Global polymer demand is expected to grow by about 5% per year, reaching more than 300m t by 2018, as strong growth in consumption in developing countries outweighs a growth slowdown in the developed world, says AMI Consulting (Bristol / UK; www.amiplastics.com). Greater China is now the largest polymer consuming region, accounting for about 30% of volumes in 2013, compared with just 6% thirty years ago. In contrast, the combined share of the developed countries of North America, western Europe and Japan has decreased to 32% in 2013 from approximately 74% in 1983.

While demand has continued to grow quite strongly in North America, western Europe and Japan over much of the last 30 years, “slower growth for much of the 21st century together with much faster growth in developing regions, particularly East Asia, means that Greater China is now the largest market for polymers in the world”, states AMI in a new report. Europe is the second largest market with a 19% share of volumes in 2013, followed by North America with 17% and Asia Pacific with 15%. The Middle East and Africa accounted for 9% of the market, while South America and the Indian sub-continent each accounted for 5%.

Packaging dominates end use markets in all geographic areas, accounting for about half of all polymers processed – split fairly evenly between flexibles and rigids, says AMI. The building and construction sector account for 20% of demand. Automotive, medical and electrical applications account for relatively small shares, although these markets often represent much higher added value, it adds.