Plastics
Why does the work matter?
Plastics
are one of the most important and versatile materials in the global economy. From packaging to aerospace
applications, plastics provide designers, engineers, manufacturers, and consumers with products
that contribute to economic growth, sustainability of the environment, and a higher standard of living
worldwide. Inherently lightweight, plastics are an efficient use of natural resources and are part of
the solution to the public’s environmental performance expectations.
The
need for a common terminology, measurement techniques, and material descriptors increases as globalisation
and international trade expands. In 2005, one hundred countries reported trade in plastics. The plastics
industry itself continues to evolve and rationalize through mergers and acquisitions, economic cycles,
internal company restructuring, technical innovation, and changes in strategic business focus. To some
extent, either in terms of feedstock supply or market opportunity, the centre of gravity of the global
plastics industry is beginning to shift from North America and Europe to the Middle East and Asia.
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