China Phase Change Materials Market, By Equipment

Growth Outlook

• The China Phase Change Materials Market, By Equipment market is on a steady long-term growth path. Segment value stands at roughly USD 2954 Mn in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 4067 Mn by 2028 — a gain of about 38% over the forecast period, translating to a CAGR in the double digits.
• What the regional split looks like (2026): Refrigerators leads, holding roughly 51% of segment value — the single largest regional share. Cold Boxes is the second-largest contributor. Carriers make up the remainder, in descending order.
• By 2028, Refrigerators alone is expected to reach USD 2093 Mn, with Cold Boxes at USD 1413 Mn.

Market Dynamics

China's demand for phase change materials (PCMs) is expected to increase due to the country's rapid industrialization and growing focus on energy efficiency. PCMs are substances that can store and release large amounts of heat energy during phase transitions, making them ideal for applications in thermal management and energy storage.

One major demand driver for PCMs in China is the increasing demand for air conditioning and refrigeration systems. With continuous economic growth and urbanization, China's population is rapidly increasing, resulting in higher energy consumption for cooling solutions. PCMs offer a sustainable solution for reducing energy consumption in these systems by storing excess heat during peak hours and releasing it when needed, reducing the need for constant energy input.

Another significant demand comes from the construction industry, particularly in the development of green buildings. As China looks to reduce its carbon footprint and increase energy efficiency, the demand for PCMs in building materials such as insulation, roofing, and wallboard is on the rise. PCMs can regulate indoor temperature and reduce the need for heating and air conditioning, leading to significant energy savings.

In addition to these sectors, the demand for PCMs is also increasing in the transportation industry. As the world's largest automotive market, China has been focusing on developing electric vehicles to reduce pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. However, electric vehicle batteries are susceptible to temperature changes, which can affect their performance and lifespan. PCMs can be used in their thermal management systems to regulate the battery temperature and improve overall efficiency.

The demand for PCMs has also been driven by the government's initiatives and policies on sustainable development and energy efficiency. China's 13th Five-Year Plan targets a 15% reduction in carbon emissions and increasing the proportion of non-fossil fuels in its primary energy consumption to 20%. This has led to incentives and subsidies for the development and implementation of energy-efficient technologies like PCMs.

To meet this increasing demand, the Chinese market offers a wide variety of equipment for the production and application of PCMs. These include PCM production and encapsulation equipment, thermal energy storage systems, and temperature control systems. The country also has a strong supply chain for raw materials used in PCMs, such as paraffin, salt hydrate, and fatty acids.

In conclusion, the demand for PCMs in China is on the rise due to various factors such as the need for energy-efficient solutions in various industries, government initiatives, and regulations. This demand has also resulted in the growth of equipment and technology for the production and application of PCMs, making the Chinese market a crucial player in the global PCM industry.