Water-Based Products to Fuel Global Emulsion Polymers Demand
Global demand for emulsion polymers is forecast to rise over 5% per year to 13.3 million metric tons (dry basis) by 2016, according to a new report from the Freedonia Group Inc.
Advances are expected to be fueled by the increased production of water-based coatings and adhesives, which are displacing solventborne formulations in virtually all parts of the world. In the developed world, where emulsion polymer markets are more mature, gains will benefit from a rebound in construction spending and manufacturing activity, as well as the adoption of more stringent environmental regulations concerning the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Acrylics will remain the largest and fastest growing emulsion polymer product type through 2016, when they will account for nearly 40% of the world market.