Demand for fluoropolymers to reach USD 2.4 billion in 2016

While market value gains will only ­slightly outpace those of the 2006 – 2011 period, growth in volume terms is projected to accelerate considerably. Going forward, the situation is expected to reverse, with growth in market value stemming mainly from expanding volume demand, rather than rising price levels. Gains in market value will also benefit from trends favouring higher performing fluoropolymer resins as end-users seek better cost-benefit ratios.

PTFE is forecast to maintain its position as the leading product in both volume and value terms through 2016. Demand will benefit from widespread use in the large industrial processing market and expanding opportunities in applications such as chemical processing and industrial filtration. However, the most robust gains are forecast for PVF and PVDF. PVF demand will rise from a relatively small base, fuelled by growth in the photovoltaic module segment. PVDF will capture a greater share of the market, advancing strongly through 2016 based on rebounding growth in the architectural coating segment, as well as rising use in electronics, particularly batteries.