According to the study, global consumption of radiation-cured products in 2000 was 430 million pounds of formulated product valued at $2.3 billion. U.S. consumption, the focus of the report, is placed at 120 million pounds worth $940 million. Growth in the 1990s was at double-digit rates, led by such applications as optical fiber coatings and inks, CD coatings, DVD adhesives, assembly adhesives, flexographic inks, and pre-finished wood-floor coatings. Volume growth through 2005 is forecast at a more modest 6% annual rate as several large-volume applications are maturing. However, radiation-cured technology is growing at two to three times the rate of the industries covered in the survey.

For more information on the 700-page study, contact Kusumgar, Nerlfi & Growney at 973-439-0030.