Expanding applications to drive demand for polymeric foams

09-May-14

Polymer foams are used in disposable packaging for food products, insulation material in buildings, and as cushioning in furniture products. While high-density cellular plastics are widely used in furniture, transportation, and building products, low-density foams find use in shock absorption, insulation, and rigid packaging. The growing use of polymeric foams is primarily attributed to the numerous beneficial attributes of the material such as low density that aids in reducing product weight, and low heat transfer ability that enables use of foams as optimal insulators, flexibility, exceptional insulating properties, impact-resistant characteristics, buoyancy, and outstanding strength-to-weight ratios, among others, as per Global Industry Analysts, Inc. Polymeric foams hold an edge over alternative materials such as fiberglass and metallic foams, owing to benefits such as low weight and relatively lower cost. Growth in the market is driven by expanding use in construction, furniture & bedding, packaging, automotive, and plastic manufacturing industries. In the coming years, emergence of innovative technologies and applications will help encourage demand for polymer foams in various end-use markets. Growing emphasis on sustainability will help drive demand for green building materials such as eco-friendly polymeric foams. Despite the opportunities for growth, the market is also expected to confront challenges manifested in the form of stringent environmental regulations legislated by governments worldwide, and difficulties in waste disposal, and recyclability. Asia-Pacific represents the largest and the fastest growing market with a CAGR of 4% over the analysis period. Huge population base, rapidly expanding construction activities in commercial, residential and industrial sectors, focus on public infrastructure development, and rising automotive production, represent factors driving growth in the region. Polyurethane (PU) Foams represents the largest product market supported by broad applications in consumer products by virtue of product characteristics such as elasticity, mechanical strength, insulation, and chemical resistance. Bedding & furniture and construction are the leading end-use markets for PU foams, while the automotive industry is likely to post strong growth in demand for PU foams in the coming years.