Why This Report Has Been Written

This report is intended for busy specialists of various kinds (both technical and commercial) who need to strengthen or update their imderstanding of the wider additives scene. The Internet is widely thought to provide all the information needed in this and many other fields, but the time taken to search himdreds of complex websites is rarely costed. When the time factor is coupled with the obvious commercial self-interest motivating many writers of Internet material, an objective and independent smnmaiy of the subject appears cost-effective in the long term. 

Additive products have been improved, and several completely new products have been marketed. Individual polymers such as PVC and polypropylene have undergone changes in relative importance and market share. New health and safety eonsiderations and regulatory pressines have had major effects on the sales of eertain additives, espeeially heat stabilisers, brominated flame retardants and plastieisers. The trend towards reoyeling is afleeting additive selection. 

Other important developments since 1998 include the inereasing popularity of elarilyiug agents, compatibilisers, light stabilisers and antimicrobial additives. 

Rapra believes that the time is now right, after an interval of seven years, to produce a new accoimt of the additives market in the twenty-first century. 

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