London -- Performance, legislation and higher fire-rated product requirements are all driving demand for aromatic polyester polyols, according to IEA consultants.
The consultants say in their report, an Overview of the Global Market for Polyester Polyols, that high MDI prices and availability have hit the market.
This has led to many companies reporting flat or declining market conditions in 2018.
However, there is a continuous growth and the demand for PU and PIR rigid foams. This is because of increasingly stringent energy efficiency standards for buildings.
In total, 866 kT was the estimated market size in 2018. Western Europe accounted for 26% and North America 32% of the global market.
In addition, the market is expected to grow by an average of 4.9% per year over the next five years.
