Growth of polyethylene consumption

The world consumption of polyethylene is growing at above the average economic growth figures. Total use in the world was estimated at 62 million tonnes in 2001 that gives an average of nearly 10 kg/person worldwide. In Western Europe, the volume of polyethylene used in 2001 was close to 11 million toimes (about 35 kg/person). Table 3.1 shows the growth of polyethylene consumption over the years 1987 to 2001. 

Polyethylene products are still replacing traditional materials such as paper or metals. Three main types of polyethylene can be distinguished. The total of these types is used in more than 90 % of all polyethylene applications. 

Polyethylene is produced all over Europe the plants are usually in the vicinity of refineries which support them with the raw materials. The main production sites (in Western Europe) for polyethylene are shown in Table 3.2. Due to mergers and joint venture formations, the number of European producers has decreased over the last few years. Some of the European producers are part of worldwide polyethylene producing companies others only focus on Europe. The largest PE producers in the world are Dow, ExxonMobil and Equistar, followed by Borealis and Basell. Equistar does not produce in Europe, but all the others do. Besides these four companies, Polimeri Europa, DSM, BP, Repsol, Atofina and Solvay, who formed a joint venture with BP, are the other important producers in Europe. 

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