Polymer foaming provides materials with a cellular or porous structure. The process of foaming makes the polymers less dense and converts it into a thermal insulator with excellent energy absorption qualities. In order to foam polypropylene (PP), a nucleating agent is used in low percentages (up to 1%). This agent allows air cell formation in the polymer matrix that gives it its foam-like appearance. These foams are used to decrease the density in internal layers in a wide variety of rigid packaging including trays and bottles.
Various properties and costs of these foams make them an ideal packaging material for an assortment of food products. It is said to become the most commonly used flexible material for packaging over the next few years. Extruded polypropylene foams are generally available in high- and low-density foam types.
Next-generation Polypropylenes
Various XPP foam manufacturing companies are focusing on research and development activities to introduce advanced materials. For instance, a Saudi-based materials company, Sabic, recently announced the launch of a new pilot plant in the Netherlands for next-generation PP. As stated by company officials, this new plant uses gas-phase polymerization technology and supports the manufacturing at full-scale plants of materials focused on various industries like appliances, pipe, packaging, and automobiles.
Market Overview
According to the findings of a new report available on Grand View Research, Inc.; the global extruded polypropylene (XPP) foam market is expected to reach USD 1.07 billion over the forecast period (from 2017 to 2025). Demand for XPP foam is projected to increase on account of growing adoption of this material from vehicle manufacturers that aim to reduce automobile weight.
In addition, high demand from the packaging industry on account of their high melt strength and lightweight properties is also projected to further augment the market growth. Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.; DS Smith PLC; Borealis AG; Sekisui Voltek, LLC; W. R. Grace and Co.; and Toray Industries, Inc. are some of the prominent companies operating in the global market.
In-Depth Research Report On Extruded Polypropylene (XPP) Foam Market:
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/extruded-polypropylene-xpp-foam-market
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