POLYMERS BEYOND THE YEAR 2000

At the turn of the century, the global polymer industry is undergoing the most rapid and dramatic changes in itshistory. 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 keyeconomic success factor, thus forcing smaller suppliers out of business and creating a major hurdle for newcomers and theintroduction of new products. Globalization of polymer customers and cost pressure lead to a consolidation of suppliers andproducts. 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 leadsto a displacement process where standard polymers substitute engineering thermoplastics. Simultaneously engineeringpolymers are pushing into new markets or applications or displacing materials like glass, wood or metal. The recent historyand future trends have a strong impact on R&D activity in the polymer industry. Competition on a global scale andincreasing cost pressure are turning innovation into an essential precondition of commercial success, thus determining theobjectives of industrial polymer research and development.