Polypropylene Global Market Study

Revenues for Polypropylene Expected to Grow until 2026

After polyethylene, polypropylene is the world's most widely produced standard plastic. “PP can be processed using various techniques and is used for the most diverse applications ranging from packaging to household appliances, clothing, and vehicles,” Oliver Kutsch, CEO of Ceresana, explains. The market research company analyzed the global market for polypropylene already for the fifth time. The latest report expects revenues for this type of plastic to grow by, on average, 4.9% per year until 2026.

Packaging Producers Are Major Consumers

The most important sales market for polypropylene in 2018 was flexible packaging: A total of 16.4 million tonnes were processed in films, bags, and sacks. Another 15.5 million tonnes of polypropylene were used for the production of rigid packaging, such as containers and lids for food and beverages, chemicals as well as industrial and household products. Demand in the application areas consumer goods and fibers followed.

Injection molding is an important processing technology in the plastics industry and of special importance for polypropylene in particular. The comparatively fast process is used for the production of large volumes of identical goods ranging from disposable products to highly complex precision components. The types of molded parts made are almost limitless. In 2018, almost 23.6 million tonnes of PP were processed in injection molding.

Copolymers Are More Popular Than Homopolymers

Polypropylene is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer. Besides uniform homopolymers, there are various copolymers such as random and block copolymers. These plastic types have mainly similar characteristics, different properties, however, help with the choice of the best material for specific applications and a desired budget. Compared to homopolymers, polypropylene copolymers will presumably account for notably higher growth rates at 3.6% per year until 2026.

https://www.ceresana.com/en/market-studies/plastics/polypropylene/