Major Display Materials: Markets, Technologies

Report Highlights

• The value of worldwide shipments of electronic display materials reached $7.7 billion in 1999. Shipments of materials are projected to grow in value by 10.9% per year and reach $12.9 billion by 2004. Flat panel displays accounted for 43.9% of the total materials in 1999. Their value is projected to grow at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 16% and account for 54.9% of the total value of materials by 2004.
• The value of CRT glass represented over 88% of all CRT materials used, or $3.8 billion, in 1999 and will rise at an average annual rate of 6.2% to reach $4.3 billion by 2004.
• Phosphor shipments for CRTs are projected to increase at an average annual rate of 7% through 2004. Meanwhile, phosphors used for flat panel displays will grow at an average of 7.8% during the period.

INTRODUCTION

STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

BCC's goal in conducting this study was to determine the current status of the worldwide electronic display materials market and assess its growth potential over a five-year period from 1999 to 2004. We were particularly interested in the consumption of materials for the CRT in relation to the materials used in the various flat panel display technologies. BCC had previously published a study on display materials in September 1997 and we were also interested in the changes in this market and its future potential since then.

Our key objective was to present a comprehensive analysis of the current display materials market and its future direction.

REASONS FOR THIS STUDY

The CRT is still the dominant display technology, but flat panel devices continue to grow at a faster rate. We were interested in determining what key materials were being used in both technologies and their growth potential. We were especially interested in the changing material requirements since our last study, and the potential for new materials.

BCC has also examined the display industry (report GB-171R The Changing Display Industry: CRT and Flat Panel). Since this industry is changing rapidly, we wanted to determine the impact on the materials consumed by displays.

CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE STUDY AND FOR WHOM

We have compiled a study of materials used in the CRT, and current and emerging flat panel display technologies. We present the display materials industry's economic environment, technological issues, research and development activities, funding issues, material properties, applications, market assessments and growth potential, an project shipments of materials for displays for 1999 and 2004. We also project the value of shipments. This study will be of interest to glass manufacturers, phosphor suppliers, chemical companies, optical materials and equipment manufacturers, suppliers of coatings, deposition equipment manufacturers, and distributors of various materials and equipment. It will also interest suppliers of electronic industry materials.

SCOPE AND FORMAT

The scope of this study encompasses the key materials used in the major types of electronic displays. BCC analyzes eight material technologies, identifies the major player, determines the current status of each, examines their impact on future display markets, and presents forecasts of growth over the next five years. Technological issues including the latest trends are discussed. Other influential factors, such as material processing and distribution, the need for special materials, and the expanded use of certain types of displays are reviewed.

BCC analyzes the materials industry on a worldwide basis, both from a manufacturing and consumption point of view. We examine government and industry support for materials research and the display organizations in major regions of the world. Materials used for CRTs and flat panels are compared by application, properties, and value.

METHODOLOGY

BCC presents an analysis, by each display material of the units shipped in 1999. Our estimated value is what manufacturers have paid in undepreciated dollars. Then, based on our surveys, we analyze the potential consumption of each material, and forecast unit shipments for 2004. We also analyze pricing trends to establish 1999 shipment values and project those for 2004.

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 organic chemicals and polymers, and various coatings. We also spoke with display manufacturers, and display users in a variety of industries. In addition, we compiled data from current financial and trade information and government sources.