Study forecasts increase in recycled thermoplastic demand.A study of thermoplastic A polymer material that turns to liquid when heated and becomes solid when cooled. There are more than 40 types of thermoplastics, including acrylic, polypropylene, polycarbonate and polyethylene. polymer demand in Western Europe Western Europe The countries of western Europe, especially those that are allied with the United States and Canada in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (established 1949 and usually known as NATO). shows a slightly improving picture, with an especially intriguing forecast for plastic recyclers. The study, conducted by Applied Market Information Ltd. (AMI), Bristol, U.K., shows polymer demand in Western Europe grew 3 percent in 2002 after slumping in 2001. Concerning the near future, the study's authors note that the European Union European Union (EU), name given since the ratification (Nov., 1993) of the Treaty of European Union, or Maastricht Treaty, to the European Community (EU) mandates concerning end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) could change the types of polymers used in the auto components market. The automotive market is a large one for polymers makers and tends "to hold up better" in cyclical markets, the report notes. Less predictable, the report's authors conclude, are exactly which polymers might be in demand if recycling mandates figure into the equation. "Concerns regarding the implementation of EU legislation concerning the recycling of cars may lead to a change in the materials specified," a press release summarizing the report states. Following ELV ELV End-of-Life Vehicles ELV Expendable Launch Vehicle ELV Extra Low Voltage ELV Emission Limit Value (environmental protection) ELV Elektronisches Lastschrift Verfahren (German method of payment) mandates, "may lead to a trend towards polypropylene polypropylene (pŏl'ēprō`pəlēn), plastic noted for its light weight, being less dense than water; it is a polymer of propylene. It resists moisture, oils, and solvents. and other polyolefin-based materials that are perceived to be easier and cheaper to recycle than styrenic-based materials," the release reads. Commodity resins most commonly used in packaging will continue to remain in demand, the report forecasts. This is "mainly because of the strength of packaging markets, particularly for injection-molded and extruded polypropylene and ongoing growth in the PET bottle and sheet sector," AMI writes in the release. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. AMI, current growth is largely driven by packaging applications. |
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