Air out of some foamed plastics demand

in a newly released report on that industry segment. These figures are based on the projection of a turnaround in building construction and motor vehicle production. Foamed urethane will continue as the largest type and demand for it will ‘expand’ to 4.3 billion lb in 2013, driven by insulation and cushioning applications. Construction and packaging together accounted for nearly 60% of all foamed plastics demand in 2008.

Demand for foamed urethane is projected to increase at 2.8% annually through 2013, with slightly better growth expected for foamed flexible urethane than its rigid counterpart, said the report. Good growth is expected for foamed flexible urethane in motor vehicle and carpet underlay applications, assuming that rebound in motor vehicle and residential building construction markets. Foamed rigid urethane demand will exhibit rapid advances in B&C applications in tank/pipe insulation, again based on heightened construction activity. Good growth is anticipated for foamed rigid urethane in structural insulated panels.    

The Freedonia Group said that demand for foamed polystyrene will rise at a 2.3% annual pace to 2.5 billion ib in 2013 due to myriad packaging and construction insulation applications. Packaging will continue to account for 70% of all foamed polystyrene use in 2013, based on its cost and performance advantages over other resins and materials.     

Foamed vinyl demand is expected to increase nearly 3% annually to 265 million lb in 2013, buoyed by renewed vigor in the residential building segment, as well as replacement applications for vinyl windows, doors, flooring and other products. Foamed engineering plastics demand is projected to rise 3.4% annually to 315 million lb in 2013 as a result of needs for more cost-effective and higher-performing materials, particularly in motor vehicle and electrical and electronic applications.     

Foamed polypropylene opportunities will reflect the resin’s low cost, high mechanical strength, and other performance properties. The most rapid growth however, is expected for much smaller volume biodegradable foam in light of its increased availability and  broader environmental appeal. —Clare Goldsberry