Abstract
Global production and consumption of phthalic anhydride in 2008 were approximately 4 million metric tons. Global capacity utilization was 81% in 2008, down from 83% in 2007. Phthalic anhydride consumption is estimated to have increased by 1.5% in 2008, and is expected to grow an average 3.4% per year from 2008 to 2013, slowing to 2.4% per year from 2013 to 2018. Average global utilization rates are expected to increase to the mid-80s range by 2011, gradually increasing to the high-80s range afterward.
Phthalate plasticizers accounted for 52% of global phthalic anhydride consumption in 2008, followed by unsaturated polyester resins with 17% of total consumption. Other applications include manufacture of alkyd resins and various specialty compounds.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of phthalic anhydride by end use.
