This report can be read as a follow-on to the previous report (Recent Developments in Polymers for Wire and Cable, published in 1995) to provide a continuous review of the polymers used by the wire and cable sector since the early 1990s. Since the earlier report, the market has moved into an oversupply situation, and this edition reviews the current market with reference to the polymers in use and the remedial measures being undertaken by polymer manufacturers and cable companies.

The main sections provide an overview of polymer use by material with the main end-use markets examined: automotive, rail transport, aerospace, building and construction, business machines and computer networks, telecommunications, power generation and distribution, electrical appliances and consumer electronics marine off-shore and undersea cables, other general engineering applications. The European cable industry is discussed with particular emphasis on the markets within Benelux, France, Germany and the UK. Developments in the North American and Asian markets are briefly covered. Key trends based on new products, processes and machinery developments are indicated. The report includes profiles of leading polymer and cable companies with discussion about recent merger and acquisition activity. Aspects of present and future European legislation are discussed with particular emphasis on those relating to fire retardancy, harmonisation of standards, recycling and other environmental concerns.

About the Author

Keith Cousins graduated from Oxford University in engineering Science and followed a graduate apprenticeship with one of the fore-runners of GEC with a career in export sales. This included export area management with Francis Shaw, a leading manufacturer of rubber and plastics extruders and mixing machinery.

Moving to market research at Buckingham-based Harkness Consultants after posts in Export Area and Market Planning Management at Coventry Climax he has since November 1993, established a successful independent market research consultancy. Assignments have included a succession of published reports and privately communicated studies.