World Emulsion Polymers

World demand to rise 4.7% annually through 2018

Global demand for emulsion polymers is forecast to advance 4.7 percent per year to 13.0 million metric tons (dry basis) in 2018. Accelerations in construction spending, manufacturing output, and paper and paperboard production worldwide will stimulate growth. In particular, rebounding construction activity in North America and Western Europe will propel market advances. In addition, the displacement of solventborne coatings and adhesives with water-based types -- which are manufactured using emulsion polymers -- is expected to continue in virtually all parts of the world, fueling market gains.

China remains top market; Malaysia, India to lead gains

China is the leading world market for emulsion polymers. Through 2018, the Chinese market will advance at a brisk pace, supported by rapid expansion in its output of paint and coatings, paper and paperboard, and adhesives. Meanwhile, Malaysia and India are forecast to register the fastest annual gains among major markets through 2018. Demand in Malaysia will be boosted by robust growth in the country’s massive exportoriented latex glove industry, as well as the increased substitution of nitrile gloves for natural latex types worldwide. In India, accelerating construction spending and manufacturing activity will propel gains in emulsions demand, as will the growing penetration of waterborne technologies in India’s coatings and adhesives industries. North America will remain the second largest regional consumer of emulsion polymers, behind the Asia/Pacific region, bolstered by a rebounding construction sector and strong demand for water-based paints and adhesives in the US and Canadian markets. In both North America and Western Europe, more stringent environmental legislation to limit emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) will continue to support the use of waterbased technologies in the manufacture of coatings and adhesives.

Paint & coatings industry to...