Extruded Plastics Demand

Demand for extruded plastics in the US is forecast to expand 2.6 percent yearly to nearly 34 billion pounds in 2013, valued at more than $23 billion (resin content only). Resins will account for 40 percent of the final product cost of $59.2 billion. The key factor as extruded plastics rebound from the demand declines of 2007 and 2008 will be a turnaround in the housing market, a major outlet for extruded plastic products such as siding and pipe. Extruded plastic advances will also be boosted by a significant moderation in plastic resin prices. These and other trends are presented in Extruded Plastics, a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry research firm.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) together accounted for 60 percent of all extruded plastics demand in 2008. Demand for extruded PVC is expected to rise 3.0 percent annually to 10.4 billion pounds in 2013. Slower advances for extruded LDPE will reflect saturated film and sheet applications in the packaging arena.

Demand for extruded high density polyethylene is projected to grow 2.5 percent per year to 5.6 billion pounds in 2013, driven by rapid growth in the potable water and corrugated drain and sewer pipe market. Slower growth is expected for foamed polystyrene due to competition from polyolefin resins in film and other uses.

For more information, contact Corinne Gangloff, The Freedonia Group, Inc., 767 Beta Drive, Cleveland, OH 44123, 440-684-9600, Fax: 440-646-0484, E-mail: pr@freedoniagroup.com, Web: www.freedoniagroup.com.