Abstract
Global production and consumption of phthalic anhydride in 2007 was approximately 3.9 million metric tons. Global capacity utilization was 78% in 2007, essentially unchanged from 2006. Global phthalic anhydride consumption is estimated to have increased by 4.3% in 2007, and is expected to increase on average by 3.2% per year from 2007 to 2012, declining to 2.3% per year from 2012 to 2017. 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 53% of global phthalic anhydride consumption in 2007, followed by unsaturated polyester resins with 17% of total consumption. Other applications include alkyd resins and various specialty compounds.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of phthalic anhydride by end use:
