Global TPE demand rising by 5.5% p.a.

Global demand for thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) is forecast to rise 5.5% annually to 5.8 million metric tonnes in 2017, according to a study by the Freedonia Group. Advances will be driven by ongoing product innovation on the part of TPE manufacturers, allowing these materials to further displace traditional elastomers and thermoplastics in a variety of applications. In addition, TPE demand will benefit from the ongoing push to reduce motor vehicle weight, particularly as automotive fuel economy standards worldwide become more stringent. Healthy growth will also be fueled by an improved economic outlook in developed regions such as North America and Western Europe, while gains in emerging markets will benefit from further adoption of TPEs over competing materials. Other world regions will enjoy above-average gains in demand through 2017, www.freedoniagroup.comwomens nike shoes