CEH Report

Table of Contents

Abstract

The United States, Western Europe, China and Other Asia are currently the major producing and consuming regions for polyurethane (PU) elastomers.

The global markets for polyurethane elastomers have been greatly affected by the economic crisis during 2008/2009; consumption declines have been greatest for the United States, Canada and Europe. All sectors and major end-use markets experienced strong declines in PU elastomer demand in this period. Significant demand recovery is not expected in the United States, Canada and Europe before 2012–2014, depending on the different applications.

The PU elastomers market is dominated largely by the major suppliers of raw materials and prepolymers. Bayer is the global PU elastomers leader and produces or supplies all product types except millable gums in each of the three major regions (United States, Western Europe and Asia).

The following pie chart shows world consumption of polyurethane elastomers:

Over one-third of the global consumption of polyurethane elastomers is consumed in the production of footwear, primarily microcellular soles; smaller amounts of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPUs) are consumed in soles, sole inserts and coated shoe uppers (films/coatings).

Growth in consumption of polyurethane elastomers in China will average almost 7% per year through 2014; growth in the United States will average about 3% per year through 2014, growth in Western Europe will average almost 3% and growth in Japan will average about 3% per year.

This report covers microcellular products, (hot and cold) cast elastomers, TPUs, and solid (noncellular) RIM/RRIM products. Not included in this report are PU fibers (spandex/elastane) and elastomeric, rubber-like PU coatings as well as adhesives and sealants.