Turkey is likely to boost its output of polyurethane products

Turkey is likely to boost its output of polyurethane products

Turkey is likely to boost its output of polyurethane products by around 30% over the next three years. A report from UK-based IAL Consultants estimates output of PU products in Turkey is at nearly 187,00 tonnes in 2002. This is forecast to grow at nearly 5% a year to reach 241,000 tonnes in 2007.

Flexible foams is the largest sector, accounting for 31% of output. However, the fastest growing applications are expected in coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers. These now account for 40% of output. The rest (29%) is taken up by rigid foam.

Among end products, strong growth of around 7% a year is likely in shoe sole systems, construction materials and automotive components. Slower growth of around 2% a year is expected in applications such as commercial refrigeration and integral skins.

Report author Angela Austin said: “There are problems facing the [Turkish] PU industry including overcapacity in the refrigeration and automotive industries and an almost total dependence upon raw material imports.”