Published: March 2018
Polymer distribution is playing an increasingly strategic role within the polymer industry value chain providing opportunities for polymer producers to cut costs improve efficiencies and deliver better service and support to the plastics processor. However in an industry notorious for its slim margins and in a low growth economy, the successful distributor needs to be rigorous in understanding the cost-to-serve and the value gained from its customers in order to ensure future survival and growth.
Over the past five year period, polymer distributors in North America have been able to expand their activities, both in terms of geographic reach and the services offered, despite the pressures caused by the economic volatility, periods of material oversupply or shortages and squeezed margins. Opportunities still exist for the distribution sector to enhance profitability and margins by offering new services and support to their customers. Innovative strategies and inventive customer dialogue will be the continuing characteristic of the successful companies in the industry.
AMI Consulting has been monitoring and analysing the trends in the global polymer distribution industry for the past 15 years. The 2018 report will build on earlier research which has since evolved into a comprehensive survey of the trends in the polymer distribution market for the whole NAFTA region (North American Free Trade Agreement), including USA, Canada and Mexico.