The coronavirus pandemic has caused a huge surge in demand for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) transparent sheets, used across the globe as protective barriers to prevent the spread of the virus.
This is a new application for the sheets, with order books full for most of 2020 for cast and extruded sheet producers.
Some are also looking at investing in new extrusion machinery, in order to increase output, as plants are already operating at 100%.
One seller said it would be able to double its output based on the demand, but is restricted by the plant production patterns.
The higher transparent sheet demand is helping to offset some of the weaker consumption from the main automotive and construction applications.
Higher demand from the sheet sector has resulted in an increase in spot prices for PMMA resin, with some players quoting a 25% rise over the last year.