What happened to GE Plastics?
Saudi basic industries corporation (SABIC) acquired GE Plastics in 2007 in a deal valued at $11.6 billion. SABIC is a well-respected petrochemicals manufacturer with a global presence, and GE Plastics' legacy will live on through them. SABIC will continue to sell the materials that GE Plastics initially developed. This acquisition is a big win for both companies and will help to solidify SABIC's position as a leading manufacturer in the polymer industry. GE corporate is still strong and is, branching into many different markets. (1.)
With SABIC being an already well-established petrochemical company, we can confidently say that it will continue to thrive due to its ongoing R&D efforts in new product categories. In recent, times becoming involved in healthcare; by developing polymers that have antimicrobial properties, Such as its Lexan™ Cliniwall™ sheet material. (2.)
Today, " SABIC launched a non-chlorinated and non-brominated opaque sheet, LEXAN™ CLINIWALL™ AC6200. The sheet aims to provide a hygienic, sanitary solution for interior surfaces to several industries around the world". - (Sabic.com) (2.)
What if?
If GE Plastics were still in its original form, it would have progressed to develop some of the most world-renowned plastics materials, continuing to supply some of the world's biggest brands. Whilst maintaining its mission to be the no 1. and no 2. in the plastics industry.
We envisage that GE Plastics would have been the ones to develop safer, non-toxic flame retardant material alternatives for the plastics industry instead of companies like FRX Innovations.
FRX Innovations are a Canadian manufacturer of the only innovative non-toxic' flame retardant in the world. They are developing a Non-Toxic, Non-Leaching Flame Retardant Solution for the world market. With the R & D budget that GE Plastics will have had, they could have conquered the market and uprooted all halogen-based Flame Retardant polymer products available today.
Some of the more current issues we are facing with plastics may only be able to resolve by companies with budgets big enough to push boundaries and litigation.
In conclusion
After years of research, development, and manufacturing, GE Plastics and its core innovations are being used by companies worldwide to create innovative products. The company's innovative plastics have helped make the world a better place, and they will continue to do so in the future, albeit not necessarily in the originally intended form. So it will be exciting to see what the next ten years of the plastics industry have in store for us.
Citations
1.) GE Announces Sale of Plastics Business to Sabic for $11.6 Billion; Industrial Portfolio Transformed for Stronger Growth; Proceeds to Be Used for Stock Buyback. (2007, May 22) In GE.com. https://www.ge.com/news/press-releases/ge-announces-sale-plastics-business-sabic-116-billion-industrial-portfolio-0
2.) Sabic’s Lexan™ Cliniwall™ AC6200 sheet provides anti-bacterial, hygienic and touchable wall cladding solutions for hospitals and public facilities. (2020, April 9) in Sabic.com. https://www.sabic.com/en/news/22067-sabic-lexan-cliniwall-ac6200-sheet-provides-anti-bacterial-hygienic-and-touchable-wall-cladding-solutions