NORWALK, CT --The global market for green materials is estimated at $6.1 billion in 2005 and is expected to reach $8.7 billion by 2010, an average annual growth rate of 7.4%, according to a soon-to-be-released report from Business Communications Co.

Green materials include Pb-free solders and solder coatings, and replacements for PBB and PBDE, hexavalent chromium, cadmium and mercury. PBB and PBDE replacements accounted for $3.5 billion in 2003, $4.3 billion in 2004, and $4.7 billion in 2005.

In 2010, PBB and PBDE materials will account for more than $6 billion, an AAGR of 5.2%, says BCC. Sales of Pb-free solders will rise at an AAGR of 20.1%, reaching $614.9 million in 2010. Pb-free solder coatings will accrue at an AAGR of 21.7%, to over $1 billion by 2010.

Sales of hexavalent chromium, cadmium, and mercury replacements accounted for sales of $107.7 million, $123.6 million, and $526.3 million, respectively, in 2005. Each will grow moderately, combining for sales of $1 billion in 2010.

Automotive is the largest field of application for PBB and PBDE replacements, some 80% of sales for these raw materials.

The U.S. and Europe will maintain much steadier growth rates throughout the forecast period, collectively holding more than 61% of the total global market in 2005. Through the forecast period, these regions will slowly lose ground to Asia, which will reach $3.3 billion by 2010, an AAGR of 10.3%, BCC says.