Fast growing composites industry is shaping India’s future | India News

The Indian composites materials market was estimated at USD 1.8 billion in 2024 and is likely to grow at a healthy CAGR of 7.8 per cent over the next six years, reaching USD 2.8 billion in 2030.
Composites materials are revolutionising various industries in India, driving innovation, and contributing to the country’s economic growth. These advanced materials, composed of two or more constituents with distinct physical and chemical properties, offer exceptional strength, lightweight characteristics, durability, and resistance to environmental factors.
The renewable energy sector benefits significantly from composites, especially in wind and solar energy. Lightweight, durable wind turbine blades and solar panel structures made from composites are key to India’s shift to sustainable energy. In 2024, India’s installed wind energy capacity was approximately 48 GW, the fourth largest globally. India’s installed wind energy capacity is expected to reach 140 GW by 2030, driving substantial growth in the composites industry, as turbines are about 30 per cent composite by weight. Another emerging application is in lightweight high-pressure vessels, enabling efficient hydrogen storage without excess weight.
In the aerospace and defence sectors, composites are essential for manufacturing lighter, fuel-efficient aircraft, drones, and military vehicles. These materials enhance performance and reduce operational costs, supporting India’s goal of achieving self-reliance in defence production. Composites are extensively used in the HAL Tejas aircraft, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). Additionally, ISRO relies heavily on composites for satellite structures and launch vehicles, enabling more efficient space missions and bolstering India’s global position in space technology.
Composites materials are most widely used in the building and construction industry, accounting for 30 per cent of total usage. They are found in a range of products, including roofing, facades, light poles, decorative items, portable toilets, doors, swimming pools, railings, and furniture. As India’s economy grows, all of these applications, and the use of composites is expected to grow substantially.
In infrastructure, composites are used in bridges, pipelines, and construction projects, offering corrosion resistance and reduced maintenance costs, essential for smart city initiatives.
Composites are integral to the development of lighter and more fuel-efficient vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs) and high-speed trains, helping reduce carbon emissions.
In the automotive sector, composites are used for manufacturing the body parts of buses, EVs, and rickshaws. Additionally, they are increasingly being utilised for high-voltage battery casings due to their superior electrical insulation properties.
In railways, composites are used in various components, including luggage racks, window blinds, toilet cabins, passenger seat shells, and tables, making train coaches both lightweight and durable. Government initiatives such as the National Rail Plan (NRP) 2030, Make in India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat aim to modernise India’s railway system by promoting the adoption of innovative materials like composites in train manufacturing.
Currently, India is entirely reliant on imports for carbon fibre. The FRP Institute, India’s premier composites association, organises the International Conference and Exhibition for Reinforced Plastics (ICERP) biennially. ICERP is the largest show for composites in India and second largest in Asia. The 11th edition of this event, scheduled for next week in Mumbai, will showcase the latest advancements in the Indian composites industry.