U.S. foamed plastics demand to reach 7.8 billion pounds in the year 2005

A market research study reported a rise in demand for foamed plastics in the US by an annual rate of three percent yearly to 7.8 billion pounds in 2005. Annual price increases of 2.5% were expected based on rising raw material costs and greater use of the plastics in higher value added products. Slower demand growth was expected for foamed rigid urethane due to diminished construction activity. Foamed polysterene demand was expected to exhibit average growth through 2005.