World Analysis – Polycarbonate

Duration: Long-term outlook to 2060

Polycarbonate (PC) is a high-performance thermoplastic that is most often found in applications that require high-impact resistance and superior aesthetic qualities, such as transparency or precisely controlled coloring. PC is capable of withstanding higher-temperature operating conditions than most transparent or aesthetic thermoplastics. These characteristics make PC the first choice for aesthetically pleasing, tough, and durable applications, including automotive headlamp lenses, abuse-resistant signage, damage-resistant window glazing and atrium roofing, transparent shields on industrial equipment, enclosures for consumer electronics (especially when blended with acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene [ABS]), tough films decorated with stylish graphics for membrane switches, snowboards and other sporting goods, and countless other applications. Electronics/electrical is the largest demand segment for PC worldwide, followed by the sheet and film segment.

PC resins are generally produced from bisphenol A (BPA) and phosgene, although some non-phosgene routes are also used. The two distinct methods to produce polycarbonate are the solvent multiphase reaction (interfacial) process and the melt phase via DPC intermediate process. The solvent multiphase reaction (interfacial) process is the traditional method of production and utilizes an amine-catalyzed reaction known as the “interfacial” route; this method uses phosgene. The melt phase via DPC intermediate process reacts diphenyl carbonate (DPC) with BPA. DPC can either be made with phosgene or via phosgene-free processes. The nonphosgene methods are claimed to be environmentally friendly and economical; therefore, the share of nonphosgene routes is increasing during the forecast period.

Duration: Long-term outlook to 2060

The World Analysis—Polycarbonate provides a comprehensive analysis and key insights into critical market developments as they shape the future outlook for the global Polycarbonate market.

The following reports, data files, analytical tools and visualization modules are available online and can be downloaded from our website:

• Direct Access to the Subject Matter Experts
• In-depth exploration of present market strategic insights, recognition of key challenges, and presentation of our experts’ forecasts and analysis
• Explanatory Notes detailing data sources, methodologies, unit and conversion factors, and World Analysis deliverables.
• Energy and Economy assumptions
• Price, cost and margin-based assumptions forecast and sensitivity analysis, including price assessment methodology, including price definitions across all regions.
• Excel data files with standard supply/demand graphics and price forecasts extended to 2060, trade grids with country and regional trade flows
• Data appendix (Excel) with supply/demand, capacity and trade tables.
• An online dashboard visualization of capacity, supply/demand, trade grids, and price, cost and margin forecasts
• Supply/demand and capacity database access via data browser
• Data Appendix (Excel) with supply/demand and capacity tables
• Capacity by company/shareholder, capacity integration, top producer/consumer and surplus/deficit capacity ranking, and ownership/subsidiary information

In addition to the main product, capacity is provided for the following products:

• Bisphenol A

This World Analysis contains detailed information on capacities, production, demand and trade for all significant producing and consuming countries, geographies and regions. Although data gathering is essential for understanding history and potential future trends, we believe that the interpretation and analysis of the data are the most valuable parts for our clients.

Verifying the data is critical to the quality of the analysis, and the input our teams get from direct participants in the global business is most important in arriving at realistic conclusions.

Duration: Long-term outlook to 2060