Plastics and Conventional Materials - Comparison

The relatively rapid growth of the chemical industry is largely due to the increase of plastics production. On a weight basis, the recent production of plastic and ferrous materials is roughly equal. The manufacture of finished plastic components is increasing by the same degree of magnitude as competitive products made from other materials. 

Reassessment of the competitive position of plastics is a result of the recent dramatic increase in crude oil price, i.e., plastics must be competitive on a price basis as well as their overall technical performance [2]. Table 3.1 illustrates the energy required for the production of PE and other common materials. 

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