Kline’s analysis of Synthetic Latex Polymers market in Eastern Europe suggests that contrary to the recent trend of polymer dispersions in the EU-27 (European Union of 27 member states), higher growth is expected over the next five years.
According to the analysis, though consumption of polymer dispersions in Russia, Turkey and Eastern Europe is considerably smaller compared to the major part of EU-27, there is scope of higher growth.
The combined states of the EU-27 in 2011 consumed nearly 2.5 million dry tonnes of synthetic latex polymers, valued around EUR 5 billion. The most synthetic latex polymer applications users in Europe are paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants and paper.
As a result of voluntary and regulatory proposals in Europe, the turnover from solvent-based to water-based paints is likely to carry on as a majority of decorative paints purchased now is water-based. This change will directly and positively affect the synthetic latex polymer demand. However, due to technical pressure to provide quality finishes, which only solvent-based paints can give, chances of higher growth for synthetic latex polymers is possible.
In the previous year, many construction markets in the Eastern region returned to growth, particularly in the new EU member states where the infrastructure is being improved. The continued progress in living standards and elevated purchasing power within Eastern Europe, Turkey and Russia promises growth for all industries.
While, carboxylated styrene butadiene is the main synthetic latex polymer used in EU-27, followed by styrene-acrylics and pure acrylics, in Eastern Europe, Turkey and Russia, styrene-acrylics are popular, followed by redispersible powders and PVAc.