Central Europe: Heir to the Throne?

The latest report to tout Central Europe as the new haven for plastics development has been written. And indeed, the writing appears to be on the wall, with lower land and labor costs; economic stability fueled by European Union status, which consequently eases new business opportunities; centrally located geography; and big-name companies in packaging, automaking, and appliance manufacturing setting up shop.

Consider the bigger picture: Historically, in the short time frame of synthetic plastics, where plastics thrive, overall economies thrive. The U.S. led a plastics-led revolution for much of the 20th century before relaying the plastics dominance to China. Considering China's current economic dominance, can we predict Central Europe to follow suit and be the next global economic leader?

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