U.S. natural polymer demand to approach $3.6 billion in 2010
Natural polymer demand is
expected to grow 5.9% annually to $3.6 billion in 2010, reaching 1.7 billion
pounds. Gains will be stimulated by increased levels of food production, and
opportunities in packaging, medical, and other areas. Average natural polymer
prices are expected to stabilize, reflecting declining prices for starch and
fermentation products. These and other trends are presented in
Natural
Polymers, a new study from The Freedonia Group Inc., a
Cleveland-based industry market research firm.
Cellulose ether demand is projected to increase 4.2% yearly to $1 billion in
2010. Cellulose ethers, which accounted for 31% of total demand in 2005, have
widespread food, construction and oilfield applications. Methyl cellulose will
account for 31% of the cellulose ether market due to its entrenched position in
construction uses, such as plaster, mortar, grouts, stucco and wallpaper
pastes. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) demand will expand at the fastest pace,
with best opportunities expected in drilling, workover and completion fluids
for the oilfield industry, where it functions as a thickening and suspension
agent.
Starch and fermentation product demand will grow at a double-digit pace to
nearly $800 million in 2010. Declining prices, attributable to improved
production efficiencies and expanded capacity, will stimulate demand for
polylactic-acid and starch-blend polymers in packaging and textile fiber uses. Hyaluronic-acid
demand will expand rapidly in medical and cosmetic/toiletry applications, with
strong gains anticipated in dermal filler injections and orthopedic treatments.
Robust growth is anticipated for protein-based polymers such as collagen, with
further advances threatened by mature wheat gluten uses.
Food and beverages will remain the leading market for natural polymers, which
are used as thickeners, stabilizers, and emulsifiers. Pockets of growth exist
in areas such as low-fat and reduced-carbohydrate food formulations. Products
such as CMC and Xanthan gum will increasingly be used to improve mouth feel and
texture as fats and sugars are removed. Medical markets will present good
opportunities for cellulose ethers and collagen in pharmaceuticals, dermal
implants, and injections. Oilfield advances will be fueled by increased
drilling of new oil and natural gas wells, and the continued maturation of
domestic crude oil and gas fields, all of which will increase the need for
natural polymers used in well stimulation, exploration, and other areas.
For more information, contact Corinne Gangloff, The Freedonia Group
Inc., 767 Beta Drive, Cleveland, OH 44143-2326; phone (440) 684-9600; fax (440)
646-0484; e-mail pr@freedoniagroup.com;
or visit www.freedoniagroup.com.
