US demand for degradable plastics is forecast to rise 16.6 percent annually through 2014, driven by interest in environmentally friendly products. Polylactic acid (PLA) and starch-based plastics will remain the dominant types and see strong growth. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) will be the fastest growing type from a small base.

US demand for silicones is forecast to rise 5.3 percent annually through 2014. Consumer goods such as cosmetics and toiletries will remain a fast growing market, as will medical products. Silicone gels will be the fastest growing type, driven by robust growth in demand for gel encapsulants in LED and photovoltaic applications.

US demand for independently compounded thermoplastics is forecast to rise 2.7 percent yearly through 2013. Value gains will be fueled by shifts toward more highly tailored resin formulations. Best opportunities are expected for thermoplastic elastomers and polypropylene, while polyvinyl chloride remains the largest segment.

US demand for extruded plastics is forecast to expand 2.6 percent annually through 2013, supported by a turnaround in the housing market. PVC will remain the largest segment, and will be one of the fastest growing. Slower advances for LDPE will reflect saturated film and sheet applications in packaging. Extruded polypropylene will grow the fastest.

Global demand for biodegradable or plant-based plastic resins will rise more than fourfold through 2013. Non-biodegradable plant-based plastics will grow the fastest and surpass biodegradable types as the dominant bioplastic resin. The Asia/Pacific region will surpass Western Europe as the largest market.

Global TPE demand will rise six percent annually through 2013, with China making up 42 percent of new demand. Excluding China, TPE sales will remain concentrated in the developed markets of the US, Western Europe and Japan, especially for higher performance materials such as TPVs and copolyester elastomers (COPEs).

US flame retardant demand will reverse declines and grow 2.7 percent annually through 2013. Alumina trihydrate will remain the most widely used type, while the best growth is expected for phosphorus-based products. Construction will continue as the largest end use, while the wire and cable and motor vehicle markets grow the fastest.

US foamed plastics demand will reach 8.4 billion pounds in 2013 as key construction and motor vehicle markets recover. Foamed urethane will remain the largest segment while foamed LDPE grow the fastest. Construction will provide the best opportunities based on growth in insulation and carpet underlay applications.

US glass fiber demand will grow 3.3 percent annually through 2013. Glass wool fiber will lead gains based on a rebound in new home building and more intensive use of fiberglass insulation per new housing unit. Textile glass fiber will be driven mainly by use in reinforced plastics, but will be restrained by maturing markets and lower-cost imported fibers.

US demand for fluoropolymers will rise 4.5 percent annually through 2013. Gains will be driven in part by a turnaround in key markets such as motor vehicles and wire and cable, and rising demand in fast-growing emerging markets such as advanced batteries, fuel cells and photovoltaic modules. PTFE will remain the largest type while fluoroelastomers will grow the fastest.