Abstract
US demand to approach 40 billion pounds in 2011
US demand for extruded plastics is forecast to rise 2.7 percent annually to
nearly 40 billion pounds in 2011, valued at over $32 billion (resin content
only). Resins will account for 40 percent of extruded plastic product costs.
Extruded plastic advances will reflect the processes' cost effectiveness, high
throughput rates, technology improvements, processing ease and high volume
uses. Further growth will be threatened by a slumping residential building
construction segment. Extrusion will account for 42 percent of all plastics
processed in 2011.
Construction, packaging markets to remain dominant
Construction and packaging markets together accounted for 78 percent of all
extruded plastics demand in 2006. Construction opportunities will be based on
plastic' s light weight, cost competitiveness, ease of extrusion and reduced
maintenance requirements. Further growth will be constrained by a slumping
residential building construction segment, which will particularly impact
siding demand. Packaging advances will be driven by plastic' s low cost and
excellent performance in blister packs and clamshells, as well as cups, bowls,
plates and disposable packaging. Smaller extruded plastic markets include
consumer goods, motor vehicles, industrial and medical.
Study coverage
It presents historical demand data (1996, 2001, 2006) plus forecasts (2011,
2016) by resin, market and application. The market environment discusses
developments in end use segments, as well as pricing factors and competitive
technologies. The industry structure presents market shares and an analysis of
merger and acquisition activity and other competitive variables, as well as
profiles for more than 30 US industry participants.
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