Abstract
Global production and consumption of ethylene in 2007 was approximately 115 million metric tons. Global capacity utilization was 92.5% in 2007. Global ethylene consumption is estimated to have increased by 4.2% in 2007, and is expected to increase by 4.4% per year from 2007 to 2012, declining to 3.4% per year from 2012 to 2017. Average global utilization rates are expected to decline to the mid-80s range by 2011, gradually increasing afterward.
Total polyethylene production (three grades) accounted for almost 60% of global ethylene consumption in 2007, followed by ethylene oxide with 14% and ethylene dichloride/vinyl chloride with 12% of total global consumption. Other applications for ethylene include ethylbenzene, acetaldehyde, MMA, EPDM rubber, and vinyl acetate.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of ethylene by end use:
