Polyolefins include plastics types which can be further categorized as polyethylene - low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) - and polypropylene (PP). For production of polyolefins, a process called polymerization is used. In this process short chains of chemicals called monomers are joined to make long chains called polymers in the presence of a catalyst. These polymers are solid thermoplastics which are then processed either by film extrusion or by moulding. Their versatility has made them extremely popular and they are extensively used to make bags, carton and cable coatings, containers, bottles, houseware, pipes, furniture, luggage, etc. The two most commonly used polyolefin polymers are polypropylene and polyethylene, of which polypropylene is by far the most important. The BISFA defines polyethylene fibres as the "fibre made from linear macromolecules of unsubstituted saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons" and polypropylene fibres "fibre made from linear macromolecules made up of saturated aliphatic carbon units in which one carbon atom in two carries a methyl side group". China Is The Fastest Growing Market The diversity in application of polyolefins has made it extremely popular and the market has been growing exponentially, and this growth is expected to continue. China, where the raw material is also available easily is the fastest growing regional market primarily due to the demand from industrial and manufacturing sectors. The market for polyolefins is expected to sustain itself given its high demand across sectors. LDPE is used to manufacture products such as cling film, carrier bags, agricultural film etc; HDPE is used to manufacture crates and boxes, bottles (food, detergents, cosmetics), containers, toys, etc; and PP is used for food packaging, microwave-proof containers, carpets, furniture, medical packaging and appliances, luggage and pipes. Increased Applications Are Expected To Drive Polyolefins Market Increasing applications, technological advancements, and growth in demand in Asia-Pacific region have encouraged the growth of polyolefins. Polyolefins are used in industries such as food packaging, stretch & shrink films, automotive & transportation, consumables & electronics, building & construction, blow molded bottles for juice, milk, motor oil, laundry detergents, etc. Given the extensive demand, the market is expected to expand. The expected future growth also seems secure, which has led companies to invest heavily and even invest in research and development, to help identify other areas of use. Raw materials for polyolefins are easily available in the United States and China, and the huge demands in these countries from packaging & construction industry are leading growth. Green Polyolefins Will Be The Next Big Trend China currently is the largest market and given the demand from its various industries, it is expected to retain that position. Other countries that are significantly expected to contribute to this growth include India, Japan, and South Korea. Research and development is an area of focus and new technologies and regulations are also helping the industry to grow. Green polyolefins will be the next big trend as they slowly begin to replace petroleum-based polyolefins. The bio-polyethylene & bio-polypropylene possess similar properties to the petroleum-based polyolefin and hence it is an opportunity product. For more information: Email: info@occamsresearch.com
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