Global Polycarbonate consumption in 2008 was 3.25 mln tons. It is expected to grow at 7% for the next 5 years to reach about 4.6 mln tons by 2013. The optical media segment which includes CDs and DVDs was the largest consumer of PC with growth around 35% pa from 1996-2000, slowing to 10% pa from 2001-2005. However, future growth rate of polycarbonate will slow significantly and start to decline as CDs and recordable CDs are replaced by MP3/MP4 players, high internet bandwidth and USB drives. Growth is still expected in other sectors such as alloys used in automotive, electronic products, construction sector, etc. Read in Polycarbonate growth expected to slow down on declining demand from optical media segment

World styrene demand in 2009 is projected to contract for the second consecutive year, bringing the total loss in demand to well over 2 mln tons from the peak in 2007. The oversupply is expected to grow even further in 2010 as more capacity comes on stream, taking into account further monomer plant closures. World average operating rates for styrene are not forecast to surpass even the mid 80% level in the coming years, despite projections that styrene demand growth will resume at levels near GDP. One of the most important trends in the supply of polystyrene has been the rationalization and/or divestment of assets, especially in the mature markets of North America and West Europe. Read more in Global economic slowdown adversely impacts styrenics business - further restructuring underway

Demand for wood-plastic composite and plastic lumber in USA is expected to increase by 10.3% from 2008 for the next 5 years, projected to advance to US$5.6 bln in 2013. Gains will be driven by continued consumer acceptance of these products as replacements for more traditional materials, such as natural wood. The increasing perception of these materials as environment friendly products, due to their incorporation of recycled materials, will promote further demand gains. Demand gains will also be encouraged by the rebound of the residential construction from recent cyclical lows. Read in US wood composite and plastic lumber market to grow at over 10% until 2013

Microscopic polymer beads change color instantly and reversibly when external magnetic fields acting upon the microspheres change orientation, in a new research. The research promises a novel kind of display technology for large sized rewritable outdoor displays and posters which will be inexpensive compared to its present day counterparts. Applications of the new material include display type units such as rewritable or reusable signage, posters, electronic papers and labels, and other magnetically activated security features. The new material can be used to make environment friendly pigments for paints and cosmetics, as well as ink materials for color printing. Read in Magnetochromatic polymer beads to pave way for large size inexpensive outdoor displays

Nanomaterials weigh less, mold more easily on smaller presses and process dramatically faster. Hence, initial applications were motivated by cost savings relative to conventional resins, but long-term nanocomposites growth will come from enhancing value. Many technological advances have been made in nanocomposites, enabling suppliers to target profitable markets such as automotive and sports applications. This segment continues to be shrouded with technical problems and a price disadvantage. Read in New developments in nano composite compounding