Advances in Technology and Performance of Specific Sealants Drives Demand

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan North American Sealant Markets, reveals this industry generated revenues totaling $1.74 billion in 2002. Total market revenues are expected to reach $2.08 billion in 2009.

If you are interested in an analysis overview, which provides manufacturers, end-users and other industry participants a summary of the North American Sealant Markets, including industry challenges & drivers, send an email to Nuha Kadri, Industrial Media Relations Executive at nkadri@frost.com with the following information: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, fax number, e-mail, and an overview will be sent to you via e-mail.

"Staying cost competitive with other sealant products, while maintaining low prices and upgrading technologies to meet regulation standards and refined specifications, is proving to be a sizeable issue," states Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Damisetti Amulya.

The diversity of available substrates (plastics, glass, wood, metal) and the need to find the most suitable sealant for specific applications compounds the problem of maintaining cost. Manufacturers also deal with changing industry standards and the differing definitions between sealants and adhesives.

Fluctuations in raw material costs and petroleum prices make maintaining current prices difficult for manufacturers, and further reduction is not possible due to rising production costs.

Strong market presence would help in detecting fluctuations in costs of raw materials or competitors' prices and would assist sealant formulators implement effective business strategies. Manufacturers would also be able to identify means of increasing profit margins at challenging times. Continuous research and development efforts can help participants identify a solution that will meet manufacturers' requirements for curtailing process costs, while maintaining the quality of products.

For instance, adoption of innovative products such as Purfect Glaze, which enables glass manufacturers to accelerate handling time, can reduce production and labor costs by nearly 30 percent.

"Shorter cure time, better performing seals, improved adhesion to a variety of substrates, resistance to chemicals/gas, combined with a host of other innovations, are now increasing demand," notes Damisetti.

The developments in silyl-terminated systems in the automotive industry and reactive hot-melt urethanes for window applications are particularly exciting innovations that will provide vital assistance to sealant formulators leading to increasing opportunities both in newer and existing markets.

This market expects to receive a boost from the increasing number of renovations and construction, rising end-user awareness associated with the "do-it-yourself" segment, and focusing on increasing the manufacturing rate. Innovative systems that reduce costs, educating end users to help them identify appropriate solutions, and possible acquisitions hold the key to better market positioning.

The North American Sealant Markets, a part of the Chemicals & Materials subscription, offers revenue and volume shipment for sealants based on chemistry and end user applications. The study covers silicone, polyurethane, acrylic, butyl, bitumen-based, polyvinyl chloride plastisol, and all other types of sealants that are used in the construction, automotive, industrial, do-it-yourself, aerospace, and marine industries. Executive summaries and interviews are available to the press.

Frost & Sullivan, an international growth consultancy, has been supporting clients' expansion for more than four decades. Our market expertise covers a broad spectrum of industries, while our portfolio of advisory competencies includes custom strategic consulting, market intelligence, and management training. Our mission is to forge partnerships with our clients' management teams to deliver market insights and to create value and drive growth through innovative approaches. Frost & Sullivan's network of consultants, industry experts, corporate trainers, and support staff, spans the globe with offices in every major country around the world. North American Sealant Markets A562