USES【DOC精选】.docVIP

USESThe major outlet for high density polyethylene (HDPE) is in blow-molded products such as milk bottles, packaging containers, drums, car fuel tanks, toys and household goods. Film and sheet are widely used in wrapping, refuse sacks, carrier bags and industrial liners. Injection-molded products include crates, pallets, packaging containers, housewares and toys. Extrusion grades are used in pipes and conduit. SUPPLY/DEMANDDemand in Europe slowed down in quarter two after a reasonable first quarter. Suppliers are predicting virtually no growth (0-1%) this year for west European markets. Worries over economies in eurozone countries and pressure from Middle East commodity-grade imports - particularly in Spain, France and the UK - are having a significant impact. Producers are diversifying into higher, value-added materials such as healthcare, but competition is intense here as well. Netherlands-based LyondellBasell closed a 110,000 tonne/year line in Frankfurt, Germany, last year and started up a new 320,000 tonne/year plant in Munchmunster, Germany. Austrian-headquartered Borealis closed its Beringen, Belgium, plant in March 2010. PRICESAfter strong gains in line with feedstock movements in the first months of 2011, European prices slipped in June, then lost €95/tonne ($137/tonne) in July as imports pressured the market. August business was still under discussion last week, although several buyers have been offered rollovers. Earlier in the month increases of €30/tonne were mentioned, reflecting the rise in ethylene contracts, but are no longer heard as low demand, ample availability, plus falling crude prices and the weak economic outlook has affected sentiment. However, buyers of specialty grades are under more pressure to accept a rise than those buying commodity grades. Profitability throughout the chain remains extremely low and margins have been gradually eroded this year, producers said. TECHNOLOGYHDPE is produced by the catalytic polymerization of et