Comprehensive Overview of the Global Battery Separator Industry in 2023

Table of Contents

Battery separators are critical components in batteries, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of various battery types, particularly lithium-ion batteries, which dominate the market. The battery separator market has experienced significant growth from 2019 to 2023, driven primarily by the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage systems, and consumer electronics.

Statistical Overview of The Global Battery Separator Industry

The period from 2019 to 2023 saw significant growth in the global battery separator market. According to industry reports, in 2019, global shipments of battery separators were approximately 12 billion square meters. By 2023, this number had surged to over 21 billion square meters, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 14%. This growth is largely driven by the rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESS), which require high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

Growth Drivers

  • Electric Vehicle Boom

 

The rapid adoption of electric vehicles is the most prominent driver for the increase in battery separator shipment volumes. Governments worldwide have implemented stringent regulations to reduce carbon emissions, incentivizing the production and purchase of EVs. Major automotive manufacturers have also made significant investments in EV technology, leading to a surge in demand for lithium-ion batteries and, consequently, battery separators.

  • Energy Storage Systems

 

The shift towards renewable energy sources has created a need for efficient energy storage solutions. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) have become vital in managing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. This demand has contributed to the rising shipment volumes of battery separators, as these components are essential for the safety and performance of energy storage batteries.

  • Consumer Electronics

 

The proliferation of smartphones, laptops, wearable devices, and other portable electronics has sustained a steady demand for high-performance batteries. Technological advancements in these devices have necessitated improvements in battery technology, including the development of advanced separators to enhance battery safety and longevity.

Market Trends

  • Technological Advancements

 

Innovations in battery separator technology have significantly influenced shipment volumes. Developments in materials, such as ceramic-coated separators and multilayer separators, have improved the safety and performance of batteries. These advancements have driven the replacement of traditional separators, leading to an increase in shipment volumes.

  • Regional Demand Variations

 

The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China, has been a dominant player in the battery separator market. China’s aggressive push towards electric vehicles and renewable energy has resulted in substantial growth in separator shipments. Other regions, such as North America and Europe, have also witnessed significant development, albeit slightly slower than Asia-Pacific.

  • Industry Consolidation

 

The battery separator market has seen consolidation through mergers and acquisitions, enabling companies to expand their production capacities and enhance their technological capabilities. This consolidation has led to more efficient supply chains and increased shipment volumes.

Challenges and Outlook

Despite the robust growth, the battery separator market faces challenges such as raw material price volatility and stringent safety regulations. However, the continuous investment in research and development to enhance separator performance and reduce costs is expected to mitigate these challenges.

Looking forward, the battery separator market is poised for sustained growth. The ongoing advancements in electric vehicle technology, increasing adoption of renewable energy, and the continuous demand for consumer electronics will drive further increases in shipment volumes. Additionally, emerging applications such as electric aviation and grid-scale energy storage will create new opportunities for market expansion.

In conclusion, the period from 2019 to 2023 has been marked by significant growth in battery separator shipment volumes, driven by the rapid adoption of electric vehicles, the need for energy storage solutions, and the continuous demand for consumer electronics. Technological advancements and industry consolidation have further bolstered this growth, setting a positive outlook for the future.

Base film_battery separator

Global Battery Separator’s Shipment Volume in 2023

Dry-process Battery Separators

Year

Global Shipment Volume

CAGR

2019

3 Billion Square Meters

 

2023

6 Billion Square Meters

19%

 

Dry-process battery separators have gained traction in recent years. In 2019, global shipments of dry-process separators were around 3 billion square meters. By 2023, this had increased to 6 billion square meters, reflecting a CAGR of approximately 19%. The dry-process method, known for its lower production cost and improved mechanical strength, has become increasingly popular, especially for large-scale applications such as ESS (energy storage systems).

Wet-process Battery Separators

Year

Shipment Volume

CAGR

2019

9 Billion Square Meters

 

2023

15 Billion Square Meters

13%

Wet-process separators continue to dominate the market due to their superior performance in terms of ionic conductivity and thermal stability. In 2019, global shipments of wet-process separators were around 9 billion square meters. This number grew to 15 billion square meters in 2023, with a CAGR of about 13%. The wet process remains the preferred method for high-performance batteries, particularly in the EV sector.

Shipments Volume of Base Films from 2019-2023

Base films, the fundamental component of coated battery separators, have seen increased demand. In 2019, global shipments of base films were around 7 billion square meters. By 2023, this figure had grown to 13 billion square meters, driven by the expanding battery market and the need for improved battery performance and safety.

Shipments Volume of Coated Battery Separators from 2019-2023

Coated battery separators offer enhanced thermal stability and safety features, making them increasingly popular. In 2019, shipments of coated battery separators were around 3 billion square meters. This number grew to 8 billion square meters in 2023, with a CAGR of about 20%. The coating process adds an additional layer of protection, making batteries safer and more reliable.

Shipment by Application

Coated battery separators offer enhanced thermal stability and safety features, making them increasingly popular. In 2019, shipments of coated battery separators were around 3 billion square meters. This number grew to 8 billion square meters in 2023, with a CAGR of about 20%. The coating process adds an additional layer of protection, making batteries safer and more reliable.

Battery Separator Shipments for Small Batteries (3C + Small Power, etc.)

Small batteries, used in consumer electronics and small power applications, continue to drive a significant portion of separator demand. In 2023, shipments for this sector were approximately 6 billion square meters, reflecting steady growth from 4 billion square meters in 2019. The demand for portable electronic devices and small-scale power tools has sustained this growth.

Battery Separator Shipments for EV Batteries

The EV battery sector, primarily driven by the rising EV market, has seen substantial growth. In 2019, separator shipments for EV batteries were about 5 billion square meters. By 2023, this number had doubled to 10 billion square meters, with a CAGR of 18%. The shift towards electric mobility and stricter emissions regulations worldwide have fueled this increase.

Battery Separator Shipments for Energy Storage Batteries

Energy storage systems (ESS) are becoming increasingly vital for managing renewable energy sources. Separator shipments for ESS applications were around 3 billion square meters in 2019, growing to 5 billion square meters in 2023, with a CAGR of 14%. The need for grid stability and renewable energy integration has driven the demand for high-performance separators in this sector.

China Overall Battery Separator Shipment Volumes from 2019-2023

In 2023, China’s lithium battery separator market saw significant growth and notable changes in the competitive landscape.

China has solidified its position as a leader in the battery separator market. In 2019, China’s shipments were about 8 billion square meters, and by 2023, this figure had reached 17.69 billion square meters, reflecting a CAGR of approximately 17%. This rapid growth can be attributed to China’s robust EV market and its significant investments in renewable energy projects.

Shipment Volumes of Chinese Battery Separator

China’s dry-process separator shipments have shown substantial growth. In 2019, shipments were around 1.5 billion square meters, increasing to 4.75 billion square meters in 2023, with a CAGR of 30%. The increasing adoption of dry-process separators is driven by their cost-effectiveness and suitability for large-scale energy storage applications.

Wet-process separators dominate China’s market, reflecting global trends. In 2019, shipments were approximately 6.5 billion square meters, rising to 12.94 billion square meters in 2023, with a CAGR of 15%. The wet process’s superior performance characteristics make it the preferred choice for high-end applications, particularly in the EV sector.

China's Lithium Battery Separator Shipments Surge, Dry-process Battery Separators Gain Market Share in 2023

In 2023, China’s lithium battery separator market saw significant growth and notable changes in the competitive landscape. 

Global shipments of lithium-ion battery separators surpassed 21 billion square meters, with Chinese companies accounting for over 83% of the market share.

China’s lithium battery separator shipments reached 17.69 billion square meters, marking a 32.8% year-on-year increase.

Separator Types

  • – Wet-procss Separators: 12.94 billion square meters.
  • – Dry-process Separators: 4.75 billion square meters, representing a significant year-on-year growth of 67.4%.
  • – The overall proportion of dry-process separators in China grew to 26.9%, a 5.6 percentage point increase from 2022, driven primarily by demand for energy storage battery separators.

Industry Concentration

The top 10 companies in China’s separator industry accounted for over 90% of the market in 2023. Shanghai Enjie remained the leader in shipment volume but saw a decrease in market share. Companies like Senior, Sinoma, Jinli, ZIMT, and HUIQIANG increased their market shares.

New Entrants and Rising Companies

Bocheng entered the top ten, ranking ninth with a shipment volume of 480 million square meters. Other notable companies included Zhuoqin, Malion, Kanghui, and Changyang, which have started mass production and are expected to impact the competitive landscape further in 2024.

Segment Leaders

  • Wet-process Separators: Leading companies were Shanghai Enjie, Sinoma, Jinli, Senior, Horizen, Beixin, Lucket, and Cangzhou Mingzhu.
  • Dry-process Separators: Leading companies were ZIMT, Senior, HUIQIANG, Bocheng, Yingbolai, and Cangzhou Mingzhu.

 

Overall, the significant growth in dry separator shipments and the shifts in market share among top companies highlight the dynamic nature of China’s lithium battery separator industry. The competition is expected to remain intense, with ongoing changes anticipated in the industry’s competitive landscape in 2024.

The Global Market Size from 2019-2023

The global battery separator market has expanded significantly. In 2019, the market size was approximately $4 billion. By 2023, it had grown to $8 billion, representing a CAGR of 18%. The increasing adoption of electric vehicles, renewable energy storage solutions, and advancements in battery technologies have been key drivers of this growth.

The market for both dry and wet-process separators has grown, albeit at different rates. In 2019, the market size for wet-process separators was about $3 billion, growing to $5.5 billion in 2023. Dry-process separators, starting from a market size of $1 billion in 2019, grew to $2.5 billion in 2023. The wet process remains dominant, but the dry process is rapidly catching up due to its cost advantages and applicability in large-scale energy storage.

Competitive Landscape of Battery Separator Companies

The global battery separator market is highly concentrated, with the top ten companies controlling over 70% of the market. Shanghai Enjie leads the market, followed by Asahi Kasei, Toray Industries, and Sumitomo Chemical. These companies have established strong positions through technological advancements and strategic partnerships with battery manufacturers.

Chinese companies have a significant presence in the global market, accounting for over 83% of global shipments in 2023. Shanghai Enjie, Shenzhen Senior, Sinoma, and Jinli are among the leading players. These companies have benefited from China’s robust domestic demand and supportive government policies promoting the EV and renewable energy sectors.

In the dry-process battery separator market, ZIMT and Senior are prominent players, along with international companies like Asahi Kasei. The market share of dry-process separator companies has grown due to the increasing demand for cost-effective and robust separators for ESS applications.

Chinese companies dominate the dry-process battery separator market, with ZIMT, Senior, and HUIQIANG leading the charge. These companies have leveraged their manufacturing capabilities and economies of scale to capture significant market share.

The global wet-process battery separator market is led by companies like Shanghai Enjie, Asahi Kasei, and Toray Industries. These companies have focused on developing high-performance separators for the EV market, which demands superior thermal and ionic properties.

In China, Shanghai Enjie, Sinoma, and Jinli are the leading wet-process battery separator manufacturers. These companies have invested heavily in R&D and production capacity to meet the growing demand from the domestic and international EV markets.

Conclusion

The lithium-ion battery separator industry has undergone significant changes and growth from 2019 to 2023. China has emerged as a dominant player, accounting for a substantial share of global shipments. Both dry and wet-process separators have seen increased demand, driven by the expanding markets for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and consumer electronics.

The competitive landscape is evolving, with leading companies investing in advanced technologies and scaling up production to maintain their market positions. As the industry continues to grow, ongoing innovation and strategic partnerships will be crucial for companies looking to capitalize on the increasing demand for high-performance battery separators.

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Hi, I'm the author of this post, and I have been in this field for more than 5 years. If you want to wholesale battery separator or separator-related products, feel free to ask me any questions.

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