APLA ´08: Brazil polymer demand still untapped

17 November 2008 16:15  [Source: ICIS news]

RIO DE JANEIRO (ICIS news)--Brazil has significant polymer demand that remains untapped even though plastic consumption grew by about 6% annually in the last two years, petrochemicals maker Braskem said on Monday.

A Braskem official cited the durable-goods sector as having strong potential for the polymers industry in the country.

“Only 37% of Brazilian homes have washing machines, while 10% of households still have no refrigerator,” the official said during the 28th Latin American Petrochemical Annual Meeting (APLA).

Another market with significant growth potential is the diapers segment. The official said diaper penetration in Brazil is only at about 40%.

That compares with 75% in Argentina and almost 100% in the US and Japan.

Diapers use a super-absorbent polymer made from acrylic acid. Durable goods, such as washers and refrigerators, are a key end-market for polypropylene.

The 28th APLA conference opened on Sunday in Rio de Janeiro. The event will end on Tuesday.

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By: William Lemos
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