Synthetic Paper

Report Highlights

• The total North American synthetic paper market was 92.2 million pounds in 2005 and grew to approximately 100 million pounds in 2006. At a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%, total consumption of synthetic paper in the U.S. and Canada will reach 138.6 million pounds by 2011.
• Non-labels synthetic paper consumption, which refers to original, traditional synthetic paper products such as maps, menus, banners, etc., was 51.2 million pounds in 2006 and will grow at a CAGR of 6.0% to reach 68.5 million pounds in 2011.
• Labels and tags consumption will surpass the traditional synthetic paper market to reach 70.1 million pounds by 2011, a CAGR of 7.5%

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study is to provide an analysis of the Synthetic Paper market, which has undergone significant changes within the last 5 years due to the continued importing of offshore products, changes in some of the major players, improved technologies, and shifts in market strategies.

Although synthetic paper has been commercial since the mid-1980s, this niche market has undergone substantive changes in market emphasis. Initially aimed at replacing fiber-based paper, synthetic paper has, in addition, begun to move into plastic-based applications-most prominently, labels and to a lesser extent, tags.

Along with increases in imported products, with a concomitant reduction in prices, appearance of film converters and/or distributors, and upgraded technologies have impacted this market. As a result, there is a need to define and assess this market, which is valued at several hundred million dollars

SCOPE OF STUDY

This report contains:

INFORMATION SOURCES

A comprehensive review of technical and market information along with a careful analysis of product literature was undertaken. Interviews were completed with major producers, film converters, and distributors to clear up unresolved problems.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Research analyst Mel Schlechter has over 40 years in the chemical industry, and specializes in plastics market research. He has been with BCC Research for over 10 years and holds a B.S in chemistry, M.S. in organic chemistry and a M.B.A. in marketing.

• A detailed overview of the synthetic paper market, which includes definitions of important terminology, the differences between biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
• Market data on traditional synthetic papers as well as products that replace non-fiber based paper products
• Detailed market forecasts for the synthetic paper market in the U.S. and Canada, historical data, up-to-date information, and projections and estimates with compound annual growth rates through 2011
• A technological overview of the synthetic papers market, including background information, review of materials, fabrication technology, processing methods, printing inks, additives, and more
• Detailed discussion of important patents since the advent of the market
• Company profiles for all the major players in the industry, including names, operating headquarters, contact information, brief historical information, and more.