The "Living Environments Europe programm" (Leep) is a combination of innovation, partnership, GE Plastics' engineering materials, and the construction industry. Its aim is to investigate and expand the use of high performance polymers within construction-related industries. At the same time, it will showcase GE Plastics' activities within this important market. "As an organisation, we have a long term strategy that says if we're going to grow the market for our products, then we have to participate in the three largest materials markets, ie, automotive exteriors, packaging and building and construction. We've already had a number of successes in the building and construction market, but through projects like the Living Environments concept house in N. America, we've learned that if you really have to convince people that you're serious about serving the market. You have to prove that you can be a major player, and a major catalyst for growth", says Joel Hutt, Communications Director of GE Plastics Europe (HQ: PO Box 117, NL-4600 AC Bergen op Zoom).

Within GE plastics, LEEp involves participation from Structured Products, Silicones and the resin Building and Construction team. It includes two main elements – a purpose built demonstration building and, (as one of the demonstration areas) a system built house using a variety of plastic materials. The building technology, known as the "Royal Housing System" is manufactures by Royal Building Systems (Cdn) Limited, part of the Royal Plastics Group of Canada. The exhibition building will serve as a living showcase for both GE extruded sheet products and silicones sealants and adhesives. Inside, will be 14 different development areas.

READER SERVICE: Further details in the GE press release "A living showcase for building and construction": PIE-No. 35748.