3-year growth forecast for flexible packaging Converted flexible packaging demand in the United States is projected to increase more than 2 percent annually to 7 billion pounds in 2003, valued at $12.7 billion, according to a recent study conducted by Freedonia Group Inc. of Cleveland.
Plastic film demand will exhibit the best opportunities and expand 2.7 percent annually to more than 5 billion pounds in 2003, paced by improved film grades and heightened performance properties compared to paper and foil. Polyethylene will remain the dominant film used, although significant growth is anticipated for polypropylene. Ethylene vinyl alcohol films will exhibit the most rapid growth based on their high barrier properties.
Snacks, produce and frozen foods will present the best food opportunities for converted flexible packaging based on market expansion, new product introductions and technological advances.
Converted flexible packaging demand in nonfood applications will rise at a slower pace yet be stimulated by source-reduction efforts and enhanced marketability via the use of more aesthetic yet functional packaging.
"Converted Flexible Packaging" is available for $3,600 and is 227 pages.
Tel. (440) 684-9600, fax (440) 646-0484, e-mail [email protected] group.com.
PET demand expected to rise through 2003
According to a new study by Freedonia Group Inc., based in Cleveland, PET resin demand in the United States is forecast to increase 6.2 percent annually to 6.6 billion pounds in 2003, valued at $4.1 billion.
Demands for PET resins in packaging applications will increase nearly 7 percent per year to 5.6 billion pounds in 2003, accounting for 86 percent of all PET resin demand. Advances will be driven by opportunities in the packaging segment for single-serve carbonated soft drinks and bottled water. Milk and beer bottles are new, potentially large PET applications.
Overall, PET demand will be stimulated by improvements in heat resistance, coextrusion technologies, barrier properties, blending, compounding and design techniques.
PET resin demand in audio-visual media uses will grow less than 2 percent per year with photographic-film applications remaining dominant.
"Polyethylene Terephthalate Resins," a 224-page report, is available for $3,500.
Tel. (440) 684-9600, fax (440) 646-0484, e-mail [email protected] group.com.
Study details growth of plastics in Hungary
The plastics industry in Hungary is one of the most sophisticated and advanced in Central Europe, and with a per-capita thermoplastics consumption of about 90 pounds, is the highest in the region, according to a study by Applied Market Information Ltd. of Bristol, England.
The directory lists more than 500 plastics processing sites in Hungary. Injection molders make up the largest number and are responsible for the greatest share of plastic resin demand, slightly ahead of the film extrusion sector. Injection molders supply predominantly those markets which have seen the highest levels of foreign direct investment such as the telecommunications, electrical, packaging and automotive industries.
The first edition of "AMI's Directory of Plastics Processing in Hungary," in addition to listing 503 manufacturing operations in the country, provides an overview of the Hungarian plastics processing industry. The 153-page report costs 175 or 245 euros ($247) and includes details on supply and demand for selected polymers and information on the structure of the plastics industry in Hungary.
Tel. +44 (117) 924-9442, fax +44 (117) 989-2128, e-mail [email protected] plastics.com.
Asian polyolefins use predicted to grow
Asian consumption of polyolefins is expected to grow at 6.8 percent annually, from 40.2 billion pounds in 1998 to 55.9 billion pounds by 2003, according to a new study by TownsendTarnell Inc., a global consultant to the chemicals and plastics industries based in Houston.
The Asian economic crisis that began in mid-1997 apparently has bottomed out, and polyolefins consumption in Asian regions is poised to begin a slow recovery. Before the crisis, total polyolefin demand in Asia was forecast to be more than 68.2 billion pounds by 2003. The revised demand forecast for 2003 indicates a projected loss of almost 13.2 billion pounds, or 19 percent less than it would have been without the crisis.
Asian demand for polypropylene is expected to reach a level of 24.2 billion pounds in 2003, up from 17.2 billion pounds in 1998. Among the polyethylenes, high-density PE will grow to 12.5 billion pounds from 9.5 billion pounds over the same period. Linear low-density PE will grow faster compared to LDPE due to increased availability and lower prices.
"Asian Economic Crisis 1999: Its Effects on the Polyolefin Industry," a 100-page report, costs $4,900.
Tel. (281) 873-8733, ext. 132, fax (281) 875-1915, e-mail sganges [email protected]
Chlorine continues as fast-growing end use
Chlorine's main end use, the production of ethylene dichloride for vinyl chloride monomer and PVC, is expected to continue to be the fastest-growing end use, averaging 2.7 percent per year, to consume 13 billion pounds of chlorine in 2004, according to a study by Consulting Resources Corp., of Lexington, Mass.
Other organics represent the second fastest-growing end use, at 2.1 percent per year, and these are expected to consume 7 billion pounds of chlorine in 2004. The report forecasts a growth rate of 1.5 percent per year for United States chlorine demand, from 27.2 billion pounds in 1999 to 29.2 billion pounds in 2004.
"Chlorine Facing Tight Market in 2000" is a free two-page report.
Tel. (781) 863-1222, fax (781) 863-1441.
