winding require specialized equipment, skilled labor, and strict quality control. The raw materials, particularly high-performance resins and specialty glass fibers, are expensive compared to traditional construction materials like steel or aluminum. This cost disparity often limits adoption in price-sensitive markets such as developing economies, where upfront capital expenditure is prioritized over lifecycle savings. Additionally, scaling production to meet large infrastructure or automotive demands requires substantial investment in plant capacity, automation, and testing facilities.
• Recycling and end-of-life disposal issues: While the GFRP composites market provides durability and corrosion resistance, their end-of-life disposal and recycling present a major challenge. Unlike metals, which can be easily melted and reused, GFRP materials are thermoset-based and difficult to recycle due to cross-linked polymer structures. Current recycling methods, such as mechanical grinding or thermal processes, are energy-intensive, costly, and often degrade material properties, limiting reuse in high-performance applications. This creates environmental concerns, particularly in Europe and North America, where stringent regulations on waste management and circular economy principles are enforced, thereby causing a hindrance in the market’s growth.