Rockville, Maryland-based market research publisher Global Industry Analysts (GIA) has released a global report on masterbatch, the world market for which is forecast to reach $8.25bn by the year 2017.Technical developments which help impart the desired colour and physical properties to polymers, simultaneously reducing their cost, will aid in “turbocharging” the market’s growth in the medium to long-term period, says GIA, especially given evolving demand among end-user industries for high-performance products with enhanced functionality.
GIA summarises the report’s findings as follows: “The recession, which had caused the market’s growth fundamentals to splinter, has begun to realign, with demand already showing signs of recovery. Recovery in GDP growth, employment rates, income levels, discretionary incomes, a rise in consumer/business confidence, a rebound in manufacturing activity and a restoration of health to most end-use markets is currently reviving growth in the market.
“The sheer diversity of application areas for masterbatch provides a quick and easy road for recovery. Improving economic conditions will unleash pent-up demand as hitherto postponed purchase decisions resurge to provide commercial opportunities.”
“Europe and North America account for a major share of the global masterbatch market. These established western markets have shown gradual strengthening, with demand and production moving somewhat higher in recent months.
“Emerging nations such as Asia and Latin America are leading the recovery, boosted by government stimulus spending and the rebuilding of inventories in some economies.
“Segment-wise, packaging represents the largest end-use market for masterbatch. In volume terms, global market for additive masterbatch is expected to surge at a fastest CAGR of more than 6.0% over the analysis period. White masterbatch is the largest contributor to the global volume market for masterbatch.”
Masterbatch: A Global Strategic Business Report reviews market trends, issues, drivers, company profiles, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic industry activities. The report provides market estimates and projections (in both value and tonnage terms) for major geographic markets including North America, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World. End use segments analysed include automotive, packaging, construction, and others. Product segments analysed include white masterbatch, black masterbatch, additive masterbatch, and colour masterbatch.
