Abstract
INTRODUCTION
The objective of this study is to provide an analysis of transparent plastics
in terms of current and forecasted markets. New developments in clear plastics
have expanded usage in existing and new applications, creating competition
between polymers exhibiting optical clarity. The competitive scenario between
glass and clear plastics will also be provided as well as detailed discussions
on the competition between individual transparent plastics. Important
suppliers of clear plastics, their product lines and other important factors
that impact the market will also be covered.
A search is continuing for special markets by most plastics suppliers,
somewhat irrespective of potential volume. Selection criteria focus on growing
specialty markets with opportunities for respectable profits even though sales
volumes may not be large by commodity resin standards.
Transparent plastics have become a significant market and encompass many types
of polymers. In addition to acrylics and polycarbonates, many styrene-based
materials, along with commodity and specialty polymers, are available in clear
grades. Opportunities in several application areas are in need of reappraisal
in regard to transparent or clear plastics especially in the electronics,
medical and automotive sectors. Of special interest within the electronics
sector is use of transparent plastics as substrates for CDs and DVDs.
SCOPE OF STUDY
This report covers:
- Rigid, clear, non-packaging plastic parts, which include injection molded,
non-film extrusion, and thermoforming (including cast sheet).
- Clear resins that include: acrylics, polycarbonates, polystyrenes, styrene
block copolymers (SBCs), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), ABS, polysulfones,
thermoplastic polyesters (almost exclusively, PET), polypropylene,
acrylic-styrene copolymers (SMMA), PVC, nylon, cellulosic resins, cyclic
olefin copolymers (COCs), and allyl diglycol carbonate (ADC)
- Major applications for these rigid transparent plastics: medical,
electronic automotive markets, as well as building/construction, housewares,
appliances, toys, optical lenses and aircraft transparencies
- U.S. market forecasts for plastics and applications for the period 2006
through 2011.
- Company profiles of leading suppliers and their products
- Tests, standards, regulations affecting the industry.
METHODOLOGY
A comprehensive review was undertaken of the literature relating to clear
polymers, their applications and technology, and significant new developments.
Included in the review were supplier trade literature, texts, and monographs.
Following collection and analysis of this information, unresolved issues were
discussed with producers, suppliers, and fabricators of transparent plastics.
The terms "transparent" and "clear" are used interchangeably. The acronyms PS,
PP, and PC are often used to denote polystyrene, polypropylene, and
polycarbonate, respectively.
Methylmethacrylate and MMA are also used interchangeably, as are
polymethylmethacrylate and PMMA. Methylmethacrylate polymers are also
synonymous with PMMA and the terms "acrylics" and/or "acrylic polymers" are
often used as well.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Research analyst Mel Schlechter has over 40 years in the chemical industry,
and specializes in plastics market research. He has been with BCC Research for
over 10 years and holds a B.S in chemistry, M.S. in organic chemistry and a
M.B.A. in marketing
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