Composite Railroad Tie Market

Composite Railroad Tie Market Outlook (2022-2032)

Composite railroad tie has proven to outperform traditional tie materials due to their properties such as being resistant to several weather conditions and being anti-corrosive. Furthermore, these ties do not crumble or decompose over time. Composite railroad tie is also moisture-resistant and immune to infestation by insects.

Alongside such a tie is produced from recycled materials such as plastic and rubber, which makes it environment-friendly. Composite railroad tie manufacturers claim that the product has a longer life as compared to its wood counterpart, and requires no trained personnel or special tools for installation.

The global market of composite railroad ties is estimated at USD 6.55 Billion in 2022. The market is anticipated to surpass a valuation of USD 9.70 Billion by 2032. The growth rate expected for this market is a CAGR of 4% in the forecast period.

Often the wooden ties are treated with hazardous chemicals for making them more resistant to insects and rotting which may leach into soils and could result in land contamination. The wooden ties last only for a duration of 7 to 14 years which on burning may insert cancer-causing chemicals into the air. To overcome these drawbacks, composite railroad ties are seen as an effective option owing to being denser than that wood. Composite railroad ties are five times long-lasting in comparison with wood.

Report Attributes	Details
Market size (2022 A)	USD 6.55 Billion
Base Year for Estimation	2022
Forecast duration for this research	2022-2032
Forecasted Market value (2032 F)	USD 9.70 Billion
Global Market Growth rate (2022-2032 E)	CAGR of 4%
Key Companies Profiled	AXION STRUCTURAL INNOVATIONS LLC, American TieTek LLC, Atlas Trading International LLC, Lankhorst Mouldings, Greenrail Group, eWood Solutions, Sicut Enterprises Limited

What drives the need for Composite railroad ties?

The service life of wooden railroad ties is less as compared to composite railroad ties. Coupled with this, the railway networks are exposed to severe weather conditions which act as a vital factor causing the failure of wooden ties. Being virtually resistant to water, chemicals, and sunlight, composite railroad tie serves as a better alternative for the railway sector around the world.

Composite railroad tie offers a better operating lifespan, low maintenance demand, and better performance, making the composite railroad tie more desirable. Also, the potential public interest in composite railroad ties as a way of utilizing plastic waste is propelling the demand for the product.

Composite railroad tie is manufactured by recycling mainly plastic and automotive tires. At the end of its service life, the composite railroad tie is still recyclable. Railway networks have been the most trusted to transport goods on land, and this is expected to grow with an almost mid-single-digit growth rate throughout the forecast period. With new railway tracks planned and being laid down, and growing awareness coupled with the keen interest from public authorities, the global composite railroad tie market is anticipated to remain driven throughout the forecast period.

What are deterring factors for the composite railroad tie market?

It’s challenging for the firms in tie manufacturing to ensure as the demand for railways increases there is an increase in demand for novel technologies and innovative solutions. These are needed for ensuring the timely running of trains but also trains running with grace and speed. Research and development are required to review updates on the demand change. The manufacturers need to ensure the composite railroad ties remain durable owing to higher physical strains and repeated usage to ensure

What are impelling factors influencing sales of Concrete railroad ties?

These ties are made of sand, gravel, and cement which is allowing them to hold significant weight and durability. The manufacturing of such ties is comparatively easier than that of wooden ties. The market is anticipated to expand owing to increased demand for railway applications. Composite railroad ties have longer lifespans and higher durability which are accompanied by minimal requirements. The resistance to high weather conditions is expected to drive sales of concrete ties in the markets.

Regional Outlook

Regionally, countries in Europe have a much denser railway network in the world, and hence, the composite railroad tie market is expected to experience significant growth in this region. Germany is anticipated to hold lucrative growth potential in the forecast period owing to advancements in technology. With more major players based in North America, the North American composite railroad tie market is expected to grow at a healthy rate.

The Asia Pacific and China composite railroad tie markets are anticipated to grow at a faster rate due to the high population and developing rail tracks. With advanced railway technologies, Japan is expected to be one of the key countries in the composite railroad tie market. Markets in South Asia are expected to propel the demand for novel railroad ties and innovation in railroad technologies. The region is expected to hold the maximum share in the forecast period.

Segment wise insights

“Thermoplastic and recycled rubber are widely used in composite railroad ties”

The composite ties are often made of thermoplastic and rubber. These synthetic materials are acquired from waste tires and plastic materials. Polyurethane resin generates resistance and increases the lifespan of the tie by approximately 50 years. The resin-based ties suffer from a lack of structural integrity. The insertion of typical railroad spikes is necessary for giving tie strength which is subjected to climate influences.

Based on their ability to hold heavy weights composite railroad ties are used suitable for freight transportation. The trains used for the transportation of freight are having less horsepower and they move heavy cargo for better efficiency.

Competitive landscape

The acquisition of competing firms is a strategy used by key market players. These acquisitions are intended to enhance market share and maintain market position. The firms use this way to increase their product portfolio and also enhance their technologies.

• In Sept 2018, Greenrail and Ferrovie Emilia Romagna inaugurated the first pilot stretch with new-generation smart railway sleepers. These sleepers allow sustainable infrastructure development.
• Tietek is a leading organization in tie designs. The company produces 3,300 tieteks using 2 million plastic bottles and 10,000 vehicle tires. These ties are durable for more than 10 years in application with a capacity of 2 billion gross tons of load.

Composite Railroad Tie Market: Segmentation

• By Material Type :

  • Thermoset Plastics
  • Thermoplastics
  • Mixed Plastics

• By Rail Track :

  • Passenger Rail
  • Freight Transport
  • Others

• By Regional Analysis :

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Mexico
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Chile
    • Peru
  • Western Europe
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • France
    • U.K
    • Spain
    • BENELUX
    • Nordic
    • Eastern Europe
  • CIS and Russia
  • Asia-Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • ASEAN
    • South Korea
  • Japan
  • Middle East and Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • South Africa
    • Turkey
    • Iran
    • Israel