INTRODUCTION
Plastic sheet, usually 10 mils to 12 mils in thickness, can either be extruded or cast, clear or opaque with a variety of colors and textures, and, most importantly, is the starting point for ther-moformed products that have enjoyed outstanding growth, especially in packaging.
A wide array of resins are used to produce sheet/thermoformed products. Major applications include: food and health-care packaging, building/construction products, appliances, signs/displays, automotive and aircraft products. Technology advances in both plastic sheet and thermoformed products have enhanced their respective competitive positions vis-à-vis nonplastic materials such as paper/paperboard, glass and aluminum.
This BCC study examines in detail two groups of related plastic products. They are extruded sheet and thermoformed materials in which the thermoformed plastics are made from plastic sheet. Both plastic sheet and thermoformed plastics are involved in several important applications. The report quantifies consumption of more than 10 types of plastics, either as sheet or thermoformed materials, by each of the major applications.
SCOPE OF STUDY
The report contains:
METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES
Extensive searches were made of the literature, including most of the leading trade journals, technical papers, company literature, related government publications and pertinent trade associations.
In addition, interviews were conducted with resin producers, plastic sheet manufacturers, key thermoformers and trade publication personnel to try and verify consumption, company products, key applications, market trends, etc.
AUTHOR'S CREDENTIALS
Research analyst Mel Schlechter has over 30 years in the chemical industry, and specializes in plastics market research. He has been with BCC for over 10 years. Mr. Schlecter holds B.S. degree in chemistry, an M.S. in organic chemistry and an M.B.A. in marketing.
