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1 BCC Research Publisher Sample Phone: (US) or or (Int'l) Hours: Monday - Thursday: 5:30am - 6:30pm EST Fridays: 5:30am - 5:30pm EST customerservice@marketresearch.com MarketResearch.com

2 BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY, INC. Business Communications Co., Inc. 25 Van Zant St., Norwalk, CT06855

3 SUMMARY Technological changes in the U.S. plastics industry continue to have a direct impact on demand for advanced inorganic fillers. These changes include the introduction of metallocene, microfine, and nanocomposite resins and the rising importance of polyolefin masterbatches (films) and concentrates. The need for consistent, highquality products and changes in processing trends (i.e., faster line speeds and higher loadings and production temperatures) are also feeding demand for advanced inorganic fillers for plastics and surface treatments. What had become essentially a commodity market is now entering the value-added realm. Demand in 1998 for advanced inorganic fillers used by the U.S. plastics industry should reach about 1,116 million pounds. Average annual growth of 3.6% over the next five years should come from the ability of extremely fine fillers to enhance and modify specific properties and to meet the processing needs of newer thermoplastic resins. Consumption in 2003 is projected to be 1,334 million pounds. FILLERS BY TYPE In 2003, the U.S. plastics industry is projected to consume about 389 million pounds of fine particle-sized calcium carbonate fillers. Consumption in 1998 is estimated at 324 million pounds. The ability of these functional fillers to enhance brightness and lower absorption in a variety of polymeric matrices is driving the anticipated 3.7% average annual growth rate and current shortages of ultrafine calcium carbonate. Resin manufacturers value titanium dioxide for the brightness, opacity, and durability that it adds to many high-quality products. Ultrafine grades also provide transparent UV protection. These attributes should result in a 2.6% annual growth in plastics. In 2003, plastics usage is projected to be 511 million pounds and is estimated to be 449 million pounds for Consumption of fine particle-sized kaolin and other clay fillers in plastics is estimated at 96 million pounds in 1998, rising to 127 million pounds in Market conditions for titanium dioxide are upping demand for calcined kaolin as an extender. Other growth features include clay's thioxtropic flow and semi-reinforcing properties, as well as its unique ability to be combined with other fillers. These features should sustain average annual growth of 5.8% over the next five years. Supplies of fine particle-sized and surface-treated alumina trihydrate fillers continue to sell out rapidly. These value-added fillers impart flame retardancy and smoke suppression to a wide range of resins. Plastics compounders and resin producers should use an estimated 68 million pounds of fine particle technology-based alumina trihydrate fillers xiii

4 in An anticipated average annual growth rate of 6.2% should increase consumption to 92 million pounds in five years. The U.S. automotive industry has begun to prefer ultrafine talc fillers to meet the impact strength and stiffness requirements of high-end automotive resins. Average annual growth of 4.5% is also aided by the gains being made by fine particle-sized fillers in packaging. Consumption for these reinforcing fillers is predicted to reach 37 million pounds in 1998, rising to 46 million pounds in The reinforcing and thixotropic properties of synthetic silicas are driving the 4.0% average annual growth rate anticipated through At that time, consumption of these value-added fillers should reach 78 million pounds. The U.S. plastics industry should consume about 64 million pounds of fumed and precipitated silica fillers in In addition to flame retardancy, antimony oxide fillers (all of which are considered fine particle technology) provide unique synergistic abilities and act as titanium dioxide replacements. They also control opacity, color, and tone in various resin systems, all of which combine to give antimony oxide a 2.6% average annual growth rate in plastics. Consumption in 1998 is estimated at 58 million pounds, rising to 66 million pounds in Magnesium hydroxide fillers continue to gain market acceptance in the U.S. as alternatives to ATH and halogen-based flame retardant systems. Renewed interest in halogen-free formulations with smoke suppressing properties and thermal stability are driving the 5.5% average annual growth rate anticipated over the next five years, when consumption should be 17 million pounds, up from the 13 million pounds expected in The U.S. plastics industry consumed only small amounts (about 7 million pounds in 1998) of fine particle technology-based barium sulfate fillers. Average annual growth is projected to be 3.8% through 2003, when consumption should slightly exceed 8 million pounds. The density of these functional fillers allows higher loadings and improves processing. Barite fillers also act as relatively inexpensive titanium dioxide replacements and extenders. MARKET SIZE The following table summarizes the U.S. market size of advanced inorganic fillers in plastics, by type. This summary is restricted to fine particle technology (in sizes of 3 microns or under). More detailed figures are given within the body of this report. Projections are based on information supplied by leading U.S. filler manufacturers and gleaned from trade journals. xiv

5 SUMMARY TABLE A U.S. MARKET SIZE ADVANCED INORGANIC FILLERS IN PLASTICS (Million Lbs.) Filler AAGR % Calcium carbonate Titanium dioxide Kaolin & clay-based Alumina trihydrate Talc Silica Antimony oxide Magnesium hydroxide Barium sulfate Total 941 1,075 1,116 1, Source: BCC, Inc. MARKET VALUE The U.S. value of advanced inorganic fillers in plastics should approach $824.7 million dollars in Annual growth is predicted to average around 3.2% for the next five years, as prices fluctuate in response to resin costs, supply constraints, and market conditions. A market value of $965.3 million is expected in Summary Table B summarizes the U.S. market value of advanced inorganic fillers in plastics. This summary is restricted to fine particle technology (in sizes of 3 microns or under). Values for each filler are discussed more fully within the body of the report. All values are given in 1998 constant dollars and come from an analysis of available data and industry interviews. xv

6 SUMMARY TABLE B U.S. MARKET VALUE ADVANCED INORGANIC FILLERS IN PLASTICS ($ Millions) Filler AAGR % Calcium carbonate Titanium dioxide Kaolin & clay-based Alumina trihydrate Talc Silica Antimony oxide Magnesium hydroxide Barium sulfate Total Source: BCC, Inc. xvi