The global market for electroactive polymers increased from 290 million pounds in 2007 to an estimated 315 million pounds in 2008. It should reach 410 million pounds by 2012, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%. This report contains:

• Descriptions of various electroactive polymer applications including electrostatic dissipation control, antistatic packaging, light emitting displays, capacitors, electrostatic paintable plastics, corrosion-resistant paints/coatings and electrostatic spray painting
• The current global market status for electroactive polymers, with trends and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years
• Analysis of the electroactive polymer industry on a worldwide basis, both from a market and application perspective
• The latest technological advancements along with a thorough patent analysis
• Company profiles.

The U.S. packaging barrier resin market reached 8 billion pounds in 2007. It is expected to reach 10.7 billion pounds by the end of 2012, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. This report contains:

• Descriptions of various barrier resins including EVOH, PCTFE, fluoropolymer, nitrile copolymers, nylons, thermoplastic polyesters, PVdC, tie-layer resins and vapor-permeable films.
• The current market status for plastics for barrier packaging, with trends and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years
• Technological issues including the latest trends and a thorough patent analysis
• Discussion of environmental, regulatory and public policy issues that affect barrier plastic packaging
• Analysis of international aspects of the barrier resin industry, including foreign-owned supply companies operating in the United States.

The U.S. market for electrostatic discharge (ESD) technologies was $1.1 billion in 2007. It is expected to reach $1.6 billion by 2012, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%. This report contains:

• Descriptions of various types of electrostatic discharge (ESD) technologies including those used for packaging, static control polymers, furniture, apparel, flooring and electronics
• The current U.S. market status for ESD products, with trends and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years
• Technological issues including the latest trends and a thorough patent analysis
• Analysis of the ESD industry, both from a market and application perspective
• Company profiles.

The Chinese market for advanced materials increased from $24.6 billion in 2006 to $30.5 billion by the end of 2007. It should reach $60.5 billion by 2012, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.7%. This report contains:

• Descriptions of various types of advanced materials including advanced ceramics, advanced polymers, advanced metals and alloys, advanced composites, energy materials, and nano materials
• The current market status of China's advanced materials industry, with trends and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years
• Analysis of advanced materials-related patents
• Discussion of important regulations for China's advanced materials industry
• Profiles of major companies working in advanced materials in China.

The global market for active, controlled and intelligent packaging for food and beverages will increase from $15.5 billion in 2005 to $16.9 billion by the end of 2008. It should reach $23.6 billion by 2013, a compound annual growth rate (cagr) of 6.9%. This report contains:

• Descriptions of various types of active (UV blocking, oxygen scavengers, moisture controllers, ethylene absorbers, edible films, antimicrobial agents) controlled (modified atmosphere, aseptic, retort, sous-vide, biodegradable polymer) and intelligent (RFID, electronic article surveillance, electronic shelf labels, hybrid/interactive) packaging for foods and beverages.
• The current market status of the active, controlled and intelligent packaging industry, with trends and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years
• Analysis of the active, controlled, intelligent and advanced packaging industry from a market and application perspective
• Discussion of food and safety regulations and standards affecting the industry, along with a thorough patent analysis and company profiles.

The global market for biodegradable polymers increased from 409 million pounds in 2006 to an estimated 541 by the end of 2007. It should reach an estimated 1,203 million pounds by 2012, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.3%. This report contains:

• Descriptions of various biodegradable polymer applications including compost bags, loose-fill packaging, medical/hygiene products, agricultural and paper coatings
• The current market status of biodegradable polymers, trends and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years
• Discussion of the major drivers for the U.S. market including mandated legislation and prospective increases in landfill pricing
• Analysis of the biodegradable polymers market on a worldwide basis, both from a market and application perspective
• Information on the major global biodegradable polymer players including NatureWorks LLC, Tellis, Inc. and Novamont.

The U.S. market for composites increased from 2.7 billion pounds in 2006 to an estimated 2.8 billion pounds in 2007. It should reach over 3.3 billion by 2012, a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%. This report contains:

• Descriptions of various types of fiber-reinforced plastics/composites, and current and potential applications for each
• The current market status of the fiber-reinforced plastics/composite market and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years
• Technological issues, including the latest developments
• Discussions of international markets, including China, as well as environmental and recycling issues
• Profiles of prominent companies in the fiber reinforced plastics/composite business including Azdel, Bayer Material Science and DuPont Engineering Resins

Demand for EMI/RFI shielding options is estimated to have been about $725 million in 2006 and is expected to marginally increase to only $745 million by 2012. This forecasted low growth is due primarily to ever increasing activity offshore, especially China. This report:

• Analyzes state-of-the-art EMI/RFI shielding materials options and compliance issues in demanding applications such as healthcare, aircraft, manufacturing, consumer products and many other critical areas of the economy.
• Provides a complete technical/economic analysis with quantitative market forecasts by material and by application.
• Quantifies market demand for, and applications of, shielding options by type and by material. Performance characteristics of the shielding options are noted and evaluated.
• Includes the markets for all key materials such as coatings, cabinets, plastics and polymers, alloys, tapes, films, gaskets, fibers, fabrics, plating and many other materials including emerging technologies such as carbon nanotubes.
• Updates patent developments, R&D initiatives, market shares and changes in the competitive landscape. Includes complete company profiles and industry structure.

The total North American synthetic paper market was 92.2 million pounds in 2005 and grew to approximately 100 million pounds in 2006. At a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%, total consumption of synthetic paper in the U.S. and Canada will reach 138.6 million pounds by 2011. This report contains:

• A detailed overview of the synthetic paper market, which includes definitions of important terminology, the differences between biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
• Market data on traditional synthetic papers as well as products that replace non-fiber based paper products
• Detailed market forecasts for the synthetic paper market in the U.S. and Canada, historical data, up-to-date information, and projections and estimates with compound annual growth rates through 2011
• A technological overview of the synthetic papers market, including background information, review of materials, fabrication technology, processing methods, printing inks, additives, and more
• Detailed discussion of important patents since the advent of the market
• Company profiles for all the major players in the industry, including names, operating headquarters, contact information, brief historical information, and more.

The U.S. medical plastics market will reach almost 2.7 billion pounds by the end of 2006 and will grow at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 4.4%, consuming over 3.3 billion pounds by 2011. This report contains:

• An initial treatment of the U.S. medical device industry, with a comprehensive overview of the current market and definitions
• Detailed forecasts for the U.S. market through 2011
• Recent and upcoming legislation and regulatory issues and concerns for the medical plastics in medical devices
• Profiles for the top players in the market today
• A details patent analysis.

Thermoplastic and thermoset volumes, estimated at slightly over 586 million pounds in 2006 should reach over 700 million pounds by 2011 corresponding to an annual growth rate of 4.3%. This report contains:

• A detailed market overview of plastics in electronic components, specifically covering resins and resin grades to meet requirements of electronic technologies related to computers, telecommunications, automotive, and other industries employing electronic components
• An analysis of the North American market and its upcoming trends, with detailed tables and a five-year forecast through 2011
• An examination of technological trends in the market, both recent and forthcoming
• A detailed list of profiles for the top contributors in the industry as well as a detailed patent analysis.

The U.S. consumption rate for high performance films was 12.8 billion pounds in 2005 and reached almost 14 billion pounds in 2006. Growing at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 2.9%, national consumption should cross 16 billion pounds by 2011. This report contains:

• Significant trends affecting high-performance polymer films and their major end-use application markets, including polyesters, nylons, polyolefin-based, polycarbonates, fluoropolymers, cyclic olefin copolymers and polyimides
• Forecasts for specific end markets for high-performance films by material types, with sections devoted to each class of high-performance film
• Analyses and market developments from the viewpoint of major applications for high-performance films including: automotive, electrical/electronic, magnetic media, packaging, photographic/reprographic, and release films
• Environmental and regulatory considerations that affect high-performance films, and their impact on products and markets
• Profiles of the major companies in the industry and a detailed patent analysis.

The North American rigid transparent plastics market will reach almost 3.6 billion pounds in 2011. Polycarbonates, acrylics, and polystyrenes accounted for about 80% of total volume in 2005 and will maintain their aggregate share through the end of the decade. This report covers:

• Rigid, clear, non-packaging plastic parts, which include injection molded, non-film extrusion, and thermoforming (including cast sheet).
• Clear resins that include: acrylics, polycarbonates, polystyrenes, styrene block copolymers (SBCs), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), ABS, polysulfones, thermoplastic polyesters (almost exclusively, PET), polypropylene, acrylic-styrene copolymers (SMMA), PVC, nylon, cellulosic resins, cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs), and allyl diglycol carbonate (ADC)
• Major applications for these rigid transparent plastics: medical, electronic automotive markets, as well as building/construction, housewares, appliances, toys, optical lenses and aircraft transparencies
• U.S. market forecasts for plastics and applications for the period 2006 through 2011.
• Company profiles of leading suppliers and their products
• Tests, standards, regulations affecting the industry.

In viewing the entire thermoplastic market, the resin producers account for the majority of the compounding activity (producing around 44.585 billion pounds in 2006), followed by plastic processors (12.964 billion pounds) and independent compounders (8.173 billion pounds). Independent compounders, though, will show the highest average annual growth rate (AAGR) at 5.3%. This report contains:

• The major thermoplastic resins and thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs).
• The plastic compounding market that segments the volumes of each resin and elastomer into the three plastic compounding groups for 2005, 2006 and 2011; along with the reasons for these estimates and forecasts.
• The major resin producers, key plastic processors and independent compounders, their activities, product lines and estimated sales.
• Detailed information on activities of major European compounders and Asian activities of North American compounders.
• Other features including a review of key plastic additives used in plastic compounding and important information on major fillers/reinforcements.

On a value basis, conductive plastics have an estimated value of $700 million in 2005, while ICP's amount to under $60 million. However, ICPs could reach close to $150 million by 2011, while conductive plastics should top the one billion dollar plateau. The study encompasses:

• Industry trends, R&D and patent activity
• ICPs, IDPs, and conductively filled polymers
• Other low dielectric polymer-based materials
• Applications, technologies, types, developments
• Market estimates and forecasts
• Company profiles.

The global market for biodegradable polymers exceeds 114 million pounds and is expected to rise at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 12.6% to 206 million pounds in 2010. The report contains:

• Coverage of the chemical types of biodegradable polymers
• Details of their respective properties
• Quantification of production volume
• Market analysis by product and application with worldwide forecasts to 2010
• Examination of the companies involved in terms of their products, including trade names, and their impact on the market
• Discussions of definitions and standards, biodegradation testing, environmental issues, composting and relevant technologies.

The Chinese engineering plastics market is estimated at 4.386 million tons in 2005 and is forecast to rise at an average annual growth rate of 8.9% to 6.73 million tons in 2010. The report contains:

• An overview of the engineering plastics industry, including its history and importance to the plastics market
• Analysis of the Chinese market by production, import and export, consumption and participants, with forecasts to 2010, in the following segments:
      - polyamides (PA or nylon)
      - polycarbonates (PC)
      - polyoxymethylene (POM)
      - engineering thermoplastic polyesters (PBT and PET)
      - modified polyphenylene oxides (mPPO)
      - acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
• Analysis of major end-user industries, such as auto and electronics/electrical with forecasts to 2010
• A technology and patent analysis
• Profiles of major manufacturers.

The plastic sheet/thermoformed product market was significant in 2004 with an estimated consumption of 6.3 billion pounds. This will increase to nearly 8 billion pounds by 2009, at a 4.8% average annual growth rate. The report contains:

• An overview of plastic sheet and thermoformed materials
• Detailed information about resins used in the production of plastic sheet and thermoformed products
• A summary of recent technological advancements in the industry
• Analysis of the consumption of resins in both plastic sheet and thermoformed products by each major application
• Identification of key suppliers of plastic sheet and thermoformed products along with their respective trade named products.

The barrier plastic packaging industry in the U.S. amounted to about 5.8 billion pounds in 2004 and should rise at an overall 8.1% average annual growth rate to about 8.6 billion pounds in 2009. The report contains:

• An overview of the petrochemical industry, the source of all these barrier packaging polymers and barrier packaging itself
• Discussion of markets and forecasts for barrier packaging plastics by major resin type or class through 2009
• Analysis of some newer and more experimental or developmental barrier materials and systems
• Discussions of markets and forecasts by barrier resin applications, also through 2009
• Detailed analysis of barrier packaging technology
• An overview of the industry's structure
• An environmental, regulatory and public policy issues overview
• Profiles of many supplier companies considered to be among the most important.

The North American market for wood- and natural-fiber plastic composites and plastic lumber is estimated at 2.2 billion pounds and, rising at an average annual growth rate of 9.5%, is expected to reach about 3.6 billion pound by 2009. The report contains:

• Definitions of the products studied
• An overview of the historical development of plastic lumber, WPCs and natural fiber composite materials used to replace wood
• Forecasts through 2009 within four major applications: building products, automotive, infrastructure and other consumer/industrial products
• Further analysis by major components, namely decking, fencing/windows and doors and other
• Additional analysis by key resins such as polyethylene, PVC and polypropylene within each application and how they are used
• Detailed discussion of technologies, production, use of additives and required material properties
• Costs and pricing, marketing and competitive company strategies

The plastic healthcare packaging market in North America is estimated at 2.5 billion pounds for 2004 and is expected to increase to slightly more than 3.2 billion pounds by 2009, at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 5%. The report contains:

• Coverage of activities and markets in North America for plastic resins used in the packaging of healthcare products
• Discussion of noteworthy international activities relating to foreign-based companies in U.S. markets, and international technologies, standards and protocols
• Assessment of technology developments, trends and challenges
• Market analysis by resin volumes with forecasts to 2009
• Market analysis by major end-users and applications with forecasts to 2009
• Profiles of the major players and their contributory roles.

About 2.7 billion pounds of post consumer plastics are estimated to be recovered in 2004, rising at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 4% to more than three-billion pounds in 2009. The report contains:

• An overview of the manufacture of plastics, the major types of plastics used and how they are disposed of
• An overview of the removal of plastics products from the waste stream for the purpose of physical recycling
• Analysis of existing markets by material source and by resin, with forecasts to 2009
• Analysis of markets for products made with recycled plastics, also with forecasts to 2009
• An overview of government regulations in the U.S. as well as international attitudes, laws and technologies of interest
• Profiles of relevant organizations and companies.

In 2004, the worldwide market for nonwoven fabrics is expected to be 9.1 billion pounds valued at $13.5 billion. Rising at an average annual growth rate of 4.8%, the market will reach 11.5 billion pounds in 2009. The report contains:

• An overview of the chemistry of fibers and other materials, and the processes to manufacture nonwoven fabrics and materials
• Coverage of specific applications for nonwoven products from geotextiles and home furnishings to fabric softeners and footwear
• World markets and growth of these applications through 2009 with emphasis on North American markets
• World markets for polypropylene, polyester, rayon, nylon and other staple and filament fibers that are quantified, assessed and projected, also through 2009
• Discussion of new and developing technology trends
• A comprehensive analysis of the industry structure identifying industry leaders along with profiles of the leading companies.

The U.S. market for ESD products is estimated at $986.1 million in 2004 and projected to rise to $1.472 billion in 2009, at an average annual growth rate of 8.3%. The report contains:

• An overview including broad details of static electricity, the terms used in the industry and how firms deal with static in the workplace
• A thorough description of vendor industries and manufacturers along with company profiles
• Descriptions of ESD products, including
        - polymers (dissipative and conductive, filled and coated)
        - packaging (rigid and flexible)
        - furniture (including laminates)
        - apparel (head-to-heel grounders)
        - flooring (poured, vinyl and carpet)
        - electronics (to protect from, or detect static)
• Market applications and forecasts for all products through 2009.

The total market for polymeric materials used in wire and cable is expected to grow to about 2,089 million pounds in 2008 at an average annual growth rate of about 3.2%. The report contains:

• A full description of the wire and cable industry and its historical perspective
• Descriptions of the different types of wire and cable products and the polymeric materials with which they are insulated
• An overview of wire and cable technology and trends and manufacturing methods
• Analysis of the major end-use markets in the U.S. with market forecasts through 2008
• Discussions of industry concentration, intermaterial competition, environmental and regulatory issues and international effects on the U.S. industry
• Identification and profiles of some of the major suppliers of polymeric materials and products for the industry.

The U.S. market for polymeric materials used in fabricating flexible hose and tubing is large and mature and is expected to rise at an average growth rate of 2.6% to 818 million pounds by 2008. The report contains:

• An overview to the flexible hose and tubing industry in the U.S.
• Market analysis by physical volume in pounds by hose and tubing material
• Market analysis by some of the most important applications, including automotive, hydraulic, industrial, and consumer markets
• Coverage of hose and tubing technology and manufacture
• Analysis of the structure and some competitive factors and trends in the industry
• Discussion of regulatory, environmental, and public issues
• Information on most important major suppliers to this large industry, with profiles.

The North American market for high-performance films is estimated to be 1.3 billion pounds in 2003 and is expected to rise at an average annual growth rate of 3.1% to 1.5 billion pounds in 2008. The report contains coverage of:

• The following groups of materials: polyesters (nearly all PET), nylons, polycarbonates, polyolefins, polycarbonates, fluoropolymers and polyimides
• A group of smaller volume films comprised of: polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), liquid crystal polymers (LCPs), and polyketones
• Environmental and regulatory issues
• End-use application markets, with forecasts to 2008
• Films by material types, with sections devoted to each class of high-performance films, also with forecasts to 2008, and
• Important suppliers, in profile.

U.S. demand for EMI/RFI shielding options is expected to rise at an average annual growth rate of 3.2% and thereby exceed $600 million by 2008. This report provides coverage of:

• The nature of the EMI/RFI problem
• Government regulatory rationale for seeking greater electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) control
• Feasible EMI/RFI solutions
• Analysis of competition between plastics and metals as options for shielding electronic equipment enclosures, showing advantages and disadvantages of each option
• The size of the market for plastics in EMI/RFI shielding and forecasts through 2008
• Perceptions of the cost/performance of plastics and metals among the U.S. electronics OEMs and system assemblers.

The medical plastics market will rise at an average annual growth rate of 4.3%, from 2.4 billion pounds in 2003 to almost 2.9 billion pounds in 2008. A slight shift to engineering resins, styrenics, thermosets and TPEs is forecast at the expense of commodity thermoplastics. The report provides coverage of:

• New developments in medical devices
• Resins used in medical applications
• Industry structure
• Legislative, regulatory and environmental issues
• Sterilization techniques
• PVC replacement issues
• Medical resin producers, molders and their profiles.

Reinforcements have long been used to upgrade properties of polymers. However, technological advances-namely nanocomposites, natural fibers and long fiber reinforced thermoplastics (LFRTs)-have caused many to reassess this market known as reinforced plastics and/or composites. This BCC report will analyze and place in perspective the effects of these new developments and provide market estimates and forecasts (2001-2007) for the major reinforced thermoplastics and thermosets segmented by their key applications: automotive, building/construction, infrastructure, marine, other transportation, etc.

Although mobile electronic devices are shrinking in size and require smaller volumes of plastics in terms of both housings and electronic components, property requirements are driving use of more expensive resin systems. The sheer size and projected growth rates of these devices warrant a careful analysis of this market. This BCC report will evaluate plastic consumption by application in terms of types of resins, specific parts, intense competitive resin situation, producers and trade-named products, and current/new devices and their effect on resin choices and consumption.

The drive to reduce vehicle weight to meet current and future federal fuel economy standards has moved into high gear with the commercialization of plastic body panels, bumpers, hoods, fenders, etc. Competitive materials include steel, aluminum, thermoplastic and thermoset resins and thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). This BCC report will analyze the plastics used in automotive exteriors by individual application. There also will be a discussion concerning developments in the auto exterior painting/coating market, which is a critical to plastics usage. Major plastics being used, key players, important new plastic products, environmental issues, and marketing factors will be covered as well. Forecasts for the various markets discussed will be provided through 2006.

This new market report from BCC, Inc. is an in-depth study of the additives used in the European plastics industry. These additives form a major proportion of the global additives market, expected to exceed 20 billion pounds in volume by 2005. The report discusses the trends in developments and applications for all the major additive types, and analyses the supply and demand situations, with forecasts for the period 2000 to 2005. This $18 billion global industry is set to grow with the advent and innovations in the plastics applications sector, and as the designers and specifiers look for increasingly better performance from the plastics materials for their chosen applications. The report also gives an overview of the additive manufacturers in Europe and the users, including polymer manufacturers and compounders. The report is an up-to-date guide on the European plastics additives market, and will be an ideal information tool for professionals involved in the management of the materials sector and compounding sector, consulting engineers, technical experts and specifiers in the plastics sector, and merger and acquisition specialists exploring European expansion possibilities.

The merchant market for polymeric (plastic) foams in the U.S. is large, and significant changes continue to occur since the last BCC report on this subject was published in 1996. Not only are foam materials and their applications constantly changing, but their manufacturing processes are as well, especially because of the need to find new foam blowing agents to replace CFCs and HCFCs. This in-depth report covers the most important technological, economic, political, and environmental factors in this broad and diverse industry. Forecasts are given for markets by applications as well as material, with focus on the largest foamed polymer group, polyurethanes (both rigid and flexible). Also included are analyses of industry structure, producers and suppliers, industry trends, and international aspects.

The rigid transparent scenario will see increased competition between polycarbonates and acrylics due to property changes, product shortages and environmental issues. In addition, new technologies will impact many transparent applications led by alloying/blending of key resins. This BCC report will analyze these changes and their impact on both competitive resins, which include clear grades of polypropylene, and other commodity and engineering resins. Major applications, producers, and key products will also be covered, and a detailed analysis of the competitive scenario will be provided.

Styrenic resins are in the midst of several changes due, in part, to new ethylene-styrene copolymers, potential replacement of K-Resin - a styrene block copolymer - and upgrading of polystyrene and ABS grades. This BCC report will assess these changes, and will analyze the other major types of styrenics including alloys/blends, SAN, SMA and other copolymers in terms of applications and especially competitive position with both commodity and engineering resins. Major types of styrenics, and producers and trade name products will be included.

Biodegradable polymers include a wide variety of materials derived from renewable resources such as starch, cellulose and polyhydroxy alkanoates and from synthetic means such as polylactic acid and polycaprolactone. Loose-fill packaging and compost bags have been the mainstay of biodegradable polymers; however, new markets are emerging led by diapers, plastic bags/liners, nonwoven hygenics, etc. This BCC report will analyze these new events, providing market estimates and forecasts for the leading biodegradable polymers by application; evaluate new technologies; describe the activities of major players; and assess critical environmental/economic issues.

BCC announces the publication of a comprehensive review of the eleven major additives for plastics. In order of U.S. sales, these materials are plasticizers, plastic retardants, heat stabilizers, impact modifiers, lubricants, antioxidants, peroxide catalysts, UV light stabilizers, polyurethane catalysts, antistatic agents and blowing agents. These agents are described by chemical types. Also discussed are markets for each type, technical trends, and forecasts for each type. The world market value for these is $18 billion in 2000 with the U.S market accounting for 28% of this total. The materials are classified as modifiers, property extenders and processing aids. The use of these materials allows for an almost limitless tailoring of plastic properties to fit its intended end-use applications. In this report, a description of producers of plastics is also provided.

Synthetic papers are specially treated plastic films designed to be used by most printing processes. These plastic-type papers are especially useful where moisture and/or contamination would damage traditional paper, and are finding increasing use in labels, tags, maps, menus, posters, manuals, books, covers, ID and other cards, etc. This BCC report will analyze this rapidly growing niche market in terms of materials (polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, PET, etc.), technology (monolayer, coextruded multilayer), patent scenario, technology review, major players and their products and potential traditional paper replacement.

In addition to advances in catalysts polymerization technologies as means of improving polymer properties, post-polymerization methods during compounding are receiving a great deal of attention. Use of impact modifiers, reinforcements, compatibilizers, coupling agents, and nucleating/clarifying agents as post-polymerization materials has become increasingly important. This BCC study will analyze the chemistry, properties, product lines, markets and impact that these materials will have on each of the major resin systems such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC and engineering resins. Current market estimates and forecasts will be provided.

PVC has been under an environmental cloud for the last decade, and claims for its replacement in several key markets have been continually announced by a variety of suppliers. A realistic assessment of the "PVC replacement scenario" is needed in order to position PVC and its competitive materials in the marketplace. BCC's new report covers the entire PVC spectrum covering building/construction, packaging, wire and cable, medical, furniture, automotive, appliance, electronic, hose/tubing and consumer/ institutional (e.g., footwear, garden hose, toys) applications, which provides for an in-depth current and forecasted quantitative appraisal of the PVC market and its competitive materials in each of PVC's major applications.

This report is an update of a BCC report on this subject by the same author, published in May 1996. In this update, we have reevaluated the entire subject, introduced several new barrier packaging concepts and products that have appeared in the intervening period, and have updated and polished our market analyses and forecasts for five additional years into the future.

Although most of the conversion from metals to plastics and elastomers in auto interiors has been completed, competition among these materials has intensified. The battleground is led by instrument panel usage, and also includes seating, air bags, headliners, door/trim panels, window encapsulation and many other applications. The move toward modular construction, the ever-present anti-PVC campaign, increased auto interior temperatures, continuing price pressures, and the recycling issue will be assessed in this BCC report as it pertains to resin and elastomer consumption. Materials covered include: HDPE, PVC, polypropylene, polyurethanes, engineering resins, TPEs, EPDM, styrenics, alloys/blends and thermoset resins.

Although polymer alloys/blends may not have reached the potential envisioned when first introduced over 30 years ago, they still constitute a significant market and exceed the growth rate of the GDP. Led by polycarbonate- and polyphenylene oxide (PPO)-based resins, alloys/blends have made sizable penetrations in automotive and electric/electronic markets. New variants (such as PVC- and polypropylene-based alloys/blends) are constantly being introduced into the marketplace. BCC's report provides a detailed quantitative analysis of this market for 1999 and 2004, highlighting applications, new developments and products, producers/suppliers, trade named products, and market estimates and forecasts of alloy/blend competitive products by application.

An aging population, increased use of disposables, and advances in polymer properties are the key factors that will drive the growth of medical plastics over the next 5 years and beyond. This BCC report provides an analysis of current and projected plastic usage for both disposable and non-disposable medical devices and will include commodity thermoplastics, thermosets, engineering resins and key thermoset and thermoplastic elastomers. Competitive resin/elastomer scenarios are highlighted along with product lines and marketing positions of major suppliers of these medical resins/elastomers. Other critical issues covered include an update of sterilization technologies which will impact resin selection, the impact of FDA changes and the role of healthcare providers.

Advanced polymer composites have become well known for their uses in aircraft, pleasure craft, and sporting goods and, for the most part, these materials have resisted many efforts to expand beyond these markets. However, there have been some successes of advanced polymer composites beyond their traditional roles, in new markets, such as agricultural, industrial and mass transportation applications. New techniques have been developed in advanced polymer composites over the past decade. These new techniques utilize fibers and resins in a different fashion than the pre-impregnated fabrics, which have dominated in the manufacture of advanced composites for many years. Furthermore, the pre-impregnated fabric industry has also developed new products and applications as well. This report examines the effects of these new techniques on the advanced polymer composite industry and the markets for these composites.

This BCC report analyses the dynamic field of high performance plastic films. These plastic films do jobs that commodity films cannot and consequently cost more .due to their superiority. Aircraft/aerospace, automotive, construction/building, electrical/electronics, magnetic media, packaging, photo films, release films, and other markets are fully covered. Polyester films are the largest volume performance films, but other important plastics include nylons, polyolefin-based resins, polycarbonate, fluoropolymers, polyimides, and several new and exciting new plastic films. This report also includes properties, markets, technology, business strategies/ opportunities/ trends, and profiles of important companies.