New AMI Report Highlights Effects of Global Economic Crisis on the European Plastics Industry

In a new report, leading plastics industry consultant, Applied Market Information Ltd. (AMI) has documented the rotational moulding industry in Europe.  The report highlights the versatility of the rotational moulding process and its ability to be a cost-effective alternative to blow moulding.

A 3% drop in the number of rotational moulders listing in AMI’s guide to the rotational moulding industry in Europe, 7th Edition highlights the effects of the global economic crisis on the European plastics industry. The remaining 336 listed production sites across Europe are estimated to have been responsible for the consumption of 211 thousand tonnes of polymer in 2011, down from the pre-recession highs of 250 thousand tonnes in 2006.  Although the industry has a long way to go to regain those lost volumes, the market is expected to show some growth for 2012 after three years of declining volumes.

The weakness in the rotomoulding sector was largely a consequence of the continued economic uncertainty in Europe which resulted in the reduction of infrastructure projects and impacted on the demand for rotationally moulded water and fuel tanks, which make up the largest end use application for this process. Other sectors however performed better and the economic downturn resulted in some applications which may have traditionally used blow moulding switching to rotational moulding because of the smaller volumes of articles required and the economic advantages of using rotational moulding for small runs.  The materials handling market has been relatively unaffected by the recession and the market for IBC is still growing.  This market is maintained by the requirement for most containers to be replaced a minimum of every 3 years.  The offshore industry and fishing remains a solid and growing market especially in the Nordic Countries where over 50% of rotational moulders supply the marine and fishing markets.

The aim of AMI’s guide to the rotational moulding industry in Europe, 7st Edition is to provide accurate and up-to-date information on rotational moulding plants in Western and Central Europe.  This information has been compiled using AMI’s extensive knowledge of the industry and not only provides a directory and listing of 336 rotational moulders within the region, but also an overview and summary of the current status of the industry.