The rubber and plastics industry is facing severe pressure from overseas imports. With China alone, the United States has gone from a trade surplus in plastics of $894 million in 2000 to a trade deficit in plastics of $3.72 billion in 2002. Similarly, the ratio of industrial rubber imports to exports has dropped. Presently, it is approximately 2:1. The rubber and plastics industry is finding it increasingly difficult to compete against overseas producers. .

In addition to competitive issues, other issues include an aging boiler inventory, costly grid power outages and power quality problems, and increasingly strict air quality standards. All are putting pressure on the rubber and plastics market to cut costs and emissions, and to increase efficiency.

The rubber and plastics industry has significant potential for CHP. Only 18% of the total estimated industry’s CHP capacity is currently installed. This leaves a substantial amount of CHP capacity that could be used to reduce heating and power costs. Alcor’s CHP systems can help rubber and plastics plants reduce costs and demonstrate responsible environmental stewardship.