Acrylic Acid and Esters: Growth In Derivatives

SRI Consulting Releases Comprehensive Global Report

MENLO PARK, CA. July 18, 2007— Global demand has increased for acrylic acid derivatives, specifically acrylate esters used in the production of surface coatings and Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs) for hygienic applications.  Still, the growth is being limited by the current global inventory of crude acrylic acid.  Today, SRI Consulting (SRIC) released its new Acrylic Acid and Esters report that provides current and comprehensive information on the global Acrylic Acid, Acrylate Esters and SAP industry including trends, supply and demand, and analysis of the competitive environment.  

Koon-Ling Ring, Program Director of SRIC’s Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH) group said, “Due to growing demand for acrylic acid derivatives led by SAPs, many of the major producers have responded by expanding plants and building new production facilities at key sites throughout the world.” Ms. Ring continued, ”But, the growth in derivatives will still outpace acrylic acid supply.” 

SRIC’s new Acrylic Acid and Estersreport says that global acrylic acid capacity in 2006 is estimated at 4.7 million metric tons, acrylate ester capacity at 4.3 million metric tons, and SAP capacity at 1.6 million metric tons.  World demand for crude acrylic acid is forecast to grow at 3.7% annually from 2006-2011, while demand for glacial acrylic acid is forecast to grow 4.1% annually from 2006-2011.  Demand for commodity acrylates is forecasted to grow at 3.7% annually from 2006-2011. 

Lead Author and Senior Consultant James Glauser commented, “Hygienic applications account for nearly 97% of all SAP consumption with demand growing globally at 3-4% annually for the next five years.  Asia (excluding Japan), Latin America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East lead this at 5-7% annually while North America, Japan and Europe are at 2-3% annually.  Adult incontinence products will be the fastest growing segment due to the world’s aging population.”

SRIC’s new Acrylic Acid and Estersreport says that the United States and Asia account for the largest consumption of both acrylic acid and acrylate esters in the world, followed by Western Europe and Japan.  The largest application for acrylate esters is the production of surface coatings (48%), followed by adhesives and sealants (21%), plastic additives and comonomers (12%), paper coatings, and textiles.  In the United States, surface coatings account for 55% of acrylate ester consumption. 

For additional information about the Acrylic Acid and Estersreport please contact Koon-Ling Ring at kring@sriconsulting.com, +1 650 384 4359 or visit the website at www.sriconsulting.com.

About SRI Consulting (SRIC)

SRI Consulting (SRIC) is the world’s leading business research service for the global chemical industry.  Publishing for almost 60 years, SRI Consulting is the preeminent source for in-depth business and process analysis.  This report was developed by the Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH) group, which provides evaluation of supply/demand relationships and analysis of the industry competitive environment for over 300 chemical products and product groups.  SRI Consulting's headquarters are located in Menlo Park, California with offices in The Woodlands, Texas; Zürich, Switzerland; Tokyo, Japan; and Beijing, China.  SRI Consulting is a division of Access Intelligence, LLC.  Additional information is available at www.sriconsulting.com.

SRI Consulting (SRIC) is a trade name and a registered trademark of SRI International, used under license.