Report: Global demand for PVC continues to grow

Ceresana, the German-based market research institute, analyzed and published its eighth edition of market study on polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Ceresana published the eighth edition of market study on PVC.

PVC is one of the best-selling thermoplastics alongside polyethylene and polypropylene. The market report forecasts further growth for PVC – global demand of the material is likely to rise to 58.1 million tons until 2032.

Majority in construction use

Almost two thirds of the entire production of PVC is for construction application, from floor coverings to façade cladding and roof panels, as well as seals, cables, dowels, and fastening elements.

Pipes and pipelines account for more than 36% of PVC consumption. This is followed by profiles with 20% and films and sheets with 18.5%.

Compared to pipes made of concrete or metal, products made of PVC are lighter, more flexible, more resistant to chemicals, and generally more durable.

Packaging as second largest application

The second most common PVC application is the packaging industry, which processes around 16.7% of the PVC produced worldwide. PVC is used to produce rigid packaging as well as flexible packaging, such as packaging films, bags and sacks, shrink and stretch films.

Other applications

PVC is also used as a good electrical insulator for insulating tapes and protective coatings for pliers or other tools.

Medical technology also requires PVC, which is resistant to chemicals and disinfectants, such as for infusion bags, tubes, catheters and gloves.

Nevertheless, rigid PVC foams are used as a core material for fiber composites and lightweight sandwich constructions.