December 2014, Vol. 241, No. 12
Features
Global Demand For Polyethylene To Reach 99.6 Million Tons In 2018
Global demand for polyethylene resins – HDPE, LLDPE and LDPE – will rise 4% per year to 99.6 million metric tons in 2018, valued at $164 billion. Gains will match overall world economic growth, fueled by an acceleration in consumer spending and manufacturing activity. Polyethylene will continue to be the most widely used plastic resin in the world, benefiting from its versatility, easy processability, low cost and recyclability. The development of ethylene feedstocks from new sources, such as shale gas, coal and bio-based materials will also give polyethylene a price or sustainability advantage relative to other plastic resins. Moreover, continually improving polym

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