European Polystyrene consumption in 2004 sees an improvement on 2003

Polystyrene consumption in Europe has risen marginally in 2004, reflecting higher levels of economic activity across Europe. PS consumption in western Europe grew by no more than 2.5% last year - a definite improvement on the 1.5% reduction seen in 2003. This, despite the widening price differential between PS and PP in the last 12 months - leading to concerns that converters may be encouraged to switch to PP. West European markets witnessed slower or almost negative market growth in recent years, due to two main reasons: * A shift in manufacturing industries to eastern Europe and the Far East * Product substitution - largely with PP, in the food packaging and disposables market.