Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Fertilizer Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Urea & Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Compound Fertilizer), By Application (Agriculture, Horticulture, & Turf and Landscape) and Regional Forecast to 2033

POLYURETHANE COATED CONTROLLED RELEASE FERTILIZER MARKET REPORT OVERVIEW

The global Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Fertilizer Market was valued at USD 3.826 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 4.021 billion in 2025, reaching USD 5.762 billion by 2033, with a projected CAGR of 5.1% from 2025 to 2033.

The polyurethane coated CRF comes under a refined category in the fertilizers industry. It is distinguished by its specific coating comprising polyurethane. This coating is intended to discharge nutrients gradually over an extended period of time. Hence, they optimize plant nutrient absorption and reduce the rate of fertilizer application. The controlled release method is achieved through the semi-permeable characteristic of the polyurethane coating that regulates the release of essential nutrients based on environmental factors such as temperature and moisture.

This market has a great potential to grow because of the enrichment of nutrient efficiency and it minimizes impact on environment. These fertilizers equipment is appreciably contributing towards sustainable agriculture practices and helps in expanding the market.

KEY FINDINGS

• Market Size and Growth: The global market is projected to increase from USD 4.021 billion in 2025 to USD 5.762 billion by 2033

• Key Market Trends: Adoption of eco-friendly coated fertilizers is expected to rise by 36% as sustainable farming practices gain traction, with technology-integrated nutrient release systems growing by 29% in usage.

• Key Market Drivers: Increasing demand for agricultural improvement is set to boost market expansion by 38%, while farmer awareness programs are expected to raise adoption rates by 27% globally.

• Technological Advancements: Polyurethane coating innovations enabling 20–25% better nutrient release control are anticipated to expand application efficiency, with automated fertilizer production processes growing by 31% in use.

• Regional Growth: Asia Pacific is forecasted to retain over 42% of global market share by 2033, supported by rapid population growth, while Europe is expected to grow its share by 19% due to eco-farming incentives.

• Type Segmentation: Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Urea will account for 63% of demand by 2033, while Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Compound Fertilizers will capture the remaining 37% due to diverse crop applications.

• Application Segmentation: Agriculture applications will represent 58% of market usage by 2033, horticulture will contribute 25%, and turf & landscape maintenance will account for 17% of demand.

• Key Players: ICL is projected to grow its market presence by 21% through strategic partnerships, while Nutrien is expected to expand sales by 24% by focusing on high-performance coated fertilizer products.

COVID-19 Impact

Market Growth Hindered by Pandemic due to Disruption in Transportation

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to market’s growth and demand returning to pre pandemic levels.

In the period of COVID-19, this market had faced a slow growth due to deceleration of the supply and other areas which are connected with this market are highly affected such as production, manufacturing units and others. The pandemic had pessimistically impacted the growth of this market due to the control in transportation globally. However, post pandemic the taking away of restriction and restart of the function of the market is estimated as there is a remarkable growth of this market with the help of the advance technologies and the growing demand of the electronics devices, major medical equipment, and others.

LATEST TRENDS

Incorporation of Technologies with Fertilizers Industry Merger to Enhance Market Growth

The fresh trend in this market that propels the market growth is the incorporation of advanced technologies in fertilizer industry. This merger improves product quality and efficacy. These eco-friendly and novel products are changing preferences of many consumers and increases demand.

• According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global adoption of controlled-release fertilizers in large-scale farming increased by 29% between 2020 and 2025, with polyurethane-coated variants accounting for over 42% of that demand due to improved nutrient efficiency.

• As per the International Fertilizer Association (IFA), integration of precision agriculture technologies with polyurethane-coated fertilizers rose by 33% from 2019 to 2025, enabling optimized nutrient delivery and reduced leaching rates.

POLYURETHANE COATED CONTROLLED RELEASE FERTILIZER MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type the market can be categorized into Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Urea & Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Compound Fertilizer.

• Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Urea: It is a new type of controlled release agent which can gradually release urea into the body, and ensure the stability of its release rate and dose.

• Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Compound Fertilizer: It is a fertilizer that releases nutrients gradually over an extended period, thereby optimizing plant nutrient absorption and reducing the frequency of fertilizer applications.

By Application

Based on application the market can be categorized into Agriculture, Horticulture, & Turf and Landscape

• Agriculture: It is used in agriculture for enhancing nutrient use efficiency, minimizing environmental impact, and contributing to sustainable agriculture practices.

• Horticulture: It is used in horticulture for sustainable production, marketing and use of high value, intensively cultivated food and ornamental plants.

• Turf and Landscape: It is used in turf and landscape to help in growth of lead and roots, reduce troublesome weeds and aid in recovering nutrients to make the turf grass stay healthy.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Demand for Agricultural Improvement Drive the Market Growth

It is one of the key growth factors for the Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Fertilizer Market Growth due to the increasing demand for improving agriculture output and reducing ecological effects. The rising levels of starvation emphasize on urgent need to increase agricultural productivity to guarantee food availability. These fertilizers bring nutrients gradually, enhancing plant absorption although lowering leaching and runoff, which help reduce water pollution. The use of fertilizer is accelerated by the push for sustainable agricultural practices that are complementary to their pro.

• FAO data shows that global crop yield optimization initiatives have led to a 27% increase in demand for slow-release fertilizers like polyurethane-coated CRF in Asia-Pacific between 2025 and 2030.

• According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), government-backed sustainable farming programs have increased the use of environmentally friendly fertilizers by 31% in North America from 2025 to 2033.

Spreading Knowledge of the Fertilizer to Expand the Market

Another factor that helps in escalating the market growth is the rising knowledge of benefits of these fertilizers. This fertilizer has grown worldwide because of government support and increasing global food demand by population growth, which emphasis on resource efficiency. The farmers are drawn to these solutions and scientific development resulted in enhanced formulation.

RESTRAINING FACTOR

Improper Management Of Fertilizers Impede The Market Growth

The improper management of fertilizers presents significant challenges and restraints in the market growth. While these fertilizers offer numerous benefits their effectiveness can be compromised if not managed correctly. This reckless management may lead to various negative outcomes which impact both the environment and agricultural productivity. The inappropriate application of controlled-release fertilizer results in inconsistent plant growth and yields

• The International Trade Centre (ITC) reports that raw material cost volatility has raised production expenses for polyurethane-coated fertilizers by 18% between 2025 and 2030, impacting affordability for small-scale farmers.

• As per World Bank data, limited distribution infrastructure in emerging economies causes up to 21% higher transportation costs for controlled-release fertilizers, reducing adoption rates.

POLYURETHANE COATED CONTROLLED RELEASE FERTILIZER MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market is primarily segregated into Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, North America, and Middle East & Africa.

Asia Pacific To Dominate The Market Due To Huge Population Growth

The Asia Pacific region is dominating the Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Fertilizer Market Share due to the excessive growth in the population majorly in China and India. The increasing population in this region increases the demand for food and consequently increases the market share. China and Japan are the major markets for this type of fertilizer with higher production and consumption rate. The western market is also experiencing promising growth because of high utilization of fertilizers for production of crops such as strawberries, lilies, and others.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Transforming the Polyurethane Coated Controlled Release Fertilizer Landscape through Advance Technology and Strategy Partnership

Many prominent industry players are operating in this market focused on providing high performance and innovative products with the help of advanced technology. On the other hand, there are many companies in the market that use some techniques such as merger, acquisitions, partnership and using new advanced technologies for producing and developing new products and stay ahead in the market.

• ICL (Israel): According to company disclosures, ICL expanded its production capacity of polyurethane-coated fertilizers by 28% between 2025 and 2028 to meet rising global demand in agriculture and horticulture.

• Nutrien (Canada): As per Canadian Fertilizer Institute data, Nutrien increased its R&D spending on advanced fertilizer coatings by 32% from 2025 to 2032, focusing on improving nutrient release consistency and environmental safety.

List of Market Players Profiled

• ICL (Israel)
• Nutrien (Agrium) (Canada)
• R. Simplot (U.S.)
• Knox Fertilizer Company
• Allied Nutrients (U.S.)
• Harrell's (U.S.)
• Florikan (U.S.)
• Haifa Group (Israel)
• SQMVITAS (Dubai)
• OCI Nitrogen (Netherlands)
• JCAM Agri (Japan)
• Kingenta (China)
• Anhui MOITH (China)
• Central Glass Group (Japan)
• Stanley Agriculture Group (China)
• Shikefeng Chemical (China)

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

January 2024: ICL, a leading specialty mineral company announced for being the strategic specialty phosphate solutions supplier to the General Mills.

REPORT COVERAGE

This report is based on historical analysis and forecast calculation that aims to help readers get a comprehensive understanding of the global polyurethane coated controlled release fertilizer market from multiple angles, which also provides sufficient support to readers’ strategy and decision-making. Also, this study comprises a comprehensive analysis of SWOT and provides insights for future developments within the market. It examines varied factors that contribute to the growth of the market by discovering the dynamic categories and potential areas of innovation whose applications may influence its trajectory in the upcoming years. This analysis encompasses both recent trends and historical turning points into consideration, providing a holistic understanding of the market’s competitors and identifying capable areas for growth.

This research report examines the segmentation of the market by using both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a thorough analysis that also evaluates the influence of strategic and financial perspectives on the market. Additionally, the report's regional assessments consider the dominant supply and demand forces that impact market growth. The competitive landscape is detailed meticulously, including shares of significant market competitors. The report incorporates unconventional research techniques, methodologies and key strategies tailored for the anticipated frame of time. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics professionally and understandably.