Plastic Sheet

US demand to grow 3% annually through 2011
Demand for plastic sheet in the US is projected to grow nearly 3.0 percent yearly to 7.7 billion pounds in 2011, valued at $7.2 billion (resin content only). Resins will account for 39 percent of the final product cost of $18.5 billion. Advances will be driven by growing demands for thermoformed cups, tubs, trays and other packaging. Resin and technology improvements will also aid sheet advances. Further growth will be constrained by the maturity of many applications, and efforts to reduce the packaging waste stream. Polystyrene is the leading resin, with best growth expected for polypropylene and polyester sheet. Packaging will continue to dominate sheet applications, and provide the best growth opportunities.

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Polystyrene sheet to remain dominant; polypropylene sheet to grow the fastest
Polystyrene accounted for 55 percent of all plastic sheet demand in 2006. Good opportunities are anticipated through 2011 based on cost and performance advantages in the production of thermoformed cups, trays, lids and other packaging. However, polypropylene will exhibit the fastest growth based on continued advances in food trays, cups and related uses. Polyester sheet advances will result from rapid growth in amorphous PET and PETG in frozen food tray, clamshell and other uses. Demand for acrylic and polycarbonate sheet will be buoyed by expanding glazing applications due to their light weight and shatter resistance compared to glass.

Dominant packaging market to grow 3.4% annually
Packaging markets will expand more than three percent annually to 3.4 billion pounds in 2011, accounting for 57 percent of all plastic sheet uses. Advances will be fueled by cost advantages over paper and metal, and opportunities in the production of blister packs and clamshells, as well as trays, cups, bowls and plates. Construction markets will be driven by glazing, foamed insulation and geomembrane uses. Consumer markets primarily include appliances, lawn and garden, and sports and recreational applications. Other markets include signs/displays, and motor vehicles.