US: The demand for plastic foams is forecast to rise by 4.1%/yr to 3.90bn kg in 2017, valued at US$24.7bn. The market will mount a healthy recovery from the declines posted during the recession-impacted 2007-2012 period, according to a report by The Freedonia Group Inc.
Packaging will remain the leading outlet for plastic foams through 2017, accounting for nearly one-third of total volume. Increased levels of housing construction combined with rising consumer spending levels bode well for foams used in household products such as bedding, furniture and appliances. In the motor vehicle market, advances will be promoted by rising vehicle output and efforts to enhance safety and comfort.
Flexible polyurethane foam, the leading resin in the plastic foams market, will remain the dominant product throughout 2017, outpacing demand for rigid polyurethane, based on especially rapid growth in the bedding and carpet underlay markets. Strong gains for rigid polyurethane foam will be propelled by a healthy rebound in construction activity and by changes in building codes and construction practices that call for structures with increasing energy efficiency. However, polyurethane foam insulation will continue to encounter competition from fibreglass and polystyrene foam.
Polystyrene accounts for almost two-fifths of demand for plastic foam and will maintain a sizable share of the market through 2017 based on its excellent protective and insulating capabilities, moisture resistance and low cost. However, advances in the large packaging sector will be restricted by ongoing solid waste disposal concerns regarding the use of disposable foam products and rising competition from paper-based materials, which are viewed as more eco-friendly. Expanded polystyrene foam is projected to see more rapid gains through 2017, stemming primarily from its use in insulation, molded foam protective packaging and insulated shipping containers. Expanded polystyrene geofoam is predicted to exhibit especially rapid growth, albeit from a relatively small base.
