Further dominance in the Asia/Pacific region (primarily in China), as well as a recovery in new
housing in developed regions and the rapid growth of engineered stone, will spur world gains.
Demand to rise nearly 8%
annually through 2016
Global demand for cast polymers is
forecast to rise 7.9 percent annually to
252 million square meters in 2016.
Nearly 60 percent of projected growth
will be attributable to China, a country
with a quickly developing domestic cast
polymer industry and a considerable
construction sector. Growing populations
and ongoing economic advances in
China and other developing countries
such as India will continue to create the
need for large numbers of modern
housing units and nonresidential facilities,
providing opportunities for surface
materials such as cast polymers. Market
gains will also be aided by a recovery of
new housing construction in the US and
other developed countries from low 2011
bases. Cast polymers are used to make
countertops and sinks, as well as other
building and nonbuilding applications.
Engineered stone to post
fastest cast polymer gains
Solid surface accounted for 59 percent
of global sales in 2011. Over 70 percent
of solid surface materials were sold in
the Asia/Pacific region, where they are
generally low-cost options. In most of
the region, solid surfaces are popular despite
being offered in limited colors. Less
expensive, but less durable gel-coated
composites, including cultured marble,
cultured onyx, and cultured granite, are
expected to exhibit more modest gains
through 2016.
Engineered stone (e.g.,
engineered quartz and engineered
marble) accounted for the second largest
share -- 25 percent -- of the cast polymer
market in 2011, up from 16 percent in
2006, when it comprised the smallest
share. Intense marketing strategies
(such as in Australia) highlighting engineered
stone’s advantages over natural
stone and China’s rapidly increasing
output of relatively low-cost versions
have promoted its use. Engineered
stone is expected to achieve the fastest
gains of all cast polymers through 2016.
Asia/Pacific region to
dominate consumption
The largest regional market for cast polymers
in 2011 was the Asia/Pacific region,
with 63 percent of the global total. Four
of the top five cast polymer consuming
countries -- China, India, Japan, and
South Korea -- are located in the region.
Gains in this region will be mainly driven
by China, which will account for nearly
70 percent of the region’s cast polymer
sales in 2016. China’s cast polymer
industry continues to rapidly develop,
including a greater number of companies
developing their own versions of engineered
stone that sell at a discount over
the imported Breton-based versions.
Opportunities will increase as consumers
and builders have greater access to
relatively affordable cast polymers. India
is also expected to post strong gains as
it continues to develop its housing and
nonresidential sectors.
Study Scope
This study analyzes the 172 million square meter world cast polymer industry. It presents historical demand data for the years 2001, 2006 and 2011, with forecasts for 2016 and 2021 by type (solid surface materials, engineered stone, gel-coated composites), application (e.g., residential countertops, nonresidential countertops, sinks), world region and for 18 countries.
The study also considers market environment factors, details industry structure, evaluates company market share and profiles 39 industry players, including DuPont, Hanwha and Cosentino.
