SPECIAL PLASTICS SEGMENT EXPANDS 5.2%

The Brazilian industry of special plastics, so called composites, grossed $ 765 million in the first quarter of the year, up 5.2% as compared to the same period in 2012. Compared to the previous year, an increase of 1.5%, according to data compiled by Maxiquim consulting at the request of the Latin American Association of composite materials (Almaco).
"We were heavily influenced by the resumption of trucks, buses, tractors and implements. The wind power segment is also living a great moment, which helped to increase our revenue, "said the President of the Almaco, Gilmar.
On the other hand, from January to March, were consumed 49.7 thousand tonnes of composites, 10% drop compared to the volume registered in the same 2012 range and high light 0.4% in comparison with the previous quarter. "The mismatch between revenues and volume of processed material is due to increases in the costs of inputs, services and payroll," says Lima.
To the President of the Almaco, this trend should remain. "Companies are searching high value-added materials that improve the performance and reduce the time of manufacture of the pieces," says Lima.
According to the study, the composites sector should earn r $ 3.2 billion in 2013, up 8.1% compared to last year and 2.3% of the production volume, reaching 211 thousand tons.
The composites are known for high levels of mechanical and chemical resistance, as well as versatility. Are resulting from the combination of polymers and reinforcements. In the market, there are more than 50 thousand applications catalogued, used in various segments of industry.