Opportunities in Alternative Chemical Products and Processing

Report Highlights

• Excellent growth will be seen in the alternative plastics, packaging and detergent markets.
• Alternating cleaning products and paints and coatings will achieve below average growth.
• The alternative plastics market will increase substantially to $10.85 billion by 2007.
• The pharmaceutical market derived from alternative chemicals will grow to $8.26 billion by 2007.
• The packaging market will increase to $8.12 billion in 2007.

INTRODUCTION

Public concern over pollution and the negative impact on the environment of chemical production has stimulated a growing demand for products that promote good environmental habits and generate less waste, create less pollution, and promote sustainability. The chemical industry is responsible for tens of thousands of products that are used by consumers on a daily basis. It, therefore, has a huge impact on our environment from the raw materials used to the consumption of finished products and the final disposal of product waste. Alternative chemistry endeavors illustrate that technology is shifting from a resource to a knowledge-based industry as manufacturers, suppliers and customers become increasingly aware of how to make products better while using less material resources.

This timely BCC study details the markets for alternative chemical products that include biomass feedstocks, biobased chemical products, and end-use alternative chemical products. It analyzes the international arena, the regulatory environment, and technology that directly affect opportunities for alternative chemical products. The report covers a broad spectrum of the chemical industry and provides a cohesive picture of the overall alternative chemical product market with forecasts through 2007.

Decision makers and development, marketing and R&D directors in the chemical supply chain will find vital data and analysis on how the market is becoming more competitive, as well as information concerning new processes and developments that help create more efficient standards.

SCOPE OF STUDY

This report includes:

• Comprehensive data concerning feedstocks, biobased chemical products, and end-use alternative chemical products along with processing technology
• Profiles of major product manufacturers
• A review of end-use markets
• Extensive discussion of new technology and processing developments
• Detailed forecasts and market analysis for all product categories for the U.S. and internationally
• Market information on product sales, cost savings alternatives and international opportunities
• Review of government regulations, patents and R&D.

METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES

This report is based on examining and calculating information from a variety of sources to obtain data that are balanced in regard to historical statistics and future predictions. This study forecasts the market's growth through 2007, and includes data for manufacturer sales, end-use product sales, and the effect of market dynamics, regulation, and technology.

The study assesses the importance of development and marketing in institutional and commercial levels. Information is provided in terms of manufacturer's products, sales, and other vital information. Applications are reviewed in terms of projected product sales and potential markets and customers. Market forecasts are expressed in current dollar values and market share percentages forecasted through 2007.

THE FINANCIAL VIEW

Values for commodity products are expressed in current price and weight ratios. Informational sources also are included that enlighten the reader about the environmental biotechnology market in broader terms, such as market sizes and waste stream generations. The predicted figures included in this study assume that no major changes will occur in legislation, technology, and market forces as discussed here through the year 2007.
This study is based on extensive research from a number of sources. These include government agency resources, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE), trade journals, and publications. Manufacturers, patent examination, and alternative chemical and environmental sustainability advocates and interviews with those involved in the industry such as manufacturers, legislators, and researchers. The research provided the technical information.

ANALYST CREDENTIALS

Throughout Leslie Burk's career as a researcher, analyst, and writer, she has gained knowledge and expertise in a variety of industrial, , environmental, and recreational fields. Her past experience includes association with es in both small and corporate environments with emphasis on the presentation and synthesis of data and information for a variety of recipients. These recipients included the general public, public and government officials, and industrial representatives.

In regard to her particular experience in the field of waste treatment, she was employed by one of the largest national waste companies. She dealt with issues pertaining to landfill activity, industrial and special waste markets, regulations, and other waste management activities.

Burk has researched and written a variety of reports for various commercial markets including a comprehensive review of the global telecommunications and financial markets. These reports included detailed information concerning the migration from government owned and monopolized industries to liberalized and privatized commercialization. Furthermore, she has reported on the market for environmental biotechnology products for BCC publishers.