Major Display Materials: Markets, Technologies

Report Highlights

• The value of worldwide shipments of display materials is projected to reach $13.6 billion by 2003 and then grow in value at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 10.9% to $22.8 billion by 2008.
• Flat panel displays are projected to account for 57.2% of materials by 2003 and then to grow at an AAGR of 16.5% and account for 73.2% of the total by 2008.
• The value of CRT glass represented more than 88% of all CRT materials used.
• The value of flat panel glass shipments will increase at an AAGR of 16.4% to reach $4.2 billion in 2008.
• Worldwide shipments of coating materials for CRTs and FPDs will grow at AAGRs of 0.8% and 18.8%, respectively.

INTRODUCTION

Electronic displays are one of the fastest growing worldwide technologies. Once reserved for televisions and computers and composed of large cathode ray tubes (CRT), displays have become ubiquitous and have taken different forms. Flat panel displays are overtaking CRTs and are being used in larger quantities for portable computers, a variety of handheld devices, desktop computers and televisions. Tiny microdisplays are being used in projection televisions and for “near-eye” applications, where a virtual screen is presented to the viewer. The world of displays is changing to meet the evolving needs of electronic device users.

The CRT, however, still is a major display and constantly is undergoing changes in its design and appearance. Flat square screens and antireflection, antiglare and other protective coatings have given longer and more productive life to this familiar device.

The market for displays is growing at a rapid pace. Besides their presence in traditional products such as computers, televisions and appliances, displays now are used in areas where they have never been seen before. Industrial, medical and scientific instruments, for example, present a fertile field for the growth of displays.

This timely, updated BCC study examines the current status of the worldwide electronic display materials market and assesses its growth potential over a five-year period to 2008. Of particular interest is the consumption of materials for the CFRT in relation to materials used in various flat panel display technologies. BCC previously published a study on display materials in May 2000.

The CRT still is the dominant technology, but flat panel devices have been growing at a much faster rate and have started to overtake the cathode ray tube. BCC has determined what key materials were being used in both technologies and their growth potential and is especially interested in the changing material requirements since the last study, and the potential for new materials. This study is of interest to glass manufacturers, phosphor suppliers, chemical companies, optical materials and equipment manufacturers, coatings suppliers, deposition equipment manufacturers, and distributors and suppliers of various materials and equipment.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The report covers:

• Key materials used in the major types of electronic displays

• Nine separate materials technologies, identifying the major players, and examines their impact on future display markets

• Technological issues including the latest trends

• Other influential factors, such as material processing and distribution and the need for special materials

• Government and industry support for materials research

• Growth forecasts through 2008.

METHODOLOGY

BCC presents an analysis of the units shipped in 2002 and 2003 for each display material. Our estimated value is what manufacturers have paid in undepreciated dollars. Based on our surveys, we analyze the potential consumption of each material, then forecast unit shipments for 2008. We also analyze pricing trends to establish 2003 shipment values and project those for 2008.

INFORMATION SOURCES

BCC surveyed approximately 120 companies to obtain data for this study. Included were manufacturers of glass, liquid crystals, phosphors, optical filters and polarizers, light emitting diodes, organic light emitting chemicals and polymers, various coatings, and emerging components, such as MEMS (microelectrical mechanical systems) and carbon nanotubes. We also spoke with display manufacturers and display users in a variety of industries, as well as compiled data from current financial/trade information and government sources.