A comprehensive report published by the business analysis and consultancy group of Rapra Technology Ltd (Shawbury Shrewsbury Shropshire, SY4 4NR, UK) under the title "Functional Additives for plastics" might well bear the subtitle "Everything you always wanted to know about additives, but didn't know where to ask." The volume not only provides a technological review of the current situation on the additives market, but also identfies legislative and environmental factors that could affect the use of functional additives It estimates future demand in Europe by material and application, in addition to surveying the current supply situation and the key players in the market. No important development appears to have been left uncommented.

The report's numerous tables contain detailed information on additives, including antimicrobial agents, antioxidants, antistatic and blowing agents, colourants, coupling and curing agents, fillers, flame retardants, heat stabilisers, impact modifiers, lubricants, plasticisers, slip promoters, UV stabilisers and viscosity aids. A table estimating consumption growth rates for additives up to 1998 could be particularly interesting for users. For most types, Rapra forecasts double-digit growth rates over the five-year period. A final chapter looks at developments in the various polymer markets in the recent past and focuses briefly on trends for the near future. A table on polymer consumption in Western Europe from 1993 to 1998 anticipates growth – or decline – rates ranging from -1.2% for ABS to 10-15% for PET and PBT. Growth prospects for most products appear to be in the low single-digit range.

BOOK SERVICE: Rapra report "Functional additives for plastics", 1994, 120 pages, A4 format, paperback, price DM 225.00 plus postage/VAT: PIE-No. B 37823.