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World production/consumption of plasticizer alcohols was nearly 7.6 million
metric tons in 2004, valued at approximately $3.7–4.0 billion. Global
capacity utilization increased in 2004 from the level in 2001 because of stronger
demand and increased production.
Demand for plasticizer alcohols in most downstream markets is greatly influenced
by general economic conditions. As a result, demand for plasticizer alcohols
largely follows the patterns of the leading world economies. The major end-use
markets include construction/remodeling, automotive production and original
equipment manufacture (OEM).
2-Ethylhexanol (2-EH) and n-butanol account for over 70% of world consumption
of plasticizer alcohols. High consumption volumes for both alcohols will continue
in the near future; however, it is expected that n-butanol will surpass 2-EH
consumption in the next ten years. This is due partly to substitution of DEHP
(di[2-ethylhexyl] phthalate), the main plasticizer derived from 2-EH, by other
plasticizers derived from other plasticizer alcohols, such as isononyl alcohol.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of plasticizer alcohols by
type in 2004:
The following pie chart shows world consumption of plasticizer alcohols by
market:
Plasticizers are by far the largest end-use market for plasticizer alcohols,
accounting for about 50% of world consumption. Although plasticizers will remain
the largest application, growth in world consumption is forecast to be moderate
at 1.7% during 2004–2009, the second-lowest average annual growth rate
among all plasticizer alcohol markets. Major plasticizer-producing regions
such as the United States and Western Europe are experiencing moderate growth
rates, while Japan is expected to see a decline in consumption for plasticizers.
Other plasticizer markets in Asia, including China, are forecast to experience
slower growth during 2004–2009 than in previous years, as growth moderates
and enters a more mature phase.
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