The global top 10 plastics market is projected to reach USD 586.24 Billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 6.84%. By volume, the market is projected to reach 332.4 Million tons by 2021, at a CAGR of 4.68%. This progress is fueled by the growth in key end-use industries, such as automotive, building & construction, packaging, electrical & electronics, and construction; substitution of metal-based products with various plastic materials; and rising disposable income of middle class in emerging economies.

The Asia-Pacific region was the largest market for top 10 plastics, in terms of value and volume. The steady growth in construction spending of countries this region, such as India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, has led to increased investments in industrial and public infrastructure where plastics products are widely used. The extensive use plastics in electronics & consumer products and automotive applications and the growing preference of people for urbanized lifestyle are also key factors responsible for making Asia-Pacific the largest market for the top 10 plastics.

The Dow Chemical Company (U.S.), ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Inc. (U.S.), and SABIC (Saudi Arabia) are the most important players in the global top 10 plastics market. These companies witnessed the highest strategy adoptions in the market, and accounted for the largest share of the overall activities.

Packaging is currently the largest application segment of the top 10 plastics market. Plastics provide a much cleaner, tougher, and aesthetically appealing form of packaging, especially for the food & beverage industry and the electronics industry. Manufacturing of plastic containers and films that are used in the packaging of food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products further contributes to making packaging the largest application of the market. The extensive use of plastics in bags, pouches, and sachets as well as in conventional packaging methods is also expected to drive the growth of the packaging segment.