The study forecasts PET packaging growth rates of 12.7% between 1997 and 2001, 8.7% from 2001 to 2004, and 7.7% from 2004 to 2007.
The study, which includes supply and demand details from 91 countries, concludes that in order to meet demand, "a minimum of 18 new world-scale plants of around 200ꯠ tons/year will be likely to come onstream in the period 2001-2007--beyond those already announced." The development of these plants could be delayed, however, if the "extremely poor profitability in the industry" isn't remedied, says the study.
"PET manufacturers generally require much stronger cash flows before they will commit new capital," says Bob Gladding, Tecnon's PET analyst. "The present period of soft pricing could well be followed by a capacity crunch in 2001."
The chart shown here depicts resin consumption by end-use application. Between 1997 and 2007, consumption of PET used in carbonated soft drinks will go from 2.22 to 5.34 million tons; mineral water bottles will go from 0.76 to 2.49 million tons; other bottles and containers will go from 1.17 to 2.94 million tons; and packaging and sheet will go from 0.29 to 0.77 million tons.
Released in July of this year, the 291-page report is available for £4ꯠ (U.S.$6긘).