Plastics, polymers, and advanced materials
In the 1960s and 1970s, polymers were still enjoying rising prominence
as the materials of choice for a range of applications, from simple commodity
polyethylene sheets to high-temperature engineering thermoplastics. In
between these extremes, many different types of customized materials were
developed for a wide range of processing techniques and end-use requirements.
Much of the growth in the business was derived from opportunities to substitute
polymers for traditional materials.
Now, times have changed and the opportunities for substitution have dwindled.
The industry is also faced with increasingly stringent environmental standards
and stricter fiscal regulations on restructuring. Nevertheless, polymer
demand continues to grow across the globe as developing regions discover
the performance and cost benefits that polymers bring to building infrastructure,
promoting sustainable agriculture, enhancing standards of hygiene, and
providing a route to trade via the polymer conversion sector.
This business landscape gives polymer producers a complex equation to
balance. They must meet growing demand while enduring returns that stifle
investment. They need to understand the geography of developing demand
while ensuring integration with the most advantageous feedstock position
possible. And, they must determine the correct level of R&D expenditure
to maintain high-level product and technology performance in a business
environment dominated by downsizing and price-cutting.
For over 35 years our specialists have been active in the polymers field—providing
assistance on issues from fundamental technology to corporate strategy
for major polymer producers.
Nexant experts have the industrial, financial, and engineering backgrounds
to provide clients with a comprehensive, in-depth understanding of the
complex issues that must be addressed to achieve a sustainable future
for this major global industry. Additionally, our ChemSystems Global Polymer
Knowledge Network assists polymer producers and investors in finding sound
strategic solutions to the business and technology challenges they face.
Our core services include:
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Andrew Spiers
Senior Vice President, Chemicals
Tel: +44 (20) 7950 1560
Email: aspiers@nexant.com
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