Global Overview of Blowing Agents in the Polyurethane Foam Market 2026

IAL Consultants is pleased to announce the recent publication of its report on Blowing Agents in the Global Polyurethane Foam Market. 

This second edition provides a detailed analysis of the global and regional blowing agent market for polyurethane foams, covering both rigid and flexible foam applications across key industries such as construction, automotive, furniture and appliances. It examines blowing agent chemistries including HFCs, HCFCs, hydrocarbons, HFOs, CO₂-based systems, water and emerging low-GWP solutions, alongside consumption trends, regulatory developments and technological innovations. The study highlights market trends in blowing agent adoption, showing a clear shift from traditional high-GWP products like HFC-245fa and HCFC-141b to next-generation options such as HFO-1233zd, HFO-1336mzz and other sustainable alternatives. All data is based on 2025 as the reference year, with market forecasts through 2030, offering a comprehensive perspective on the evolving landscape of blowing agent technologies in polyurethane foam markets.

Summary 

Global blowing agent (BA) consumption in polyurethane foams reached ~900,000 tonnes in 2025, with demand shaped primarily by insulation needs, regulatory pressures and the rapid transition to low‑GWP technologies.

Asia-Pacific (APAC) remained the largest market at 40%, anchored by China, India and Southeast Asia’s strong construction and refrigeration growth. While the region has ratified the Kigali Amendment, adoption of low‑GWP alternatives is uneven: Japan and South Korea have already restricted high‑GWP HFCs, accelerating the shift to HFOs and hydrocarbons, whereas India and key ASEAN nations continue significant use of HCFCs and HFCs due to cost-related barriers and extended transition timelines.

The Americas accounted for ~34% of global demand, driven by the United States’ aggressive regulatory framework. The AIM Act mandates an 85% HFC phasedown by 2036, supported by EPA SNAP prohibitions on major HFCs in foam applications. State level regulations, particularly in California, further reinforce the move toward HFO, hydrocarbon and water-based systems. Latin American countries such as Brazil and Mexico are progressing under Kigali commitments but remain at earlier adoption stages, with phasedown schedules extending into the late 2030s.

EMEA represented 27% of BA consumption, with Western Europe serving as the global regulatory benchmark. The revised EU F‑Gas Regulation targets near-total elimination of HFCs in foam blowing by 2030, accelerating uptake of HFOs, CO₂ and hydrocarbon technologies. Broader climate policies including the European Green Deal and EPBD are driving increased demand for low‑emission insulation materials. Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa continue to rely heavily on HCFC‑141b and high‑GWP HFCs, though tightening import controls and international trade pressures are expected to gradually push the market toward sustainable alternatives.

Source: IAL Consultant

By Type

The market is currently experiencing a significant shift from traditional high global warming potential (GWP) and ozone-depleting substances (ODS) toward more sustainable, low-GWP alternatives. This transition is largely driven by global environmental initiatives such as the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, along with stringent regional regulations.

Water-based blowing agents lead the market, accounting for approximately 40% of total consumption. Their zero-GWP profile, cost efficiency, and compatibility with both flexible and rigid foam applications make them widely adopted across industries. Hydrocarbons (HCs), mainly pentane and cyclopentane, represent around 30% of the market and are commonly used in rigid foam insulation.

Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) account for about 10% of total consumption and represent the fastest-growing segment in the market. Their ultra-low GWP and high performance make them a preferred option in developed regions like North America and Europe, especially as regulations accelerate the phase-down of high-GWP hydrofluorocarbons.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which currently make up around 8% of the market, are rapidly declining due to phasedown programs under the Kigali Amendment and regional policies such as the EU F‑Gas Regulation and the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act in the United States.

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), accounting for roughly 6% of total consumption, have already been largely eliminated in developed economies but continue to be used in some developing regions. However, they are expected to be fully phased out globally within the next decade. Meanwhile, methylene chloride, representing about 1% of the market, continues to decline due to health and toxicity concerns. The remaining ~2% falls under the “Others” category, which includes CO₂, methylal and proprietary blends, reflecting ongoing innovation in low-GWP and specialty blowing agent technologies.

By Application

Global BA consumption in polyurethane foams in 2025 was led by refrigeration and insulation applications, driven by surging demand for energy‑efficient materials and compliance with tightening regulations. Domestic refrigeration remained the largest single segment, accounting for roughly 20% of total BA use, supported by stringent efficiency standards such as the EU Ecodesign Directive and US DOE appliance rules.

Construction applications including open‑cell spray foam, rigid foam for insulation, and flexible/rigid-faced panels also represented a major share, boosted by evolving building energy codes, decarbonisation targets and strong retrofitting incentives under policies like the US Inflation Reduction Act. Flexible foams continued to be significant BA consumers, with polyether, polyester and viscoelastic foams widely deployed in bedding, furniture and automotive seating.

Automotive and commercial vehicle foams further reinforced the sector’s alignment with sustainability frameworks such as the EU End of Life Vehicle Directive, which is pushing lightweighting and material efficiency.

Overall, the BA market is shifting toward low-GWP alternatives, with HFOs and hydrocarbons replacing HFCs and HCFCs, led by regulatory benchmarks in Europe and North America, while APAC continues to dominate in manufacturing scale.

---

The report is available at a price of €5,000. Please contact us for further information.

For more details, please contact: IAL Consultants

Email: ial@brggroup.com Or visit our website: www.ialconsultants.com