ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the way Mexican chemical fibre firms are responding to the need to control pollution and care for the environment. It examines the possible relationships between equity ownership, export activity and the size of the firm, in particular how far firms have advanced in the definition of environmental policy, management systems, programmes and performance indicators. The development of the chemical fibre industry in Mexico: the period of ‘stabilising development’ during the 1960s, when this industry grew at annual rates of 24 per cent by taking advantage of the protection existing within the domestic market. The basic raw materials to make chemical fibres come from the chemical industry and from forestry sources. The chemical fibres industry is characterised by economies of scale and has been concentrated since its earliest stages. The petrochemical industry consumes large quantities of water.
