The U.S. plastic resin industry has experienced a significant recovery in recent years, following a prolonged period of decline between 2010 and 2013. This resurgence is largely driven by increased demand from downstream manufacturers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and the construction sector. Additionally, the paints and coatings industry, along with the electrical and electronics sector, have also contributed to the growing need for plastic resins. As these materials are essential in a wide range of everyday products—from adhesives and varnishes to plastics—understanding the future of this industry becomes increasingly relevant. If you're curious about where the plastic resin market is headed, keep reading to discover more insights.

Plastic Resin Industry by Numbers

To better understand the growth of the plastic resin industry, let’s take a closer look at some key figures that highlight its progress over the past few years.

  • According to a report by the American Chemistry Council (ACC), production of major plastic resins reached 7.6 billion pounds in July 2018—a notable 8.3% increase compared to the same month in 2017. From January to July 2018, total production amounted to 50 billion pounds, reflecting a 6.5% rise in production capacity compared to the same period in 2017. Sales of major plastic resins also surged, reaching 7.3 billion pounds in July 2018, up nearly 9.3% year-over-year. Moreover, captive use of these resins in July 2018 was approximately 49.6 billion pounds, showing a 6.6% increase from the previous year.

  • A Statista report indicates that in 2017, the total production of plastic resins reached 113 billion pounds. Thermoset polymers, including epoxy, accounted for around 16.8 billion pounds of that output. Popular thermoset resins include nylon, PVC, high-density polyethylene, and polypropylene. The thermoset polymer market is expected to grow by 1.6% in 2018 compared to 2017. These materials are widely used across industries such as construction, packaging, and consumer electronics.

Key Projections on Popular Resins

Based on reports from multiple sources, here are some key projections for the most commonly used resins:

    • Polyethylene: There's a rising demand for cross-linked High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). The global cross-linked HDPE market is expected to reach USD 7,863 million in 2022 and potentially hit USD 59 billion by 2023.
      • HDPE offers a higher strength-to-density ratio than LDPE, thanks to its minimal branching of polymer chains, which gives it greater rigidity and lower permeability. It is often used as an alternative to plastic insulation, PVC, and copper tubes.
      • LLDPE, a type of LDPE with short polymer chains, is known for its flexibility and is primarily used in food and non-food packaging films, as well as extrusion coating applications.

    • Polypropylene: According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global polypropylene market is expected to reach $126.89 billion by 2026. Its increasing use in the automotive industry is a major driver of this growth. Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer known for its flexibility, chemical resistance, and ability to withstand high temperatures. These properties make it ideal for use in automotive parts, carpets, toys, and even cosmetics and toiletries.

    • Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): Market reports suggest that the global PET packaging market will reach USD 74.32 billion by 2021, with consumption expected to reach 21.1 million tonnes. The demand for PET is growing due to its excellent moisture and gas barrier properties, making it ideal for food packaging. It is widely used in drink bottles, food jars, and other packaging solutions, as well as in textiles and engineering applications.

    • Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Resins: The ABS resin market is projected to reach USD 30 billion by 2022. As one of the most widely used thermoplastics, ABS offers a great balance of impact resistance, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. It is commonly used in electronic components, appliance parts, and automotive applications. Its ability to perform well at low temperatures makes it a preferred choice in many industrial settings.

    • Nylon 6 & 66: The Nylon 6 & 66 market was valued at USD 24.4 billion in 2016 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% between 2017 and 2025. These resins are increasingly replacing metal parts due to their durability, lightweight, and strength. Nylon 6 is suitable for low-temperature processing and is used in automotive parts, circuit breakers, and firearm components. Nylon 66, with its high melting point, is ideal for high-temperature applications like battery modules and recreational equipment.

Despite regulatory challenges, the demand for plastic resins continues to grow due to their versatility and performance advantages. If you're looking for a reliable supplier of high-quality resins in the U.S., Mid Continent Plastics is a trusted name in the industry. They offer a wide range of resins in various quantities to meet your needs.

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