In October 2004, Plasteurope.com expanded its reporting of standard thermoplastics prices to include more differentiated categories, in particular as regards PE and PS grades. We have now made this differentiation a permanent feature of our polymer price reports. For example, prices for standard blow moulding film grades of HDPE are shown separately. With PS, the high-impact film and high-impact injection grades are also separated out, and, in the case of PP homopolymer and copolymer materials each are divided into film and injection moulding grades.

Up to now, the older, all inclusive terms have been listed in Plasteurope.com price reports alongside the new categories. Effective from 1 January 2006, however, these transition aids will be phased out, along with the graphs and Excel tables that accompany them. Those who are still using the old reporting terms in business transactions would be well advised to switch to the new, more detailed categories.