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Global demand for emulsion polymers is forecast to rise over 5%/yr to 13.3Mt (dry basis) in 2016. Advances will be fuelled by increased production of water-based paints, 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.
These and other trends are presented in World Emulsion Polymers, a new study from The Freedonia Group.
Water-based paints, paper and paperboard coatings and general-purpose adhesives accounted for more than three-quarters of global demand in 2011. The most rapid gains through 2016 will be for emulsion polymers in paint and coatings, where water-based formulations are steadily increasing their share of the market.
Driven by strong gains during the 2001-2011 period, the Asia Pacific region has overtaken North America and Western Europe to become the leading regional market for emulsion polymers. The Asia Pacific region will continue to see above average gains in demand through 2016, fuelled by strong growth in India and China, the two fastest growing national markets for emulsions in the world.
