Preform-Based Optical Fiber Manufacturing in 2025: Unraveling the Next Wave of High-Speed Connectivity and Market Expansion. Discover How Advanced Preform Technologies Are Shaping the Future of Global Fiber Networks.

Executive Summary: 2025 Market Outlook and Key Drivers
Industry Overview: Preform-Based Optical Fiber Manufacturing Fundamentals
Global Market Size, Segmentation, and 2025–2030 Growth Forecasts
Technological Innovations: Preform Fabrication and Fiber Drawing Advances
Key Players and Strategic Initiatives (e.g., corning.com, fujikura.co.jp, prysmiangroup.com)
Supply Chain Dynamics and Raw Material Trends
Emerging Applications: 5G, Data Centers, and Smart Infrastructure
Regional Analysis: Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, and Rest of World
Sustainability, Environmental Impact, and Circular Economy Initiatives
Future Outlook: Disruptive Technologies and Market Opportunities Through 2030
Sources & References

Executive Summary: 2025 Market Outlook and Key Drivers

The preform-based optical fiber manufacturing sector is poised for continued growth in 2025, driven by surging global demand for high-speed broadband, 5G network rollouts, and expanding data center infrastructure. Preforms—high-purity glass rods from which optical fibers are drawn—remain the foundation of the industry, with technological advancements and capacity expansions shaping the competitive landscape.

Leading manufacturers such as Corning Incorporated, Fujikura Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., and Prysmian Group continue to invest in both preform production and fiber drawing capabilities. These companies are responding to robust demand from telecom operators and hyperscale data center providers, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. In 2025, the market is expected to see further capacity additions, with several players announcing new facilities or upgrades to existing plants to address supply chain constraints and reduce lead times.

Technological innovation remains a key driver. The adoption of advanced vapor deposition techniques—such as Modified Chemical Vapor Deposition (MCVD), Outside Vapor Deposition (OVD), and Vapor Axial Deposition (VAD)—is enabling the production of preforms with lower attenuation and higher bandwidth capabilities. Companies like Corning Incorporated and Fujikura Ltd. are at the forefront of these developments, introducing new preform designs optimized for bend-insensitive and ultra-low-loss fibers, which are critical for next-generation network deployments.

Geographically, China remains a significant player, with domestic manufacturers such as Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company (YOFC) and Hengtong Group expanding their global footprint. These companies are not only increasing preform and fiber output but also investing in R&D to enhance product quality and diversify their offerings for international markets.

Looking ahead, the preform-based optical fiber manufacturing market in 2025 and the following years is expected to benefit from continued investments in digital infrastructure, government broadband initiatives, and the proliferation of cloud computing. However, the sector faces challenges such as fluctuating raw material costs and the need for ongoing innovation to meet evolving network requirements. Overall, the outlook remains positive, with established manufacturers and emerging players alike positioning themselves to capture growth opportunities in a rapidly digitizing world.

Industry Overview: Preform-Based Optical Fiber Manufacturing Fundamentals

Preform-based optical fiber manufacturing remains the dominant method for producing high-performance optical fibers, underpinning the global telecommunications, data center, and sensing industries. The process begins with the fabrication of a glass preform—typically using Modified Chemical Vapor Deposition (MCVD), Outside Vapor Deposition (OVD), or Vapor Axial Deposition (VAD)—which is then drawn into thin fibers under controlled conditions. This approach enables precise control over fiber geometry, refractive index profiles, and attenuation characteristics, which are critical for high-speed, long-distance data transmission.

As of 2025, the industry is characterized by a concentration of production capacity among a handful of major players, including Corning Incorporated, Fujikura Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., OFS Fitel, LLC (a subsidiary of Furukawa Electric), and Yokogawa Electric Corporation. These companies have vertically integrated operations, from preform fabrication to fiber drawing and cabling, allowing them to maintain stringent quality standards and rapidly scale production in response to market demand.

Recent years have seen significant investments in expanding preform and fiber manufacturing capacity, particularly in Asia. For example, Yokogawa Electric Corporation and Fujikura Ltd. have both announced upgrades to their preform production lines to support next-generation fiber types, such as bend-insensitive and ultra-low-loss fibers, which are increasingly required for 5G, FTTx, and hyperscale data center deployments. Meanwhile, Corning Incorporated continues to innovate in preform technology, focusing on advanced materials and process automation to improve yield and reduce costs.

The outlook for preform-based optical fiber manufacturing in the next few years is shaped by several trends. First, the ongoing global rollout of 5G and the expansion of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks are driving sustained demand for high-quality optical fiber. Second, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability, with manufacturers investing in energy-efficient processes and recycling of production scrap. Third, the industry is witnessing increased regionalization of supply chains, as governments and operators seek to secure local sources of critical telecom infrastructure.

In summary, preform-based manufacturing remains the technological and economic backbone of the optical fiber industry. With continued innovation and capacity expansion by leading companies such as Corning Incorporated, Fujikura Ltd., and Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., the sector is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of global communications infrastructure through 2025 and beyond.

Global Market Size, Segmentation, and 2025–2030 Growth Forecasts

The global market for preform-based optical fiber manufacturing is poised for robust growth through 2025 and into the latter part of the decade, driven by surging demand for high-speed broadband, 5G network rollouts, and expanding data center infrastructure. Preforms—high-purity glass rods from which optical fibers are drawn—are the critical upstream component in the fiber optic value chain, and their production is dominated by a handful of large, vertically integrated manufacturers.

As of 2025, the market is led by major players such as Corning Incorporated (USA), Fujikura Ltd. (Japan), Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. (Japan), Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company (YOFC) (China), and Prysmian Group (Italy). These companies not only manufacture optical fiber but also produce their own preforms, ensuring quality control and supply chain security. The market is segmented by fiber type (single-mode, multi-mode), application (telecommunications, data centers, FTTx, industrial, and specialty), and geography.

In 2025, Asia-Pacific remains the largest and fastest-growing regional market, with China and India investing heavily in fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and 5G infrastructure. YOFC and FiberHome Telecommunication Technologies Co., Ltd. are key suppliers in this region, with significant capacity expansions announced to meet domestic and export demand. Europe and North America are also experiencing steady growth, driven by digital transformation initiatives and government-backed broadband expansion programs.

The global preform-based optical fiber market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the high single digits through 2030, with total market value projected to reach several tens of billions of US dollars by the end of the decade. This growth is underpinned by ongoing investments in 5G, cloud computing, and the proliferation of connected devices. Leading manufacturers such as Corning Incorporated and Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. have announced new preform production lines and R&D initiatives to support next-generation fiber technologies, including bend-insensitive and ultra-low-loss fibers.

Looking ahead, the market outlook remains positive, with supply chain resilience, technological innovation, and regional capacity expansions shaping the competitive landscape. Strategic partnerships and joint ventures—such as those between Prysmian Group and regional telecom operators—are expected to further drive market penetration and secure long-term growth in the preform-based optical fiber sector.

Technological Innovations: Preform Fabrication and Fiber Drawing Advances

The preform-based optical fiber manufacturing process remains the backbone of global fiber optic production, with ongoing technological innovations in both preform fabrication and fiber drawing expected to shape the industry through 2025 and beyond. Preforms—large glass rods with precisely controlled refractive index profiles—are the starting point for drawing kilometers of optical fiber with minimal signal loss. The two dominant preform fabrication methods, Modified Chemical Vapor Deposition (MCVD) and Outside Vapor Deposition (OVD), continue to see incremental improvements in efficiency, purity, and scalability.

Leading manufacturers such as Corning Incorporated, Fujikura Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., and OFS Fitel, LLC are investing in automation and process control to enhance preform quality and reduce contamination. For example, Corning Incorporated has reported advances in vapor deposition chemistry and furnace design, enabling larger preforms with more complex refractive index profiles, which are essential for next-generation fibers supporting higher data rates and lower attenuation. Similarly, Fujikura Ltd. has focused on improving the uniformity and scalability of OVD processes, targeting both standard single-mode and specialty fibers.

In fiber drawing, the integration of real-time monitoring and closed-loop control systems is becoming standard among top producers. These systems allow for precise control of fiber diameter, concentricity, and coating thickness, which are critical for performance and yield. Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. has highlighted the use of advanced laser-based measurement and feedback systems in their draw towers, supporting the production of ultra-low-loss and bend-insensitive fibers. OFS Fitel, LLC is also advancing draw tower automation, with a focus on minimizing human intervention and maximizing throughput.

Looking ahead to 2025 and the following years, the industry is expected to see further adoption of digital twins and AI-driven process optimization in both preform fabrication and fiber drawing. These technologies promise to reduce defects, improve yields, and enable rapid scaling to meet the surging demand for high-capacity optical networks. Additionally, sustainability is gaining attention, with manufacturers exploring energy-efficient furnaces and recycling of process gases. As global data traffic continues to rise, these technological innovations will be crucial for maintaining the pace of optical fiber deployment and supporting the evolution of broadband infrastructure worldwide.

Key Players and Strategic Initiatives (e.g., corning.com, fujikura.co.jp, prysmiangroup.com)

The preform-based optical fiber manufacturing sector in 2025 is characterized by the dominance of a select group of global players, each leveraging advanced technologies and strategic investments to maintain or expand their market positions. The industry’s competitive landscape is shaped by ongoing innovation in preform fabrication, capacity expansions, and vertical integration, as well as efforts to secure supply chains for critical raw materials.

Corning Incorporated remains a pivotal force in the industry, with a legacy of pioneering the vapor deposition process for preform manufacturing. The company continues to invest in research and development, focusing on next-generation optical fibers with enhanced bandwidth and reduced attenuation. Corning’s global manufacturing footprint, including facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia, enables it to respond swiftly to regional demand fluctuations and supply chain challenges. In recent years, Corning has announced capacity expansions and strategic partnerships to support the rollout of 5G and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks, underscoring its commitment to technological leadership and market responsiveness (Corning Incorporated).

Prysmian Group, headquartered in Italy, is another major player, recognized for its vertically integrated operations spanning preform production to finished fiber and cable solutions. Prysmian has made significant investments in automation and digitalization of its manufacturing processes, aiming to improve efficiency and product quality. The company’s strategic initiatives include expanding its preform production capacity in Europe and Asia, as well as developing specialty fibers for emerging applications such as submarine cables and data centers. Prysmian’s global reach and diversified product portfolio position it as a key supplier to telecom operators and infrastructure projects worldwide (Prysmian Group).

Fujikura Ltd., based in Japan, is renowned for its expertise in both preform manufacturing and fiber drawing technologies. The company has focused on developing ultra-low-loss and bend-insensitive fibers, catering to the growing demand for high-performance optical networks. Fujikura’s strategic initiatives include collaborations with telecom operators and equipment manufacturers to co-develop customized fiber solutions. The company is also investing in expanding its manufacturing capacity in Asia to meet rising demand from the region’s rapidly growing broadband and 5G markets (Fujikura Ltd.).

Other notable players include Sumitomo Electric Industries and OFS Fitel, both of which are actively investing in R&D and capacity enhancements. The outlook for the next few years suggests continued consolidation among leading manufacturers, increased focus on sustainability in preform production, and the development of advanced fiber types to support evolving digital infrastructure needs.

Supply Chain Dynamics and Raw Material Trends

The supply chain for preform-based optical fiber manufacturing is characterized by its reliance on high-purity raw materials, advanced fabrication technologies, and a tightly integrated network of global suppliers and manufacturers. As of 2025, the sector is experiencing both opportunities and challenges shaped by evolving demand, geopolitical factors, and technological innovation.

Preforms, the cylindrical glass rods from which optical fibers are drawn, require ultra-pure silica and dopants such as germanium and phosphorus. The procurement of these materials is dominated by a handful of specialized chemical suppliers, with companies like Heraeus and Mitsubishi Chemical Group playing pivotal roles in supplying high-purity silica and related chemicals. The purity and consistency of these raw materials are critical, as even trace contaminants can degrade fiber performance.

The manufacturing of preforms is concentrated among a few major players, including Corning Incorporated, Fujikura Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, and OFS Fitel, LLC. These companies operate vertically integrated supply chains, often producing their own preforms and drawing fibers in-house to ensure quality and supply security. In recent years, there has been a trend toward further vertical integration, with manufacturers seeking to control more of the value chain to mitigate risks associated with raw material shortages and price volatility.

Geopolitical tensions and trade policy shifts, particularly between the US, China, and the EU, have influenced sourcing strategies. For example, Chinese manufacturers such as Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company (YOFC) and Hengtong Group have increased domestic production of preforms and raw materials to reduce reliance on imports and enhance supply chain resilience. This localization trend is expected to continue through the next few years, as governments and companies prioritize supply security for critical infrastructure components.

On the raw material front, the market is witnessing increased investment in recycling and alternative sourcing. Companies like Heraeus are developing processes to reclaim high-purity silica from manufacturing scrap, aiming to reduce waste and dependence on virgin materials. This aligns with broader sustainability goals and may help buffer the industry against future supply disruptions.

Looking ahead, the outlook for preform-based optical fiber manufacturing supply chains is shaped by ongoing digitalization, 5G and data center expansion, and the global push for broadband connectivity. These trends are expected to drive robust demand for optical fiber, putting pressure on suppliers to secure raw materials and optimize logistics. Companies with strong vertical integration, diversified sourcing, and investment in recycling technologies are likely to be best positioned to navigate the evolving landscape through 2025 and beyond.

Emerging Applications: 5G, Data Centers, and Smart Infrastructure

Preform-based optical fiber manufacturing is at the heart of the global push to expand high-speed connectivity, particularly as emerging applications such as 5G, data centers, and smart infrastructure drive unprecedented demand for advanced fiber solutions. In 2025 and the coming years, the industry is witnessing a surge in investment and innovation, with leading manufacturers scaling up production and refining preform technologies to meet the evolving requirements of these sectors.

The rollout of 5G networks is a primary catalyst for growth in optical fiber demand. 5G’s reliance on dense, low-latency, high-capacity backhaul and fronthaul networks necessitates the deployment of vast quantities of high-quality optical fiber. Major telecom operators and infrastructure providers are partnering with established fiber manufacturers to secure supply. Companies such as Corning Incorporated, a global leader in optical communications, are expanding their preform and fiber production capacities, leveraging proprietary vapor deposition processes to deliver fibers with low attenuation and high bandwidth suitable for 5G’s stringent requirements.

Data centers, another major driver, are rapidly scaling up to support cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics. Hyperscale operators are demanding optical fibers with enhanced performance characteristics, such as ultra-low loss and bend-insensitive properties, to maximize data throughput and minimize latency. Fujikura Ltd. and Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. are among the key players investing in advanced preform fabrication techniques, including outside vapor deposition (OVD) and modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD), to produce specialty fibers tailored for high-density data center environments.

Smart infrastructure initiatives—encompassing smart cities, intelligent transportation systems, and industrial automation—are further accelerating the need for robust, scalable fiber networks. These applications require fibers with high reliability and environmental resilience, prompting manufacturers to innovate in preform materials and process control. Prysmian Group, one of the world’s largest cable manufacturers, is actively developing new preform compositions and fiber designs to address the unique challenges of smart infrastructure deployments.

Looking ahead, the outlook for preform-based optical fiber manufacturing remains robust. Industry leaders are investing in automation, digitalization, and sustainability initiatives to enhance production efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Collaborative efforts between manufacturers, telecom operators, and technology providers are expected to yield new fiber types and deployment solutions, supporting the continued expansion of 5G, data centers, and smart infrastructure worldwide.

Regional Analysis: Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, and Rest of World

The global landscape for preform-based optical fiber manufacturing is shaped by regional dynamics, with Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Rest of World each playing distinct roles in the industry’s evolution through 2025 and beyond.

Asia-Pacific: This region remains the epicenter of optical fiber preform production, driven by surging demand for broadband infrastructure, 5G deployment, and data center expansion. China, in particular, dominates both preform and fiber output, with major players such as Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company (YOFC) and FiberHome Telecommunication Technologies operating large-scale, vertically integrated facilities. Japan and South Korea also maintain significant manufacturing capacity, with Fujikura Ltd. and Samsung Electronics (through its fiber optics division) investing in advanced preform technologies. India is rapidly scaling up, with companies like Sterlite Technologies Limited (STL) expanding preform production to meet domestic and export needs. The region’s outlook remains robust, with continued investment in new plants and R&D to support next-generation fiber types.
North America: The United States and Canada are focusing on strengthening domestic supply chains for optical fiber preforms, partly in response to geopolitical concerns and the need for secure communications infrastructure. Corning Incorporated, the world’s largest producer of optical fiber and preforms, continues to expand its manufacturing footprint, including recent investments in new preform capacity. Regional demand is buoyed by federal broadband initiatives and private sector investments in fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and 5G backhaul. North American manufacturers are also emphasizing specialty preforms for high-performance and military applications.
Europe: European preform manufacturing is characterized by a focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability. Prysmian Group (Italy) and Nexans S.A. (France) are leading producers, supplying both regional and global markets. The European Union’s digital agenda and green transition are driving investments in energy-efficient production and recycling of preform materials. The region is also a hub for R&D in specialty fibers, including those for medical and sensing applications.
Rest of World: Other regions, including Latin America and the Middle East, are emerging as important markets for optical fiber deployment, though most preform manufacturing is still imported from Asia, North America, or Europe. However, some local initiatives are underway to develop domestic capabilities, particularly in countries with growing telecom infrastructure needs.

Looking ahead, regional competition and collaboration are expected to intensify, with supply chain resilience, technological innovation, and sustainability emerging as key differentiators in the preform-based optical fiber manufacturing sector.

Sustainability, Environmental Impact, and Circular Economy Initiatives

Preform-based optical fiber manufacturing, a cornerstone of the global telecommunications infrastructure, is increasingly under scrutiny for its environmental footprint and sustainability practices. As of 2025, the industry is witnessing a marked shift toward greener production methods, resource efficiency, and circular economy initiatives, driven by both regulatory pressures and corporate responsibility commitments.

The preform manufacturing process, which typically involves the deposition of ultra-pure glass using methods such as Modified Chemical Vapor Deposition (MCVD), Outside Vapor Deposition (OVD), and Vapor Axial Deposition (VAD), is energy-intensive and generates chemical byproducts. Leading manufacturers, including Corning Incorporated, Fujikura Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., and Prysmian Group, have responded by investing in cleaner technologies and process optimization. For example, Corning Incorporated has publicly committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water usage across its manufacturing sites, including those dedicated to optical fiber preforms. Similarly, Prysmian Group has set ambitious targets for energy efficiency and waste reduction, integrating renewable energy sources into its production lines.

A significant trend in 2025 is the adoption of closed-loop systems for chemical recovery and recycling. Companies are increasingly reclaiming and purifying process gases and solvents, such as silicon tetrachloride and germanium tetrachloride, to minimize hazardous waste and reduce raw material consumption. Fujikura Ltd. and Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. have both reported progress in implementing such systems, contributing to lower emissions and improved resource circularity.

Water management is another focal point, as preform production requires significant volumes of ultra-pure water. Industry leaders are deploying advanced filtration and recycling technologies to reduce freshwater intake and mitigate wastewater discharge. These efforts align with broader sustainability frameworks and are increasingly being disclosed in annual sustainability reports.

Looking ahead, the next few years are expected to see further integration of circular economy principles, such as the reuse of end-of-life optical fibers and the development of eco-friendly preform materials. Collaborative initiatives between manufacturers, suppliers, and industry bodies are anticipated to accelerate the adoption of best practices and standardize environmental metrics. As regulatory requirements tighten and customer demand for sustainable solutions grows, preform-based optical fiber manufacturing is poised to become a model for responsible industrial innovation.

Future Outlook: Disruptive Technologies and Market Opportunities Through 2030

The preform-based optical fiber manufacturing sector is poised for significant transformation through 2030, driven by both disruptive technologies and evolving market demands. As of 2025, the industry remains dominated by a handful of global leaders, including Corning Incorporated, Fujikura Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., OFS Fitel, LLC (a subsidiary of Furukawa Electric), and Prysmian Group. These companies continue to invest heavily in R&D to address the surging demand for high-capacity, low-loss optical fibers, particularly for 5G, data center interconnects, and next-generation broadband infrastructure.

A key area of innovation is the development of ultra-low-loss and large effective area fibers, which are essential for long-haul and high-speed data transmission. Corning Incorporated and Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. have both announced advancements in preform fabrication techniques, such as improved vapor deposition processes and enhanced material purity, to push attenuation rates below 0.16 dB/km. These improvements are expected to become commercially significant by 2026–2027, enabling more efficient global data networks.

Another disruptive trend is the integration of specialty fibers, such as multicore and hollow-core fibers, into mainstream production. Fujikura Ltd. and OFS Fitel, LLC are actively piloting preform technologies that allow for the scalable manufacture of these advanced fiber types. Hollow-core fibers, in particular, promise dramatically lower latency and higher bandwidth, and are anticipated to move from pilot to early commercial deployment by 2028.

Automation and digitalization of preform manufacturing are also accelerating. Leading manufacturers are deploying AI-driven process controls and real-time quality monitoring to reduce defects and improve yield. Prysmian Group has publicly committed to expanding its smart manufacturing initiatives, aiming to cut production costs and environmental impact while meeting the growing global demand for fiber.

Looking ahead, the market outlook through 2030 is robust. The proliferation of AI, cloud computing, and IoT will continue to drive exponential growth in fiber demand. At the same time, sustainability pressures are prompting manufacturers to explore greener preform chemistries and recycling initiatives. The convergence of these trends suggests that preform-based optical fiber manufacturing will remain a dynamic and opportunity-rich sector, with established players and new entrants alike vying to shape the next era of global connectivity.

Sources & References

Inside the Future: State-of-the-Art Fiber Optic Production Line

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Preform-Based Optical Fiber Manufacturing: 2025 Market Surge & Next-Gen Tech Unveiled

ByQuinn Parker