CLEVELAND — Global demand for plastic pipe will rise 8.5 percent annually through 2017 to 11.2 billion meters, according to a report by Cleveland-based Freedonia Group Inc.
Growth will be the result of increased construction spending, a rebound in the U.S. market, and gains in market share from copper, concrete, and steel, thanks to lower cost, installation ease and performance advantages.
PVC will remain the most widely used resin, accounting for more than 55 percent of demand in 2012, but high density polyethylene will take market share from PVC.
The U.S. construction sector will see double-digit gains in pipe demand, according to the report, "World Plastic Pipe." The 421-page report costs $6,300.