Polyolefin Foams Technologies
Polyolefin foams include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer foams. The report also considers the impact of next-generation polyolefins such as metallocene-based resins. LDPE as well as MDPE and HDPE can be crosslinked (XL) or non-crosslinked. EVA foams are generally crosslinked. Although the molecular structure of conventional PP limits its use in foams, high-melt strength PP makes it possible to foam PP with blowing agents using traditional extrusion foaming processes. PP foams are considered more environmentally friendly than conventional polystyrene and polyurethane foams. Polyolefin foams are extruded into foam sheets or planks or impregnated with blowing agents into expandable beads (EPP or EPE), which are further molded into foams by various foaming techniques.
Market Drivers and Major Players in the Global Polyolefin Foam Market
Polyolefin foams are widely used in a variety of applications including protective packaging, sporting goods, automotive, and medical applications because of their flexibility, cushioning properties, compression set, toughness, good chemical and abrasion resistance, and electrical and thermal insulation properties. PP foams are gaining popularity in protective packaging applications and in automotive applications such as bumper cores, energy absorber systems, acoustical panels, and door liners. The market for polyolefin foams is growing at a slower rate than polystyrene and polyurethane foams, primarily due to higher production costs resulting from low plant capacity that results in an unbalanced cost/performance ratio. Major companies in the foam market include Arkema, Armacell, BASF, Borealis, Ineos Styrenics, JSP Corporation, Synthos, and others. The exhibit below shows the global PO demand by material in 2014.
Exhibit 1. Global PO foams demand in 2014 by type in percentage
Polyolefin Foams Market Assessment
ADI Chemical Market Resources (ADI CMR) has conducted a strategic analysis of current market dynamics and overview of industry growth drivers, with global and regional demand analysis. The report is based on thorough analysis of the industry through detailed interviews with all the major players including producers and end-users. The geographic focus of the market assessment is regions segmented into North America, South America, Europe, China, Rest of Asia, and the Middle East and Africa, and includes capacity addition plans announced globally.
Table of Contents
Prospectus
Please fill this form and check your email for a link to download the prospectus. For a custom report on a topic of your choice or an updated version of an existing report, please contact us at +1 (281) 506-8234 or info@adi-cmr.com.
