Published December 2022
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a thermoplastic polymer material produced by the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA). This report discusses the resins and plastics that are composed of over 50% polymethyl methacrylate. These polymers are available in the form of sheets, molding and extrusion products (pellets, beads, or powders), rods, tubes, and film. PMMA supplies end-use markets that take advantage of its distinct properties, especially high optical clarity, light weight, UV stability, and impact resistance. The major end-use markets for PMMA are related to construction/remodeling and automotive/transportation, as well as electrical/electronics; as a result, consumption of PMMA is largely influenced by general macroeconomic conditions and will continue to follow the patterns of the leading world economies. Mainland China remains as the world’s largest consumer of PMMA.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA):
As most markets declined heavily during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during 2020–21, the global PMMA market remained somewhat shielded. The increase in PMMA sheet demand (that of cast sheet and extruded sheet) used for PMMA barriers/partitions (for example, sneeze guards) helped offset some of the declines in automotive and construction applications.
As of October 2022, the top-five world producers of PMMA represent close to half of the total world capacity. The largest multinational companies, in terms of PMMA capacity/production, are Mitsubishi Chemical Methacrylates, Röhm, Trinseo, Chi Mei Corporation, and Sumitomo.
For more detailed information, see the table of contents, shown below.
IHS Markit’s Chemical Economics Handbook – Polymethyl Methacrylate is the comprehensive and trusted guide for anyone seeking information on this industry. This latest report details global and regional information, including
Key benefits
IHS Markit’s Chemical Economics Handbook – Polymethyl Methacrylate has been compiled using primary interviews with key suppliers and organizations, and leading representatives from the industry in combination with IHS Markit’s unparalleled access to upstream and downstream market intelligence and expert insights into industry dynamics, trade, and economics..
This report can help you
- Identify trends and driving forces influencing chemical markets
- Forecast and plan for future demand
- Understand the impact of competing materials
- Identify and evaluate potential customers and competitors
- Evaluate producers
- Track changing prices and trade movements
- Analyze the impact of feedstocks, regulations, and other factors on chemical profitability
