The polyester SMC and BMC/DMC markets in Europe

Sheet molding compound (SMC) is the most important of the compounding systems for unsaturated polyester (UP) resins in Western Europe. SMC, bulk molding compound (BMC) and dough molding compound (DMC) are all similar in terms of composition and all use closed mold systems. In 1998, consumption of UP resin in the production of SMC was estimated at more than 60,000 tons, growing at an average annual rate of 2.2% p.a. BMC/DMC find applications for more intricate components and parts that can not be made using SMC. The total consumption of UP resin for BMC/DMC exceeded 26,000 tons, with Germany accounting for 30% of total consumption, closely followed by Italy at 27%. Average annual rates of growth are comparable to SMC.