LLDPE (Linear low-density polyethylene) Market Analysis, Market Size, Application Analysis, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies And Forecasts, 2014 To 2020

Global demand for LLDPE (Linear Low Density Polyethylene) is expected to witness substantial growth over the forecast period owing to its widespread use in various end use industries such as agriculture, automotive, packaging and household products. LLDPE has better mechanical properties including high tensile strength and impact resistance as compared to other polyethylene derivatives. Superior tensile properties of LLDPE make them most suitable in the production of films. LLDPE films are widely used in applications where flexibility and elongation are most important factors such as geo-membrane liners, hazardous waste liners, miming, canal linings and packaging industry. Packaging films accounted more than half the global market volume share in 2013. The second largest application segment in terms of volume was bags and sacks. Other applications include rigid packaging and building & construction materials. Special packaging film is expected to be the fastest growing segment over the forecast period due to growing retail and packaging industry across the globe.  

Growing demand for packaged food products, particularly in emerging countries of Asia Pacific is expected to be the key driver for market growth. In addition, growing usage of protective films in agriculture to reduce soil erosion and protection against UV rays is also anticipated to fuel market growth over the next six years. Growing use of LLDPE films in construction industry as moisture barriers under the concrete structure is also likely to augment market growth.  However, stringent regulations regarding usage of non-biodegradable plastics in several parts of Europe and North America may hamper growth of the LLDPE market. 

Asia Pacific was the largest market of LLDPE in terms of volume in 2013 due to to rapid growth in retail and packaging industry.  In addition, Asia Pacific is likely  to be the fastest growing market over the forecast period owing to the growth of the packaging sector. mature markets such as Europe and North America are expected to witness sluggish growth owing to shift in manufacturing units to China, South Korea, Brazil, Singapore and India. Middle East and Latin America are also expected to have strong growth prospects due to  the surge in electronics and personal care industry in the region.        

The major players in the global LLDPE market include INEOS, Basell, The Dow Chemical company, Mitsubishi Chemicals, Mitsui and Westlake, ExxonMobil, SINOPEC, CNPC, SABIC, LyondeBassells, Reliance Industries and Nova Chemicals.