Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)

Abstract

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) semi-finished products and molding compounds are experiencing a clear and steady market recovery. In 1997, the demand in Western Europe for semi-finished products stood at 172,000 t, while molding compounds are running close to the 80,000 t limit and will grow by 1.5% annually over the long term. Global capacity of PMMA stands at almost 1.6 million tonnes, with the three regions of Europe, America and Asia accounting for roughly one third each. The chief consumers of PMMA molding compounds are the automotive industry, construction and lighting industry. The key markets for PMMA semi-finished products in Western Europe were construction applications, illuminated industry and the sanitary sector.