Polypropylene Copolymer Market

Polypropylene refers to a cost effective material that is a combination of exceptional mechanical, electrical, and physical properties. Such properties are not found in any other type of thermoplastic. As compared to high or low-density polyethylene, polypropylene comes with lower impact strength but with much improved tensile strength and working temperature. Known for its outstanding chemical resistance in corrosive surroundings, polypropylene offers superior resistance to electrolytic attack, degreasing agents, and organic solvents. This material is resistant to stains, comes with low absorption rate of moisture, and is light in weight.

Polypropylene comes in two different types, which are

• Homopolymer
• Copolymer

Although they are alike in many ways, they manifest some marked differences in its performance and appearance.

Polypropylene homopolymer comes with stiffness and high strength to weight ratio. Polypropylene homopolymer is comparatively stronger than copolymer. In addition, this material is also has good weldability and chemical resistance, which enables the material to be utilized in many of the corrosion resistant structures.

On the other hand, polypropylene copolymer is comparatively soft but is has more impact trength and is more durable and tough than polypropylene homopolymer. This material usually comes with toughness at low temperature and improved stress crack resistance, which is likely to drive the growth of the global polypropylene copolymer market over the assessment tenure. A large number of applications across various industries are likely to propel growth of the global polypropylene copolymer market over the assessment tenure.

The global polypropylene copolymer market is estimated to be fuelled by several favorable characteristics of the product. Polypropylene copolymer comes with non-hazardous and non-toxic effect on inhalation and ingestion. In addition, it comes with low toxicity for aquatic organisms. With increased demand for high performance, cost effective, and light weight packaging the solutions, the global polypropylene copolymer market is poised for substantial growth over the forecast tenure.

Polypropylene Copolymer Market: Overview

Polypropylene copolymer is a type of plastic formed by the polymerization of propylene in the presence of a catalyst and monomer. It is one of the versatile thermoplastic polymers owing to its usage in a wide range of applications in various end-use industries. Polypropylene copolymer possesses various properties such as excellent surface hardness, high impact and chemical resistance, good transparency, high heat resistance, low melting temperature, low specific gravity, high stiffness, high temperature resistance to chemicals, good processability via injection molding and extrusion, and low moisture absorption rate. It is readily formed by catalytic polymerization of propylene by using ethylene as a co-monomer at random concentrations to improve thermal and mechanical properties of polypropylene copolymers.

Polypropylene Copolymer Market: Trends & Demands

Rise in demand for polypropylene copolymer in the packaging industry is propelling the demand for polypropylene copolymer. Increase in demand for polypropylene copolymer in the health care industry owing to its application in injection molding purposes and various other medical devices is also augmenting the polypropylene copolymer market. Expansion in the food & beverages industry provides lucrative opportunities to the polypropylene copolymer market.

On the other hand, availability of substitutes is hampering the polypropylene copolymer market. Furthermore, volatility in prices of polypropylene copolymer is adversely affecting the polypropylene copolymer market.

Polypropylene Copolymer Market: Key Segments

In terms of product type, the polypropylene copolymer market can be segmented into homopolymers, copolymers, and others. Homopolymers is the widely used type of polypropylene. They are also known as Polypropylene Homopolymers (PPH). Homopolymers provide high strength-to-weight ratio and are stiffer than copolymers. The excellent chemical resistance and weldability enable the use of the polypropylene homopolymer in various corrosion resistant structures.

Based on application, the polypropylene copolymer market can be divided into injection molding, fiber & raffia, films & sheets, blow molding, additives, coatings, and others.

In terms of end-use industry, the polypropylene copolymer market can be segregated into packaging, automotive, building & construction, electrical & electronics, food & beverages, medical devices, and others. The others segment includes gearboxes, hot & cold water pipes, and toys. In terms of volume, the packaging segment accounts for significant share of the market owing to the rise in demand for polypropylene copolymers in the food & beverages industry. Polypropylene copolymer is primarily used in food & storage container packaging on large scale. The health care industry is the next major consumer of polypropylene copolymer. These copolymers are largely used in the molding of medical devices such as syringes, labware, and bottles.

Polypropylene Copolymer Market: Regional Outlook

Based on geography, the polypropylene copolymer market can be classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. In terms of volume, Asia Pacific accounts for key share of the market owing to the constant demands for polypropylene copolymers in the packaging industry. Asia Pacific is followed by North America and Europe.

Polypropylene Copolymer Market: Key Players

Key players operating in the polypropylene copolymer market include Total Petrochemicals & Refining USA, Inc., LyondellBasell Industries N.V, SABIC, Sinopec, Braskem, Borealis AG, Reliance Industries Limited, Sasol, INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Pinnacle Polymers LLC, Entec Polymers, Flint Hills Resources, and Exxon Mobil Corporation.