Polyolefin Elastomer Prices to Remain on a Growth Trajectory in the USA
- 25-Nov-2021 6:06 PM
- Journalist: Bob Duffler
The prices of Polyolefin Elastomer (POE) have been rising in the USA for the past three months. The galloping streak is expected to continue during the last week of the current month also. The prices were assessed at USD 2895 per tonne for the POE Injection Molding grade and USD 2550 per tonne for the POE Extrusion Molding grade in the month of August. The prices remained quite stable in the month of September with the prices rising a little bit in the month of October at USD 3040 per tonne for Injection Molding grade and USD 2660 per tonne for the Extrusion Molding grade. The current prices in the third week of November are USD 3160 per tonne and USD 2750 per tonne respectively for the Injection Molding and Extrusion Molding grade.
The prices have been rising due to rising feedstock prices in the USA and as the POE is used as a substitute in place of EPDM, EPR, etc., its demand has also been rising in the USA in the construction and automotive sectors. With the rising feedstock prices and high demand, the prices are poised to rise.
POE are the copolymers of ethylene and other higher alpha olefins e.g octene, butene etc. POEs are a new class of elastomers that are developed from the latest advancements in metallocene polymerisation catalyst. These are special polymers that can replace several industrial polymers like EPDM, EPR etc. POEs are produced by using metallocene catalyst during polymerisation process.
POE has many applications due to its elasticity, thermal stability, and UV resistance. Thermal stability of these compounds makes them suitable to make thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics. In addition, they are recyclable. They are majorly used in automotive industries to make interiors and exteriors. Furthermore, POEs are utilised to make wires or cables, adhesives, footwears, medical products, films, and foams etc. The global demand for POE stood at around 970 kilotons in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% during the upcoming years till 2030.
