Abstract
Global production and consumption of MF resins in 2007 was approximately 1.6 million metric tons. Global capacity utilization was 63% in 2007; this was an increase from 2006 due to a larger increase in consumption than capacity. Global MF resins consumption is estimated to have increased by 4.3% in 2007, and is expected to increase by 4.1% per year from 2007 to 2012, declining to 2.3% per year from 2012 to 2017. Average global utilization rates are expected to gradually increase, but only reach the low to mid-70s range by the end of the forecast period.
Laminates accounted for 32% of global MF resins consumption in 2007, followed by adhesives with 26% of total consumption. Other applications include surface coatings, molding compounds, and paper and textile treating resins and coatings.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of MF resins by end use:
