ABSTRACT
Since the first edition of this book was published, two issues have become increasingly important to the plastics industry: globalization and sustainability. Unfortunately, neither of these terms has a uniform definition, creating confusion when addressing how these subjects affect business activities. Worse, these topics have significant political overtones as well, which tends to confuse rather than clarify what is happening and what should or can be done in response. To avoid or at least minimize these problems, the author has tried to apply scientific principles and common sense to identifying what globalization and sustainability genuinely mean to the plastics industry, and what specific steps management needs to take when planning and executing business strategies affected by these two issues. Both of these subjects cannot be ignored by management, or dealt with casually, because they will certainly have a significant impact on business development and profitability over time.
