US demand to rise 5.5% per annum through 2009
The US market for polymerization catalysts is forecast to grow 5.5 percent per year to $1.1 billion in 2009, advancing from a relatively weak base. Demand will be driven by increased polymer production and expanded use of more sophisticated catalysts. Growth will be particularly strong in organometallic materials (Ziegler/Natta and single-site catalysts) used to produce high volume polyolefins, while chemicalbased reaction initiators trail overall gains.
Higher activity, higher value polymerization catalysts will continue to increase their presence in the market. Metallocene and other singlesite catalysts yield resins which have improved performance characteristics. In particular, the use of single-site catalysts is expanding in the production of polypropylene and high density polyethylene, although the bulk of demand will remain in linear low density polyethylene.
Ziegler/Natta types to remain dominant
Ziegler/Natta catalysts, the workhorse products of the industry, will continue to be the dominant catalysts in use, due to their cost effectiveness, established technology base and the ongoing development of improved products. This will allow Ziegler/Natta materials to remain competitive, even in the face of competition from new single-site catalysts.
Demand for reaction initiators (chemical catalysts such as organic peroxides and amines) will register below-average gains through 2009. This will derive from comparatively weak growth in production for several polymers, such as low density polyethylene and polystyrene. In addition, price competition is expected to hold down overall value gains.
Study coverage
Polymerization Catalysts, a new Freedonia industry study, which presents historical US demand data 1994, 1999, 2004) plus forecasts to 2009 and 2014 by polymerization catalyst type e.g., Ziegler/Natta, reaction initiators, chromium, urethane, single-site); and by resin (e.g., polypropylene, high-density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, synthetic rubber). The study also discusses captive versus market consumption, technological issues and licensing activity; evaluates supplier market share; and profiles leading companies.
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