3. Markets

PMMA is a unique example of a thermoplastic. It is one of the oldest polymers, whose market has never reached mass-market volumes, despite a price well below that of engineering plastics, but higher than that of common plastics. Many applications are in the form of very large parts, which is also contrary to the usual profile of plastics of comparable overall tonnage.

PMMA can be an economical competitor to polycarbonate, when high mechanical properties are not required. What's more, PMMA contains no bisphenol A, and is highly transparent.

Despite the product "s age, demand continues to grow steadily, as it is periodically boosted by the discovery of new applications.

Total PMMA consumption worldwide was estimated at 1.7 million tonnes in 2012, a relatively small but steady increase since 1.2 million tonnes in 2002,...