2. PPE alloy producers

The total worldwide capacity for PPE reflects the ambiguity of this product, depending on whether it is defined in terms of pure PPE, or in terms of alloys which can contain up to 90% by weight of other polymers such as PS. It is generally accepted that the figures given refer to alloyed, ready-to-use, compounded plastics.

General ElectricGE was for a long time the sole producer of PPE, referred to exclusively under the generic name of modified PPO, modified polyphenylene oxide, and the Noryl brand (PPE/PS alloy) almost became a generic name during the years of exclusivity. As the basic patents fell away in the 1980s, new producers emerged.

General Electric sold all its engineering plastics activities to Sabic, Sabic Innovative Plastics, in 2007. Sabic has now taken over Noryl modified PPO, along with all the other engineering and high-performance...