Food packaging to lead US plastic-sheet growth

04 January 2008 17:47  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--US demand for plastic sheets is expected to grow at a 2.9% annual rate through 2011, with food-packaging applications having the strongest potential at 3.6% annual growth, according to a market study released on Friday.

Overall plastic-sheet demand growth will slow from an estimated 3.3% annual rate in 2001-2006, as many applications reach maturity, and businesses seek to reduce packaging waste, according to a report issued by the Freedonia Group, a market research firm based in Cleveland.

Polystyrene (PS) sheet is expected to account for half of the projected 7.7bn lb (3.5m tonnes)/year plastic sheet market in 2011. PS enjoys cost and performance advantages in thermoformed food packaging.

Polypropylene (PP) and polyester sheets have the strongest growth opportunities, however, especially in tubs, cups, trays, blister packs and clamshells.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet demand is expected to decline amid reduced housing construction and associated demand for flooring and roofing products.

Other plastic sheet resins include high density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylic, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and low density PE (LDPE).

Resin cost will account for about 39% of the projected $18.5bn (€12.6bn) value of plastic sheet produced in 2011, the report said.

($1.00 = €0.68)

By: David Barry
+1 713 525 2653

< previous article(VIDEO – ICIS news Americas Lunchtime Bulletin 2 November 2009)

For the latest chemical news, data and analysis that directly impacts your business sign up for a free trial to ICIS news - the breaking online news service for the global chemical industry.

Get the facts and analysis behind the headlines from our market leading weekly magazine: sign up to a free trial to ICIS Chemical Business.

Printer Friendly