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Acrylic surface coatings are the leading finishes used in the paint and coatings
industry, having surpassed alkyd finishes over the past few years. Based on
acrylic and/or methacrylic polymers or copolymers, acrylic surface coatings
are noted for their inertness and excellent color retention when exposed to
outdoor conditions. Acrylics are one of the fastest growing sectors in
the coatings industry; globally, it is estimated that consumption of acrylic
surface coatings grew at a 5% per year rate during 2000–2005. Acrylic
coatings now account for about 25% of all coatings. Worldwide sales of acrylic
resins for coatings were estimated at more than 1.5 million metric tons (100%
resin basis) worth about $5 billion in 2006. Global sales of acrylic coatings
were roughly 6 million metric tons worth $20 billion (at the manufacturer’s
level) in 2006.
The following pie chart provides a breakdown of acrylic surface coating consumption
by application in the United States, Western Europe and Japan:
Most of the markets for acrylic coatings in the United States are fairly mature.
Growth generally parallels that of the major end-use markets—construction,
automotive and durable equipment—which generally rise and fall with the
GNP.
Consumption levels in Western Europe have not changed significantly in the
last few years. Overall demand for architectural coatings has remained flat
in Western Europe. Consumption has actually declined in Germany in recent years,
but increased in Spain as a result of a strong economy, high second home ownership,
growing tourism and increased immigration.
Other areas that should experience noticeable growth in architectural coatings
are Brazil and China. In Brazil, the government has introduced the National
Housing System, which will bring additional housing to a country with a shortfall
of more than seven million units. The construction boom continues in China,
which will be further stimulated by the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, the 2010
World Expo in Shanghai and the Asia Games in Guangzhou. Home ownership has
grown rapidly following the closure of government-backed welfare housing in
1998. Growth in the real estate market is expected to remain at 10% per year
for the foreseeable future. Consumption of acrylic coatings in China is forecast
to grow at 10–15% annually for the next five years. In 2006, 200–250
thousand metric tons of acrylic resins (100% basis) were consumed in China,
for coating of wood, metals and plastics.
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