Asia-Pacific accounts for 60% of global demand for polyurethane

The global market value of polyurethane will rise in the coming years, with thermal insulation potentially becoming a key material application, predicts a new report by business analysts GBI Research. The report states that polyurethane rigid foams made from Methyl Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI), which have been used for thermal insulation purposes in developed countries for years, are now gaining acceptance in other regions and boosting the global demand.

In Europe, the energy performance of buildings is seen as key in achieving EU Climate & Energy objectives: cut 20% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, and make a saving of 20% on energy expenditure by the same year. Polyurethane rigid foam as an insulation material is becoming more widely used in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as Central and South America, as governments formulate more policies promoting energy efficiency and conservation.

Over the last decade, polyurethane manufacturing companies have moved into Asia in order to take advantage of lower production costs. The increase in the number of production facilities in countries such as China is considered to be the primary reason for demand growth - an assertion reinforced by an Asia-Pacific share of 53.5% of the total global demand in 2010.
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