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Contact: Bonnie Merrill Limbach
(202) 974-5210

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPI RELEASES NEW STUDY ON WORLD THERMOPLASTIC CONSUMPTION

WASHINGTON (February 14, 2002) – Asian countries (excluding Japan) led the world in consumption of four major thermoplastic resins in 2000, according to a report released by The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI).

That category of nations, according to the report, ranked first in consumption of low-density polyethylene and linear low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride. The same group of Asian nations ranked second, behind the United States, in consumption of high-density polyethylene.

The information was released in the “World Thermoplastic Consumption and Forecasts,” a report prepared for SPI by Probe Economics, Inc. of Millwood, NY. The report is the newest addition to the trade association's Plastics Data Source, which provides in-depth statistics on all facets of the plastics industry.

Providing details on thermoplastic resin consumption by region since 1998, the report also looks ahead, projecting use of the various resins through 2005.

In addition, the report provides a new feature – an overview of general economic conditions and forecasts for a number of key individual countries and geographic regions worldwide. Among information in this section:

  • Polypropylene is forecast to lead thermoplastic consumption through 2005.
  • Latin America, Mexico and Asian nations lead projections for thermoplastic growth through 2005.
  • Polyvinyl chloride is projected to be one of the slowest-growing thermoplastics, particularly in the United States, Western Europe and Japan.
“This report can provide significant help to plastics companies in anticipating new overseas markets,” said Lori Anderson, SPI director of economic and international trade affairs. “It also can point the way to prospects for joint ventures or licensing of technology.”

Cost of the report is $500 for SPI members and $1,000 for non-members. Credit card orders can be placed by calling (800) 541-0736.

For more information on this data and other statistical studies available from SPI, visit www.plasticsdatasource.org.

Founded in 1937, The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc., is the trade association representing one of the largest manufacturing industries in the United States. SPI's 1,500 members represent the entire plastics industry supply chain, including processors, machinery and equipment manufacturers and raw material suppliers.


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