Abstract
US demand to reach 8.6 billion pounds in 2013
Demand for foamed plastics in the US is forecast to grow 2.9 percent annually
to 8.6 billion pounds in 2013, valued at $27 billion. Rebounds are anticipated
after the 1.2 percent annual decline experienced between 2003 and 2008.
Construction markets will lead advances, particularly for insulation and
carpet underlay. Most rapid advances are expected for RIM and foamed vinyl,
fueled by rebounds in motor vehicle production and construction uses. Overall
foamed plastics growth will be driven by demands for durable, comfortable and
lower-cost materials, as well as needs for heightened energy efficiency in
areas such as buildings and appliances.
Foamed urethane demand will grow 2.8 percent per annum through 2013 to 4.3
billion pounds based on cushioning opportunities for foamed flexible urethane
in furniture, bedding, carpet backing and other areas. Slightly slower growth
is expected for foamed rigid urethane with good construction market
opportunities. Rigid urethane is a highly efficient thermal insulating
material with widespread building, tank, pipe and appliance uses. The material
may also be foamedin- place or used as the core insulating material in
structural panels.
Demand for foamed polystyrene demand is expected to exhibit below average
growth through 2013 to 2.5 billion pounds. Advances will be restrained by
maturing applications and average growth in the large packaging segment. Best
packaging growth is expected for hinged containers and cups. Foamed vinyl
construction uses such as flooring, pipe, and windows and doors. Foamed vinyl
has cost, performance and other advantages over wood, metal and other
materials in many uses.
Construction will remain largest market
Construction, the largest foamed plastic market, will be stimulated by
opportunities in insulation, flooring, carpet padding and other areas.
Insulation growth will be fueled by the superior insulating qualities of
urethane and polystyrene foams compared to fiberglass, coupled with their
competitive costs, ease of installation and ability to be added to existing
structures through foamed-in-place techniques. below average growth in the
household product market will be driven by rising consumer spending patterns
and increased purchases of foamed flexible urethane in mattress, furniture and
bedding products.
Study coverage
Details on these and other findings are contained in Foamed Plastics, a new
Freedonia industry study, presents historical data (1998, 2003 and 2008) plus
forecasts for 2013 and 2018 by type and market. Demand is presented in
millions of pounds and includes both merchant and captive segments. The market
environment discusses trends in leading markets, as well as competitive
materials and international activity. The industry structure evaluates market
share, assesses merger and acquisition activity, and profiles 45 competitors
in the US industry.
| 
View Cart
