Major Display Materials: Markets, Technologies

Report Highlights

• The value of worldwide shipments of display materials is projected to reach $20.9 billion in 2005, and rise at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 12.8% to $37.9 billion by 2010.
• Flat panel displays, projected to account for 77% of materials in 2005, are expected to rise at an AAGR of 16.5%, accounting for 90% of the total by 2010.
• CRT demand is declining and glass for CRTs is expected to drop at an AAGR of 7.1% to $3 billion by 2010. Phosphor shipments also willdecrease.
• Emerging displays developed from MEMS and nanotechnology are expected to reach $2 billion by 2010 and materials for OLED displays will expand at an AAGR of 12% through 2010.

INTRODUCTION

Materials play a major role in the fast-growing display market. Selection of the most efficient and productive materials ensures the best performance of a display, and the choice of the best cost-performing materials keeps prices at more affordable levels.

Once the purview of televisions and computer monitors, displays literally have become ubiquitous and have taken on a variety of forms. The cathode ray tube (CRT), once the industry leader, is being replaced for some applications by flat panel technologies such as liquid crystal and plasma displays. Displays now abound in handheld devices such as cell phones, camcorders, digital cameras, projection television sets and helmet mounted displays.

This timely and updated BCC report is presented because of the continuing innovation and growth in this sector, and it examines the markets for display materials. The study looks at key materials being used in both technologies, and their growth potential. It further examines changing material requirements and the potential for new materials.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The report contains:

• Analysis of nine materials technologies
• Identification of the major material players
• Determination of the current status of each, and examination of their impact on future display markets
• Worldwide growth forecasts through 2010
• Comparison of materials used for CRTs and flat panels by application, properties, and value
• Discussion of technological issues, including the latest trends
• A review of other influential factors, such as material processing and distribution, the need for special materials and expanded use of certain displays
• Examination of government and industry support for research.

METHODOLOGY

BCC presents an analysis of the units of material shipped in 2004 and 2005 for each material category. Our estimated value is what manufacturers have paid in undepreciated dollars. Based on our surveys, we analyze the potential consumption of each material, then forecast unit shipments for 2010. We also analyze pricing trends to establish 2005 shipment values and project those through 2010.

INFORMATION SOURCES

BCC surveyed approximately 125 companies to obtain data for this study. Included were manufacturers of glass, liquid crystals, phosphors, optical filters and polarizers, light emitting diodes, chemicals and polymers, various coatings, MEMS components, nanocoatings, and carbon nanotubes. We also spoke with display manufacturers and display users in a variety of industries, as well as compiled data from current financial/trade information and government sources.