REPORT SCOPE
INTRODUCTION
STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study is to provide an analysis of rigid transparent plastics in terms of current and forecasted usage. New developments in clear plastics expanded usage in existing and new applications, and competition between polymers exhibiting optical clarity will be covered. The competitive scenario between glass and clear plastics will also be noted, as well as detailed discussions on the competition between individual transparent plastics. Important suppliers of clear plastics, their product lines, and other important factors that impact the market will also be covered.
REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY
The search is continuing for special markets by most plastics suppliers, somewhat irrespective of potential volume. Selection criteria focus on growing specialty markets with opportunities for respectable profits even though sales volumes may not be large by commodity resin standards.
Rigid transparent plastics have become a significant market and encompass many types of polymers. In addition to acrylics and polycarbonates, many styrene-based materials, along with commodity and specialty polymers are available in clear grades. Opportunities in several application areas are in need of reappraisal in regard to transparent or clear plastics, especially in electronic, medical, and automotive sectors in economically dire times. Of special interest within the electronic sector is use of transparent plastics as substrates for CDs, DVDs, and more recent variants.
SCOPE OF REPORT
The term “transparent” or “clear” is obviously a subjective one. Most definitions relate clarity of plastics to percent of light transmission as defined by ASTM test D-1003. Light transmission percentages above 85% usually are accepted as transparent, although many suppliers claim “clear grades” with percentages of 80% or lower such that the distinction between “transparent” and “translucent” is often hazy. Other related important ASTM tests include the D-523 and the D-542.
Clear plastics are commercially available in many forms, for example, injection molded, extruded, blow molded, thermoformed, and so forth. Many extruded products are also converted to clear films. The many uses of these films (commodity, specialty, coextruded, plastic food, medical packaging, etc.) could be the subject of a separate report. Thus, the “packaging” markets such as healthcare and food are not “covered” in this report.
Blow-molded clear plastics are hollow and most are converted to bottles or containers, while thermoformed plastics are similar to injection molded except that they are usually thinner and require less expensive equipment and capital outlay.
Thus, this report will cover rigid, clear, non-packaging plastic products, which include injection molded, non-film extrusion, and thermoforming (including cast sheet). As noted, the major plastic products excluded from this report will be flexible and hollow thin materials (including films).
Those clear resins covered in this report specifically include: acrylics, polycarbonates, polystyrenes, styrene block copolymers (SBCs), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), ABS, polysulfones, thermoplastic polyesters (almost exclusively, PET), polypropylene, acrylic-styrene copolymers (SMMA), PVC, nylon, cellulosic resins, cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs), and allyl diglycol carbonate (ADC).
Major applications for these rigid transparent plastics, in addition to medical, electronic, and automotive markets, include: building/construction (glazing, lighting lenses, signs/displays), housewares, appliances, toys, optical lenses, and aircraft transparencies.
Geographic scope of this report is the North American market.
METHODOLOGY
Both primary and secondary research methodologies were used in preparing this study. A comprehensive review was undertaken of the literature relating to clear polymers, their applications and technology, and significant new developments. Included in the review were supplier trade literature, texts, and monographs.
Following collection and analysis of this information, unresolved issues were discussed with producers, suppliers, and fabricators of transparent plastics.
The terms “transparent” and “clear” are used interchangeably. The acronyms PS, PP, and PC are often used to denote polystyrene, polypropylene, and polycarbonate, respectively.
Methylmethacrylate and MMA are also used interchangeably, as are polymethylmethacrylate and PMMA. Methylmethacrylate polymers are also synonymous with PMMA and the terms “acrylics” and/or “acrylic polymers” are often used as well.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Research analyst Mel Schlechter has more than 40 years of experience in the chemical industry, and specializes in plastics market research. He has been with BCC Research for more than a decade and holds a B.S. in chemistry, M.S. in organic chemistry, and a M.B.A. in marketing.
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DISCLAIMER
The information developed in this report is intended to be as reliable as possible at the time of publication and of a professional nature. This information does not constitute managerial, legal, or accounting advice; nor should it serve as a corporate policy guide, laboratory manual, or an endorsement of any product, as much of the information is speculative in nature. The author assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage that might result from reliance on the reported information or its use.
