Demand for plastics additives to grow by 2.6% pa in USA

11-Aug-05

Demand for plastics additives is forecast to grow by 2.6% pa in USA. This translates to demand in real terms at 2.36 million tons or 5.2bn pounds in 2009. The decline in demand for plasticisers and flame retardants seems to have been arrested and is expected to ricochet. Alterations and changes in the phthalate product mix have been made as a result of adverse publicity about health concerns. Despite this, phthalates are estimated to remain the dominant plasticiser type. Flame retardants to are predicted to grow because of a recovering electrical and electronics market. Despite the environmental pressure against brominated flame retardants in Europe, the demand for these additives is likely to grow in the US plastics market. Rigid PVC products, growing more rapidly than flexible products, are likely to give impetus to additives such as lubricants and impact modifiers.