Polymers beyond the year 2000

At the turn of the century, the global polymer industry is undergoing the most rapid and dramatic changes in its history. Emerging markets, particularly in Asia, and their polymer consumption are catching up with other parts of the world, creating new business opportunities. Economy of scale, combined with optimized logistic concepts, is becoming a key economic success factor, thus forcing smaller suppliers out of business and creating a major hurdle For newcomers and the introduction of new products. Globalization of polymer customers and cost pressure lead to a consolidation of suppliers and products. Today standard thermoplastics have a dominant position in the market and they will retain this position in future. Engineering thermoplastics are facing growing competition due to the increased efficiency of standard polymers. This leads to a displacement process where standard polymers substitute engineering thermoplastics. Simultaneously engineering polymers are pushing into new markets or applications or displacing materials like glass, wood or metal. The recent history and future trends have a strong impact on R&D activity in the polymer industry. Competition on a global scale and increasing cost pressure are turning innovation into an essential precondition of commercial success, thus determining the objectives of industrial polymer research and development.