TPE demand to rise 6% per year to 2013: report

World demand for thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) is forecast to rise 6.0 per cent per year through 2013 to 4.2 million metric tons, with China accounting for 42 per cent of new TPE demand.

The findings are part of a new study, “World Thermoplastic Elastomers”, released by market research firm the Fredonia Group. The study analyzes the world market for TPEs.

 
Motor vehicles will remain the largest market for TPEs at the global level as olefenics (TPOs and TPVs) continue to see increasing penetration in motor vehicles in both interior and exterior applications. “There is significant interest and collaboration among global automakers and TPE compounders in trying to produce an all-olefenic auto interior and large exterior car panels made with TPOs,” the study concluded.

Excluding China, global TPE sales will remain heavily concentrated in the developed markets of the U.S., Western Europe and Japan, the report also stated, particularly for higher performance materials such as TPVs and copolyester elastomers (COPEs).

For more information on the study, click on this link.