The global market for conductive and EMI shielding plastics for 5G and IoT applications is set to witness exponential growth in the coming decade, fueled by the surging adoption of next-generation communication technologies, rising electromagnetic interference (EMI) concerns, and growing demand for lightweight, non-metallic shielding materials. As industries accelerate their transition to smart, connected systems, electrically conductive polymers are emerging as a critical enabler for seamless, safe, and high-speed data transmission.
Conductive & EMI shielding plastics for 5G & IoT market size was valued at USD 1,348.29 million in 2024. The conductive & EMI shielding plastics for 5G & IoT industry is projected to grow from USD 1,490.94 million in 2025 to USD 3,746.37 million by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.8% during 2025-2034.
This release provides a comprehensive analysis of the market landscape, including an in-depth look at segmentation by material type and application, regional trends, and the contributions of leading manufacturers in advancing polymer-based EMI shielding technologies.
Market Overview
With the rapid global rollout of 5G networks and the proliferation of IoT-enabled smart devices, the risk of signal degradation and data loss due to electromagnetic interference has become a critical challenge. Traditional metallic shielding materials, while effective, are heavy, susceptible to corrosion, and not ideal for miniaturized or flexible electronics.
In response, conductive plastics—thermoplastics compounded with conductive fillers such as carbon nanotubes, carbon fibers, stainless steel fibers, or graphene—are gaining popularity. These materials not only offer excellent EMI shielding and electrical conductivity but also combine superior mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and design flexibility, making them ideal for next-gen electronics, telecom, automotive, and healthcare applications.
As consumer electronics become more compact and multifunctional, and industrial and automotive sectors integrate connected systems, demand for lightweight EMI shielding solutions is expected to intensify. Moreover, ongoing R&D efforts and advances in nanotechnology are enhancing the performance capabilities of conductive polymers, opening new growth avenues.
Market Segmentation
By Material Type
- Polycarbonates (PC)
Known for their high impact resistance and dimensional stability, PC-based conductive plastics are extensively used in 5G antennas, routers, and consumer electronics housings. - Polyamide (PA)
Polyamide offers excellent wear resistance and thermal stability, making it suitable for EMI shielding in automotive electronics and industrial IoT applications. - Polypropylene (PP)
Lightweight, cost-effective, and chemically resistant, PP-based conductive plastics are widely used in smart home devices, battery housings, and network equipment. - Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)
PBT offers high dielectric strength and good processability, ideal for shielding applications in high-speed connectors and telecom modules. - Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
PET-based compounds are emerging in applications requiring transparency, flexibility, and recyclability. - Others (PEEK, PSU, LCP)
High-performance materials such as PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), polysulfone (PSU), and liquid crystal polymers (LCP) are gaining ground in aerospace and military-grade IoT electronics for their superior thermal and mechanical properties.
By Application
- Consumer Electronics
Smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearables, and smart home devices are increasingly integrating conductive plastics for EMI shielding, signal integrity, and lightweight design. - Telecommunications Infrastructure
The deployment of 5G base stations, antennas, and optical fiber modules relies heavily on conductive polymers to maintain performance and reduce energy consumption. - Automotive Electronics
With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving systems, EMI shielding plastics are critical in protecting sensitive sensors, radar systems, and onboard diagnostics. - Healthcare and Medical Devices
IoT-based diagnostic and monitoring tools depend on EMI protection to ensure precision and patient safety, prompting demand for biocompatible conductive materials. - Industrial IoT and Automation
EMI shielding plastics are widely used in industrial automation systems, robotics, and smart manufacturing environments to prevent data corruption and equipment malfunction. - Aerospace and Defense
High-performance conductive plastics ensure mission-critical reliability and compliance with stringent EMI/EMC standards in satellites, avionics, and defense communication systems.
Regional Analysis
North America
North America is currently the largest market, driven by the widespread adoption of 5G technologies, extensive industrial IoT infrastructure, and strong presence of electronics and automotive OEMs. The U.S. government’s continued investment in smart cities and defense communication modernization further bolsters demand.
Rapid technological advancements, strategic partnerships among material suppliers and electronics manufacturers, and a proactive regulatory framework encourage innovation and deployment of advanced EMI shielding materials.
Europe
Europe remains a critical market for conductive plastics, particularly in Germany, the UK, and France, where high-tech manufacturing, automotive innovation, and environmental standards are driving the shift to recyclable, non-metallic shielding solutions.
The region’s growing 5G connectivity coverage, coupled with its leadership in EV and industrial automation, underpins strong demand for EMI shielding solutions in smart devices and vehicle electronics.
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. China, Japan, South Korea, and India are at the forefront of 5G deployment and smart device production, leading to soaring demand for lightweight and flexible EMI shielding materials.
China’s dominance in electronics manufacturing and aggressive 5G rollout is generating substantial volume demand, while South Korea and Japan continue to push innovation boundaries in smart appliances, automotive electronics, and wearable health devices.
India is emerging as a fast-growing market, fueled by government-backed digital initiatives and increasing local manufacturing of smartphones and IoT modules under the “Make in India” campaign.
Latin America
While still a nascent market, Latin America is showing steady uptake, especially in Brazil and Mexico. Increasing urbanization, improving telecom infrastructure, and growing consumer demand for connected devices are propelling market growth.
Middle East & Africa
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is gradually adopting EMI shielding plastics, particularly in smart city developments, defense modernization, and the digitization of healthcare. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading in 5G integration and IoT expansion, supporting market momentum.
Key Companies
A number of major companies are shaping the competitive landscape of the conductive and EMI shielding plastics market, focusing on innovation, strategic acquisitions, and partnerships to broaden their market presence and material portfolios.
- SABIC
Known for its extensive range of high-performance thermoplastics, SABIC offers tailor-made conductive resins for automotive, telecom, and electronics applications. - RTP Company
Specializes in custom-engineered thermoplastic compounds, including electrically conductive, anti-static, and EMI shielding grades. - Ensinger
Offers a portfolio of high-performance plastics suitable for EMI shielding, including PEEK and LCP-based solutions used in aerospace and medical devices. - Lehmann&Voss&Co.
A leader in carbon-based conductive additives and compounds, providing materials for high-frequency applications. - PolyOne (Avient Corporation)
Delivers composite materials with conductive and shielding properties tailored to 5G devices, including carbon nanotube-enhanced polymers. - LyondellBasell Industries
Supplies advanced polypropylene-based materials and is investing in R&D for high-frequency shielding applications. - Celanese Corporation
Offers specialty polymers for electronics and automotive industries, with a strong focus on EMI shielding performance.
These key players are continually innovating to address market challenges such as miniaturization, sustainability, thermal management, and compliance with evolving electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulations.
Emerging Trends and Opportunities
- Carbon Nanotube Integration
CNT-enhanced plastics are gaining traction due to their superior conductivity, lightweight nature, and mechanical strength, especially in mobile devices and compact IoT modules. - Flexible Electronics and Wearables
As wearable technology becomes mainstream, demand for flexible conductive materials is surging, opening new frontiers in healthcare and consumer electronics. - Recyclable and Green EMI Shielding Plastics
Sustainability is driving interest in recyclable shielding plastics and bio-based polymers to meet global environmental regulations and circular economy goals. - Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing
The integration of EMI shielding materials in 3D printable polymers is expanding possibilities for on-demand prototyping and custom enclosures in aerospace and defense. - Smart Homes and Smart Vehicles
The rise of connected living and mobility ecosystems is pushing manufacturers to embed EMI shielding into virtually every component of the digital infrastructure.
Conclusion
The conductive and EMI shielding plastics market for 5G and IoT is entering a phase of explosive growth, powered by the increasing complexity of connected systems, the miniaturization of electronics, and the global shift toward sustainable, high-performance materials. With innovations in conductive fillers, thermoplastic processing, and application-specific formulations, this market segment will play a pivotal role in enabling the next era of digital connectivity and device protection.
More Trending Latest Reports By Polaris Market Research:
Introduction of Advanced Endoscopy Devices To Drive Demand
Thermo Compression Forming market
Electric Commercial Vehicle Traction Motor Market
