Demand for PE foams in growing in the building & construction and automotive end-use applications

Protective packaging is one of the most significant end-use applications of PE foams. This segment accounted for the largest share of the polyethylene foams market in 2015. However, increasing demand for PE foams from the building & construction and automotive end-use applications is anticipated to surpass the protective packaging end-use application during the forecast period. In addition, rise in the number of residential and commercial buildings, and growing population in various countries such as China and India are factors driving the growth of the polyethylene foams market in the building & construction end-use application segment. PE foams are widely utilized in the manufacture of automobiles owing to their superior properties, such as lightweight and durability. The use of PE foams has resulted in significant improvement in the weight, safety, durability, and comfort of automobiles. This, in turn, has contributed to the growth of the polyethylene foams market in the automotive end-use application segment.

Non-XLPE foam is the fastest-growing type segment of the polyethylene foams market

Non-XLPE foam is slightly abrasive, relatively expensive, requires more fabrication, and is resistant to tearing, cracking, and crumbling. It is moisture resistant, and is virtually unaffected by most industrial chemicals. Non-XLPE foam is widely used in packaging and building & construction end-use applications, which, in turn, has contributed to the growth of the non-XLPE segment in the polyethylene foams market.