According to the study, consumption in 1998 was 1.06 billion pounds, valued at $1.5 billion. Growth will track the 2% yearly increase for the industries covered in the study. Additives that aid in environmental compliance, increase production speeds, lower cost or give improved performance are the winners in today’s marketplace.

Figure 1 highlights consumption by industry segment. Adhesives consume 29% of the volume and 15% of the dollars. Plasticizers, rheology modifiers and fire retardants are the large-volume adhesive additives.

Aside from characterizing the consumption of 20 additive types, the study provides a thorough characterization of the product technologies that they are used in. Water-based products were an outlet for 60% of the additive volume and 54% of the dollars. Biocides, dispersants, defoamers and rheology modifiers are the larger water-based additives.

Additives is an 800-page study that is available through subscription. For more information, contact Kusumgar, Nerlfi and Growney at 973-364-0438.