What is Polycarbonate (PC)?

Polycarbonate (PC) is one of the polymers in the technical thermoplastics group. PC is derived from bisphenol A and phosgene or diphenyl carbonate. PC is characterised by high resistance to the effects of atmosphere, water and heat. Its characteristics stay even when kept in boiling water for a month. PC remains elastic even at -190 C temperature, while it melts only at temperatures of 300 C and higher. Impact resistance, form steadiness and high optical transparency makes PC a very suitable material for construction, electronics, food packaging and consumer goods manufacturing.

PC market

In 2015 global PC market was worth more than $15 billion and global consumption is forecasted to grow at around 3 % per year to 2020. The highest growth in consumption will come from Asia (Chinese and Indian consumption will grow by 5 % each), CIS countries, Baltic States and South East Asia (around 3-4 %). Industries that consume the most PC differ across regions: USA- automotive, Western Europe- packaging and construction, China and Japan- electronics. Globally most PC is consumed by electrical and electronics manufacturers, however consumption in automotive is also growing due to the growing demand for lighter, more fuel-efficient cars. This trend is seen as the main driver of growth of global PC consumption in the future.

PC supply market is highly concentrated. It is dominated by 5 largest producers, that control more than 90 % of the market. PC is derived from bisphenol A (BPA), which is an oil product. Therefore fluctuations in oil price, negatively impact PC market. What is more BPA is thought to be harmful to humans and while the research on this issue continues, producers are investing in R&D and looking for ways to produce PC without BPA. Increasing health and ecological concerns mean that there will be a strong demand for such a product. Another strong market opportunity is forecasted to come from scratch resistant PC. At the moment, the price of PC in automotive is higher than it could be, due to the need to coat it with scratch resistant materials. Producers that can supply scratch resistant PC will find a lot of interest in automotive industry.

For more information on the specific polycarbonate brand and supply conditions please contact us by:
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