Research Methodology – Plastic Market
At Straits Research, we adopt a rigorous 360° research approach that integrates both primary and secondary research methodologies. This ensures accuracy, reliability, and actionable insights for stakeholders. Our methodology for the Plastic Market comprises the following key stages:
Market Indicator & Macro-Factor Analysis
Our baseline thesis for the Plastic Market is developed by integrating key market indicators and macroeconomic variables. These include:
Factors considered while calculating market size and share
- Global and regional demand for plastic products
- Number of plastic manufacturers and their capacity
- Import, export and trade regulations affecting the plastic market
- Dynamics of down-stream markets using plastic as a raw material
- Availability and prices of raw materials required for plastic production
- Availability and advancement of plastic alternatives
- Consumer preferences towards the use of plastic or its alternatives
- Government policies and regulations related to plastic use and production
- Recycling rates and processes for plastic waste
2. Key Market Indicators
- Annual global plastic production
- Regional market growth rates
- Percentage change in the prices of raw materials
- Changes in the supply-demand dynamics
- Technological advancement in the plastic industry
- Competitive landscape indicators such as market concentration ratio
- Number of new entrants/ start-ups in the plastic market
3. Growth Trends
- The rising demand for recyclable and biodegradable plastics.
- Increased utilization of plastic in various industries like automotive, packaging, construction, etc.
- The emergence of novel plastic manufacturing processes and technologies.
- Growth in demand for plastic products in emerging markets.
- Increasing environmental concerns leading to the development and adoption of eco-friendly plastic alternatives.
- Increase in government initiatives to manage plastic waste effectively.
Key Market Indicators
- Annual global plastic production
- Regional market growth rates
- Percentage change in the prices of raw materials
- Changes in the supply-demand dynamics
- Technological advancement in the plastic industry
- Competitive landscape indicators such as market concentration ratio
- Number of new entrants/ start-ups in the plastic market
3. Growth Trends
- The rising demand for recyclable and biodegradable plastics.
- Increased utilization of plastic in various industries like automotive, packaging, construction, etc.
- The emergence of novel plastic manufacturing processes and technologies.
- Growth in demand for plastic products in emerging markets.
- Increasing environmental concerns leading to the development and adoption of eco-friendly plastic alternatives.
- Increase in government initiatives to manage plastic waste effectively.
Growth Trends
- The rising demand for recyclable and biodegradable plastics.
- Increased utilization of plastic in various industries like automotive, packaging, construction, etc.
- The emergence of novel plastic manufacturing processes and technologies.
- Growth in demand for plastic products in emerging markets.
- Increasing environmental concerns leading to the development and adoption of eco-friendly plastic alternatives.
- Increase in government initiatives to manage plastic waste effectively.
Secondary Research
Our secondary research forms the foundation of market understanding and scope definition. We collect and analyze information from multiple reliable sources to map the overall ecosystem of the Plastic Market. Key inputs include:
Company-Level Information
- Annual reports, investor presentations, SEC filings
- Company press releases and product launch announcements
- Public executive interviews and earnings calls
- Strategy briefings and M&A updates
Industry and Government Sources
- Country-level industry associations and trade bodies
- Government dossiers, policy frameworks, and official releases
- Whitepapers, working papers, and public R&D initiatives
- Relevant Associations for the Plastic Market
Market Intelligence Sources
- Broker reports and financial analyst coverage
- Paid databases (Hoovers, Factiva, Refinitiv, Reuters, Statista, etc.)
- Import/export trade data and tariff databases
- Sector-specific journals, magazines, and news portals
Macro & Consumer Insights
- Global macroeconomic indicators and their cascading effect on the industry
- Demand–supply outlook and value chain analysis
- Consumer behaviour, adoption rates, and commercialization trends
Primary Research
To validate and enrich our secondary findings, we conduct extensive primary research with industry stakeholders across the value chain. This ensures we capture both qualitative insights and quantitative validation. Our primary research includes:
Expert Insights & KOL Engagements
- Key Opinion Leader (KOL) Engagements
- Structured interviews with executives, product managers, and domain experts
- Paid and barter-based interviews across manufacturers, distributors, and end-users
Focused Discussions & Panels
- Discussions with stakeholders to validate demand-supply gaps
- Group discussions on emerging technologies, regulatory shifts, and adoption barriers
Data Validation & Business POV
- Cross-verification of market sizing and forecasts with industry insiders
- Capturing business perspectives on growth opportunities and restraints
Data Triangulation & Forecasting
The final step of our research involves data triangulation ensuring accuracy through cross-verification of:
- Demand-side analysis (consumption patterns, adoption trends, customer spending)
- Supply-side analysis (production, capacity, distribution, and market availability)
- Macroeconomic & microeconomic impact factors
Forecasting is carried out using proprietary models that combine:
- Time-series analysis
- Regression and correlation studies
- Baseline modeling
- Expert validation at each stage
Outcome
The outcome is a comprehensive and validated market model that captures:
- Market sizing (historical, current, forecast)
- Growth drivers and restraints
- Opportunity mapping and investment hotspots
- Competitive positioning and strategic insights