Transparent plastics set for growth in North America

The North American rigid transparent plastics market is estimated to reach more than 2.8 billion lbs (1.2 million tonnes) in 2006 and will rise to 3.6 billion lbs (1.6 million tonnes) by 2011. This represents an average annual growth rate of 4.7% in the forecast by BCC Research in its report Rigid Transparent Plastics.

Polycarbonates, acrylics and polystyrenes accounted for about 80% of total volume in 2006 and will maintain aggregate share through the end of the decade. Polycarbonates are expected to grow from 824 million lbs in 2006 to 1,097 million lbs in 2011, an average increase of 5.9% per annum. Starting from 794 million lbs in 2006, acrylics are forecast to hit 969 million lbs in 2011, an annual growth rate of 4.1%.

Polystyrenes are expected to grow from 677 million lbs to 849million lbs over the same period, which is an annual increase of 4.6%. The report shows that the building/construction and electronics segments account for more than 50% of total volume. But electronics, optical lenses, medical and automotive will show the highest growth rates.