SUMMARY FIGUREGLOBAL SYNTHETIC PAPER MARKET BY MAJOR APPLICATION THROUGH 2017(MILLION POUNDS)
Source: BCC Research
INTRODUCTION
STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study is to provide an analysis of the global synthetic paper market, which has undergone significant changes within the last several years due to the continued exporting of products, especially from Asia, along with some interesting changes in technologies and markets.
REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY
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 film applications—most prominently, labels and, to a lesser extent, tags.
Along with increases in exported products, the impact of film converters and/or distributors and upgraded technologies has caused changes in this market. As a result, there is a need to define and assess this market that is valued at close to half a billion dollars.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
Likely readers of this report would include: synthetic paper producers along with companies that produce printable plastic films, many of which are called converters. Other interested parties could be companies that make flexible plastic packaging films and film extruders. Tag and label producers, including those who provide pressure-sensitive products and in-mold labels, should be interested in this report as well.
SCOPE OF REPORT
The term synthetic paper has not been universally defined because it is basically an opaque plastic film that is both printable and writeable. Most synthetic papers are either biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), although there are sizable amounts made from polyesters and fewer so from polystyrene and PVC.
Although the market has gone beyond its original intentions, this report will include those products which producers, converters and distributors market as synthetic paper even though, in many instances, it replaces a non-fiber based paper product such as plastic films. Actually, the distinction between synthetic paper and white opaque printable films has not yet been resolved.
This report will describe the various polymer films used to produce synthetic paper; fillers and coatings used in manufacturing; printing processes used; new technologies; applications; detailed discussions of major players and their respective products, industry structure, patent review, pricing, market estimates and forecasts by major application and other critical aspects of the market.
It is essential to understand, in regard to market estimates and forecasts in this report, that food/beverage packaging labels have been excluded for several reasons. First, their large volume of plastic films (hundreds of millions of pounds) would distort the basic synthetic paper market, and second, most of those in the industry feel that this market segment lies outside the general definition of synthetic paper.
We have used the concept that, if a company states that their product is a synthetic paper, it has been included in the study. Detractors in these instances claim the product in question is a printable plastic film.
All values shown are rounded to the nearest whole number.
METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES
Both primary and secondary research methodologies were used in preparing this study. A comprehensive review of technical and market information along with a careful analysis of product literature was undertaken. An extensive internet research effort was undertaken and queries were directed to synthetic paper producers, film converters and distributors to try and clear up unresolved issues.
AUTHOR’S CREDENTIALS
Research analyst Mel Schlechter has more than 40 years 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, an M.S. in organic chemistry and an M.B.A. in marketing.
BCC ONLINE SERVICES
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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 of a speculative in nature. The author assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage that might result from reliance on the reported information or from its use.
