Further step up in worldwide production

According to the plastics producers’ association, PlasticsEurope, 205 million tons of polymer materials were manufactured in 2006, some 15 million tons more than the previous year. As was the case in 2005, Asia and Oceania led production in 2006 with a share of 40% — 14% of which was contributed by China alone. They are followed by Europe with 24%, and North America with 23%. The output of the Middle East and Africa accounted for 6% while Latin America produced 5% and the former CIS countries contributed 2%. Initial statistics for 2007 indicate a further step up in worldwide production. In 2006 and at the start of 2007, producers of most plastic varieties were working to full capacity.

www.plasticseurope.org