Plastics processing machinery demand in China is projected to advance 5.1% per year to $10.8 billion in 2021. Growth is being driven by the country’s rising middle class and its demand for more premium plastic goods, which is forcing plastics processors to purchase higher-end machines.

Demand in Malaysia for engine oil is forecast to increase 2.9% per year to 202,000 metric tons in 2021. Growth will be supported by: • longer average annual distance traveled by light vehicles as well as by medium and heavy trucks and buses • increasing motor vehicle ownership and usage • consumers’ tendency to follow OEM guidelines regarding oil drain intervals

Refractory demand in Spain is forecast to rise 1.0% per year to 232,000 metric tons in 2021. Growth will be supported by a rebound in steel and cement production, and gradual increases in the production of copper and iron.

Demand for synthetic automotive lubricants in the UK is forecast to rise 2.2% per year to 126,000 metric tons in 2021. Factors supporting demand gains include: • tightening emissions regulations and OEM recommendations that call for low viscosity lubricants • ongoing consumer interest in improving fuel economy • arrival of more modern engines in the vehicle fleet due to vehicle turnover • expanding availability of synthetic blends, which offer many performance advantage of full synthetics at a more affordable price

Global pharmaceutical packaging demand is projected to advance 6.0% per year to $112 billion in 2021. Aging populations, rising levels of acute and chronic conditions, and new product introductions will drive demand.

Siding demand in the US is projected to advance over 3% per year to 101.5 million squares in 2021. Growth can be attributed to a nationwide expansion in commercial building construction activity and increases in new housing completions in the South and West.

Demand for grills is forecast to expand 2.4% annually to $2.6 billion in 2021. Growing consumer interest in outdoor living and entertaining, including outdoor kitchens, will drive growth.

Automotive lubricant demand in the Asia/Pacific region is expected to increase 3.2% per annum to 11.0 million metric tons by 2021. The major factors contributing to the world’s fastest regional growth rate are: • continued increases in the region’s light vehicle and medium and heavy truck and bus parks • increase in construction activity across the region • acceleration in the agriculture sector due to a regional trend of increasing use of tractors in the farming industry • increase in regional motorcycle park

Global plastic caps and closures demand is projected to advance 4.1% per year to nearly 1.9 trillion units in 2021. Gains will be driven by bottled water, which has become the largest application for plastic closures and offers the greatest growth opportunities through 2021.

Global demand for industrial enzymes used in food and beverages will increase 4.5% yearly to $1.9 billion in 2021, roughly on par with the overall global average. The Asia/Pacific region will remain the largest regional market through 2021 and is expected to post gains of 7.0% yearly to $723 million.