commodity resin
Quick Summary
Commodity resins are plastics produced in high volumes at low costs for common disposable and durable goods. These include major plastics like polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene.12
Polyolefins, derived from natural gas or petroleum, are a primary source for commodity plastics. These are hydrocarbons with a double carbon bond, such as ethylene and propylene. PVC, for instance, is made from vinyl chloride and is known for its rigidity, finding use in construction materials like pipes and window frames. When plasticized, it becomes flexible and is used in flooring, upholstery, and hoses.3
Specialty resins, in contrast, are produced in lower volumes at higher costs, with properties tailored for specific applications, such as engineering plastics that can rival metals in performance.12
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