Consumption of synthetic rubber in western Europe is expected to rise at an annual rate of 1.8 per cent over the next five years to 2002. According to International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Products, consumption of synthetic rubber by western Europe in 1997 was placed at 2,490 kt (thousand metric tonnes). This is expected to go up to 2,720 kt in 2002, feels institute's European Section Statistical Committee.In comparison, the 2,490 kt consumption figure in 1997 represented an increase of 7.4 per cent over 1996 when consumption was off 1.6 per cent.Highlights in western Europe's consumption estimates for next five years include SR consumption (including emulsion and solution-polymerized material as well as high styrene) for 1997 is expected to have increased by 3.2 per cent or 3.4 kt in 1996. Over the next 5-year term an annualised growth rate of 0.6 per cent is predicted. This is due mainly to the relocation of tyre production from western Europe to central Europe.
Solution SR is estimated toincrease at an annual rate of 6.8 per cent while emulsion SR is forecast to decrease at an annual rate of 1.6 per cent through 2002, although forecast substitution of emulsion polymerized material by solution material may prove to be too conservative.
Consumption of ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM) increased by 5.4 per cent in 1997 and is expected to increase in line with the automotive industry with an annualised growth rate of 2.8 per cent to 290 kt in 2002. NBR solid consumption is expected to increase in line with the automotive industry with an annualised growth rate of 2.8 per cent to 290 kt in 2002.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
