Global polyethylene demand was 81,914.88 kilo tons in 2013 and is expected to exceed 106,742.46 kilo tons by 2020, at a growth rate of 4.0%. Polyethylene market growth is expected to be fuelled by world economic growth. Increasing population coupled with polyethylene’s application versatility is further expected to drive the polyethylene market over the forecast period.

Increase in polyethylene demand for plastic production is expected to drive alpha olefin market growth. These olefins are primarily used as feedstock for manufacturing LLDPE and HDPE. Strong packaged food products demand, particularly in Asia Pacific, is expected to drive LLDPE market.

Growing protective films usage in agriculture to reduce soil erosion and increase protection against UV rays is also anticipated to fuel demand. Growing poly-alpha-olefin demand for synthetic lubricants in order to reduce engine wear & tear is expected to drive market growth.

Increasing oilfield exploration & drilling activities is anticipated to drive demand. It is being developed as synthetic based oil drilling fluid which is likely to help address environmental concerns associated with diesel based oil based mud.

Volatile prices of key raw materials such as ethylene are likely to affect the profitability of industry participants. Increasing government regulations regarding polyethylene usage coupled with release of green house gases (GNG) is likely to challenge industry. Investments in research to develop bio-based alpha olefin are likely to reduce dependability on petrochemical based raw materials and curb GNG.

Product Overview

1-hexene was the dominant product segment in alpha olefins market and was valued at over USD 1.8 billion in 2013. 1-hexene is also likely to witness highest gains over the forecast period owing to its increasing use as a co monomer for manufacturing LLDPE and HDPE polymers.

1-octene accounted for more than 21% of the total demand in 2013 and is anticipated to witness moderate growth rates of CAGR over 4.1% up to 2020. Growth of application segments such as plasticizers, cosmetics and adhesives is likely to drive 1-octene demand.

Application Overview

Polyethylene application witnessed the highest alpha olefin consumption over the past few years and witnessed a revenue generation of over USD 4.3 billion in 2013. This application is expected to witness significant growth rates over the next six years. Increasing demand from automotive, packaging and consumer goods industry owing to increasing population is expected to drive market growth.

Detergent alcohol applications were the second largest and accounted for more than 10% of the total volume in 2013. This application is anticipated to witness moderate gains at CAGR over 3.2% up to 2020. Growth of detergent and personal care industry is expected to drive alpha olefin demand for detergent alcohol.