Bayer hopes insulation panels boosts PC sales

29 August 2008 17:44  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--Bayer MaterialScience will start selling polycarbonate (PC) building insulation panels, the company said on Friday, opening a new market for a resin that has been hobbled by weak demand.

The Germany-based polymer manufacturer said it will market the transparent, heat-insulating panels for roof and facade glazing under the name i-LINE. The panels’ low intrinsic weight allows them to be laid over large areas with comparatively lightweight supporting structures, the company said.

If successful, the insulation panels would open a potentially large new market for the company’s PC unit, which reported a 9% drop in sales for second-quarter 2008.

PC sales have shrunk dramatically in the wake of weakness in the CD, DVD, automotive and housing markets, sources said.

Average North American spot prices have dropped to about $3,340/tonne (€2,271/tonne), down from highs of around $4,100/tonne in 2005, according to global chemical market intelligence service ICIS pricing.

PC prices average $2,800/tonne in Asia and $4,343/tonne in Europe.   

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By: Ben Lefebvre
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