International. Global demand for emulsion polymers is forecast to advance 4.6% per year to 12.6 million metric tons in 2018, driven by accelerating growth in construction spending, manufacturing, paper and cardboard production. In particular, the rebound in construction activity in North America and Western Europe – both intensive regional consumers of emulsions – will drive market advancements.
Acrylics will remain the largest and fastest growing type of emulsion polymer until 2018, when they comprise 40% of the global market. These and other trends are presented in the new study by The Freedonia Group Inc., a market research firm based in Cleveland, United States.
Of the major markets for emulsions, the paints and coatings segment is projected to achieve the fastest annual growth through 2018, rising 5.8% per year. Concerns about health and environmental risks suggest that solvent-based coatings will continue to stimulate the use of waterborne technologies. In addition, improvements in the performance characteristics of latex paints are expected to increase their use in industrial coating and maintenance applications.
