WP Report
Polyethylene
This World Petrochemical (WP) report on Polyethylene contains complete global and country supply/demand balances for the base year, the past five years and five and ten year projections; production, consumption and trade are estimated for low density, high density and linear low density polyethylene resins separately in the analysis. The complete report including the analyses and supply/demand tables contains approximately 275 pages. There is also a table showing all global producers, their locations, and capacities (current, historical and future) to produce Polyethylene.
Published January 2011
Abstract
Global consumption of polyethylene in 2010 was approximately 70 million metric tons. Global capacity utilization was 82% in 2010, down from 83% in 2009. Polyethylene consumption is estimated to have increased by 5.4% in 2010. Demand is expected to average growth of 4.1% per year during the next ten years. Average global utilization rates are expected remain under 80% during the next five years, gradually increasing to the low-90s by 2020.
High density PE (HDPE) accounted for around 45% of global polyethylene consumption in 2010, followed by linear low density PE (LLDPE) and low density PE (LDPE). HDPE is used for blow molding, film/sheet, injection molding and pipe/conduit applications. Almost all LLDPE is used for film/sheet applications with smaller amounts used for injection molding. Over half of LDPE is used for film/sheet applications; extrusion coating, wire & cable and injection molding consume smaller quantities.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of polyethylene by end use:
