6. Economic and environmental aspects

The price of liquid crystal mixtures used for display applications varies between e3 and e25 per gram, depending on the type of application (from TN to TFT) and the desired quality (contrast ratio and speed). In 2010, the world market for liquid crystals was estimated at around 1.6 billion euros, for some 240 tonnes (compared with 50 tonnes 10 years ago). Around 300 types of molecule are used for over a hundred commercial products (mixtures). Three major liquid crystal producers share 90% of this market: Merck Chemicals (over 60%), Chisso Corporation and DIC Corporation. The remainder is held by several Asian producers.

Liquid crystals used in the display industry are organic substances, with a potential impact on the environment. As a precautionary measure, producers are required to carry out toxicity tests on all products sold in the European Community in excess...