According to a recent report published by MarketsandMarkets, the global cross-linked polyethylene market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.42% from 2016 to 2026, reaching $9.43 billion by 2026. It is expected to reach 5,424.9 KT, at a CAGR of 6.40% during the forecast period by volume. Low cost, easy installation and the flexibility of cross-linked polyethylene over conventional materials, and the increasing demand for plastic pipes in the solar industry are the major drivers for the global cross-linked polyethylene market. High density polyethylene (HDPE) was the largest type of cross-linked polyethylene in 2015, owing to the high tensile strength and excellent resistance to abrasive wear. HDPE is cost-effective and its ability to resist variable temperature conditions makes it preferred for use in the production of pipes. Plumbing is anticipated to be the largest application of cross-linked polyethylene. Exposure to moisture, acids, salts, and climatic changes result in failure in the conventional copper and PCV pipes in plumbing. Thus, cross-linked polyethylene pipes are an efficient alternative which not only are resistant to moisture, acids, and salts, but are also easier to install and offer superior performance. As a result, the widespread use of cross-linked polyethylene in the plumbing application is making it the largest application in the global cross-linked polyethylene market. On the basis of geography, the Asia-Pacific region dominated the global cross-linked polyethylene market in 2015, in terms of both value and volume. China is the largest market for cross-linked polyethylene in this region, and occupied a major share of the market in 2015, in terms of value. The growing construction sector, rising R&D activities initiated by major players, the ease of availability of raw material, and rising development strategies to meet the demand for cross-linked polyethylene in the established and emerging applications, are the key growth drivers for cross-linked polyethylene in this region. Although the global cross-linked polyethylene market is growing rapidly, the growth is limited by a few factors. Safety issues and the possibility of plumbing failure and fluctuation in raw material prices are some of the factors restricting and challenging the growth of this market. The leading players in the global cross-linked polyethylene market include Borealis AG (Austria), The Dow Chemical Company (U.S.), ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Inc. (U.S.), LyondellBasell Industries (Netherlands), and PolyOne Corporation (U.S.). The diverse product portfolios, adoption of development strategies, strategically positioned R&D centers, and technological advancements, are some of the factors that enhance the market positions of these players.