Demand for I/M plastics to grow 2.8 per cent annually to 2010: report

The demand for injection molded plastics in the US is projected to grow 2.8 per cent annually to almost 16 billion pounds, with a value of US$14.7 billion, by 2010, according to a new study released by The Freedonia Group Inc. research firm.
The study, called “Injection Molded Plastics”, also forecast that polypropylene (PP) will present the best packaging opportunities, with fastest growth anticipated in medical, packaging, and electrical and electronic markets. Injection molded PP demand is expected to rise 3.6 per cent annually based, the report said.
Injection molded polystyrene (PS) demand will increase slowly due to competitive pressures from lower cost resins such as PP and high density polyethylene (PE), the report also noted.Packaging markets will be driven by opportunities in caps and closures, as well as industrial shipping pails, the report continued.
The report also determined that packaging and consumer markets together accounted for nearly two-thirds of total injection molded plastic demand in 2005.
The cost of the 293-page “Injection Molded Plastics” study is US$4,300. The Freedonia Group, based in Cleveland, Ohio, can be contacted at 440-684-9600, or 1-800-927-5900 440-684. A link to the study brochure, in PDF format, is available at: www.freedoniagroup.com/pdf/2118embro.pdf