PLASTIC PERSPECTIVES
Melvin (Mel) W. Ettenson of Ain Plastics of Michigan, Inc., B.S., Engineering, Lowell Technological Institute; M.B.A., NYU.; Lt. Comman-der, U.S. Navy; Owens Corning Fiberglas Corp., Mktg. Research Director; Uniglass Industries, Regional Sales Manager ; Dayco Corp., Sr. V.P. Cadillac Plastics Division; Member of the Society of Plastics Engineers, and The Society of the Plastics Industry. 810-356-4000. First a look at price trends as we enter 2Q 1998. Deflationary forces are still at work -- PP and PE resin prices are still dropping as are Benzene and Butadiene due to low energy prices. In addition, PVC has gone down 2 cents per pound since January 1, 1998 due to oversupply, lower feedstock costs and increased competition. On the inflation side, PC resin producers have been trying to put through a 6-8 cents a lb. increase since October 1997 with little success. GE, Bayer and Dow have all announced increases and subsequently rescinded them. As we write this, there is another announced increase scheduled for May 1. To be continued! For those of you interested in prices on virgin thermoplastic resins, which determine prices on sheet, rod, tube and film, online information is available at www.plasticsnews.com as well as www.chemicalweek.com. Current and historical pricing data is readily accessible. Millenium Monomers Scientists in Scotland have developed a plant that grows plastic. They are using rape seed and claim seeds contain 20% of a thermoplastic substance, which they predict will be ready for harvesting in 10 years. Contact Dr. Elborough of Durham University for more details. A plastic lung is being developed to serve as an implant to substitute for lungs damaged by smoking. The plastic lung, known as (Intra Thorax Artificial Lung), consists of a CD player size box containing a network of porous plastic fibre tubes to remove carbon dioxide. Northwestern University is leading the project funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. The U.S. Treasury is testing new plastic polymers for use in folding money similar to that used in Australia. It lasts longer than paper, is more difficult to counterfeit and doesn't wrinkle if left in pockets of clothing to be washed. Plastic money? Credit cards and beyond! At this writing -- less than 600 days until millenium monomers and their ensuing products are here! Neither The Plastics Distributor & Fabricator Magazine, nor PMD Publishing, Inc., is responsible for the information or opinions contained in this magazine. All such information and opinions are those of the authors.