Plastic Foams

US demand for plastic foams is forecast to rise 2.3 percent annually to 8.8 billion pounds in 2020, valued at $25.2 billion. Growth will decelerate from the rate posted during the 2010-2015 period. The construction sector is anticipated to lead growth prospects, which will see additional opportunities for foam insulation products bolstered by increasing construction activity. Rising consumer spending levels will bode well for foams used in household products such as bedding, furniture, and appliances. Gains in this market will also be aided by the expanding popularity of memory foam mattresses, although maturity and import competition will continue to limit domestic plastic foam demand in the furniture and appliance segments. In the motor vehicle market, advances will slow in tandem with slowing motor vehicle production and by trends favoring smaller, more fuel efficient automobiles that require less foam on a per vehicle basis.