International. Global demand for emulsion polymers is estimated to increase by more than 5% per year to generate 13.3 billion metric tons (dry base) in 2016, according to a new study by The Freedonia Group.
This increase will be driven by an increase in the production of water-based coatings and adhesives, which have become the main competition for solvent-based formulations. In the developed world, where emulsion polymer markets are more mature, profits will benefit from a rebound in construction spending and manufacturing activity, as well as the adoption of the most restrictive environmental regulations regarding the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The study indicates that acrylics will remain the largest and fastest growing emulsion polymer type product until 2016, when they will account for nearly 40% of the global market.
Other information highlights that water-based paints, coatings for paper and cardboard, and general-purpose adhesives accounted for more than three-quarters of global demand in 2011. The report says the fastest increases through 2016 will be of emulsion polymers in coatings, where water-based formulations are steadily increasing their market share.
