Published May 2024
Polycarbonate (PC) is a lightweight, high-performance resin that possesses a unique balance of toughness, dimensional stability, optical clarity, high heat resistance and excellent electrical resistance. These attributes allow polycarbonate to be used in a wide variety of common products including electronic equipment, vehicles, construction, greenhouses, exterior lighting fixtures, sports safety equipment and medical devices. End uses such as automotive lighting, taillight assemblies and electronics and electrical components take advantage of the impact resistance and high-heat properties provided by polycarbonate. With its outstanding toughness and transparency, polycarbonate can meet specifications for glazing in the construction (stadium roofs, firearm-resistant windows, etc.), transportation and automotive industries. Polycarbonate is also a lighter, safer alternative to glass in optical applications, such as corrective lenses.
In 2023, total polycarbonate consumption was nearly 5 million metric tons and is forecast to grow at more than 4% annually over the next five years. Global polycarbonate capacity has increased at nearly 9% per year over the last five years, and substantial additional capacity is forecast to come onstream in the next five years in mainland China. Covestro and SABIC Innovative Plastics are the two largest polycarbonate producers worldwide, together contributed about 40% of global capacity.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of polycarbonate resins:
The electronics/electrical sector is the leading market for polycarbonate resins. Polycarbonate consumption in the electronics/electrical market is widely influenced by consumer demand for communication and entertainment devices, including mobile phones, tablets, personal computers, laptops, flat-screen televisions, cameras, network equipment and printers. During the forecast period, brand owners will focus on the developing markets where there is demand from the large group of emerging middle-class consumers, such as mainland China, India, Southeast Asia and Brazil. Devices that will help overcome poor infrastructure in the developing world, such as mobile phones, will see the most dramatic growth. The electronic/electrics sector will be the fastest-growing application during the forecast period.
Global polycarbonate demand is also driven by the sheet/film, appliances/housewares and automotive industries; together, these markets accounted for almost half of global polycarbonate consumption in 2023. End uses in the automotive segment include lighting systems, headlamp lenses, reflectors, housings and mountings, exterior panels, wheel covers and bumpers.
For more detailed information, see the table of contents, shown below.
S&P Global’s Chemical Economics Handbook – Polycarbonate Resins is the comprehensive and trusted guide for anyone seeking information on this industry. This latest report details global and regional information, including
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S&P Global’s Chemical Economics Handbook – Polycarbonate Resins has been compiled using primary interviews with key suppliers and organizations, and leading representatives from the industry in combination with S&P Global’s unparalleled access to upstream and downstream market intelligence and expert insights into industry dynamics, trade, and economics.
This report can help you
- Identify trends and driving forces influencing chemical markets
- Forecast and plan for future demand
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- Analyze the impact of feedstocks, regulations, and other factors on chemical profitability
