Current process technology, economics and trends are given for the leading thermoplastic resin processing technologies inlcuding: compounding, blown film extrusion, bi-axially oriented polypropylene film and thermoforming. A market overview on end-uses of such fabricated processes for North America is provided.

Commercial technologies and trends for producing styrene block copolymers. Cost of production for Poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene), Poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene), Poly(styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene), and Poly(styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene).

The process technologies and production economics for LDPE are assessed. Four tubular processes and autoclave processes are reviewed and compared. The cost of production economics of LDPE are compared to LLDPE economics.

The chemistry, process technology and production economics for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are presented.  Conventional PET technology is compared to several “improved” licensable PET processes. Of particular interest is a speculative analysis of Eastman’s IntegRex process on both stand-alone and close-coupled bases.  Regional PET S/D forecasts are also provided.