Abstract
Global production and consumption of PF resins in 2007 was approximately 3.2 million metric tons. Global capacity utilization was 64% in 2007; this was a slight increase from 2006 due to a larger increase in consumption than capacity. Global PF resins consumption is estimated to have increased by 2.8% in 2007, and is expected to increase on average by 3.5% 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 to the mid-70s range by the end of the forecast period.
Wood adhesives accounted for about 35% of global PF resins consumption in 2007, followed by molding compounds with 14% of total consumption. Other applications include insulation and laminates.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of PF resins by end use:
