Resins, growth forecasts

World demand for polypropylene is expected to be 30 billion pounds by 2002. This is the strongest growth forecast for any of the major thermoplastics (5.9%). Many of the resins new applications particularly in packaging come at the expense of PS and PVC, the two resins that have been the subject of regulatory restrictions related to solid waste issues and potential toxicity. 

The epoxy resin production value in the United States, western Europe, and Asia is estimated to be over 2.5 billion. Almost 900,000 metric tons (t) of epoxy resins is consumed in these regions with around 35 percent of the consumption in Asia. The overall global consumption in 2002 was approximately 970,0001 (2.14 billion lb) with a 4 to 5 percent annual growth rate.3 The 7 to 10 percent growth rate in the 1970s has slowed except in Asia. Future consumption will average about 2 to 4 percent per year from 2004 to 2008 in the United States and western Europe.4 In North America the demand for epoxy resins is forecast at 690 million lb, valued at 1.4 billion, in 2004.5... 

The forecasts made in 1985 (77) of 8—8.5% worldwide aimual growth have not materialized. The 2 x lOg + /yr engineering plastic production reported for 1985—1986 has remained fairly constant. Whereas some resins such as PET, nylon-6, and nylon-6,6 have continued to experience growth, other resins such as poly(phenylene oxide) have experienced downturns. This is due to successhil inroads from traditional materials (wood, glass, ceramics, and metals) which are experiencing a rebound in appHcations driven by new technology and antiplastics environmental concerns. Also, recycling is likely to impact production of all plastics. 

PVC While the PVC market is expected to decline through 2010, growth is also forecasted for the following PO, used in making urethane foam propylene glycol, used in producing unsaturated polyesters pharmaceuticals and foods isocyanates, used in the manufacture of products used in the construction and automobile industries and epoxy resins, made by reacting bisphenol A with epichlorohydrin. 

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