Advent of innovative disruptions in electroplating technologies, such as nanotechnology and dry plating methods, has meant that the efforts of industry players on ebbing their environmental footprint and improving waste management are being materialized.

Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) will remain the highest contributor to shares of the electroplating market in 2019. Opportunities remain promising for service providers in countries such as China, India, and ASEAN, in line with remarkable growth in the electronics and automotive industries. However, demand will grow relatively stronger in India, with rising production facilities of various industrial sectors in the country.

Cost reduction and service improvement are key priorities of providers in the electroplating market, apart from the recent rise in emphasis on sustainability and waste management. The blend of fragmented and unorganized nature of the electroplating landscape is directing efforts of key players on authentic, quality offerings at competitive prices, abreast evolving demands from end-users.

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KEY FACTORS SHAPING ELECTROPLATING MARKET

High Fragmentation Results in Low Threat from New Market Entrants in Electroplating

Plating, in the automotive industry, for rust protection and brightening of metal & non-metal components is quite common. Growth in the automotive industry drives the demand for zinc and zinc-nickel alloy plating, for corrosion protection, and to improve aesthetics of OEM & Automotive Aftermarket parts.

The demand for gold-plated exterior parts is fueled by the luxury car segment for aesthetic appeal, as well as corrosion and wear resistance. Electroplating is also being used to improve electrical conductivity of electronic parts and components. High demand for chrome-plated exterior automotive parts, such as tire rims, bumpers, grills, etc., is expected to continue over the forecast period.

North America and Europe re projected to hold strong prominence in the global electroplating market. Major automotive manufacturing hubs are prominent in countries such as Germany and the U.S.; however, Asia Pacific is anticipated to show extensive growth in the coming years. High production activities from consumer electronics and automotive industries (particularly electric and hybrid vehicles), in countries such as Japan, China, India, and ASEAN countries have projected healthier demand rate for electroplating.

Growing Application in Electrical & Electronics Industry and Other End Users

Electrical & electronics industry is considerably reliant on electroplating service providers as it helps increase product lifespan and makes it more resilient. The electrical & electronics industry uses precious as well as non-precious plated components for various end-use applications to improve characteristics such as corrosion resistance, wear resistance, solder-ability, and electrical conductivity of the product.

Electroplating is a cost-effective process to perform, resulting in a lot of players entering the market over recent years. Large number of fresh electroplating participants have emerged in regions of East Asia and South Asia, owing to the increase in demand from various small-scale end users across the globe as multiple service providers offer services globally.

End users, which are heavily reliant on the electroplating process have developed in-house electroplating coating facilities and are self-sufficient.

KEY CHALLENGE IN ELECTROPLATING MARKET

Substandard Waste Management Techniques

With advantages of electroplating, comes the adverse aftermath of high pollution caused by the process. The electroplating industry constantly engages with hazardous materials, which are harmful to humans as well as the environment. However, service providers have embraced the implementation of green chemicals, cleaner & greener technology, waste management, and recycling techniques as probable solutions, which are expected to propel the growth of the electroplating market.

The process of electroplating results in production of sludge, which contains high quantity of metals that should be classified as hazardous waste or should be subjected to metal recovery procedures. Sludge should be reused to ensure that toxics are not released in the environment and process baths should be recycled post concentration and filtration. Thus, waste management is the most challenging aspect of the electroplating industry, making electroplating industry growth uncertain.