Dow Chemical Plastics' strategic transformation
After over three months of networking, short message polling, and expert evaluation, HC Network, the China Plastics Machinery Industry Association, and the China Engineering Plastics Industry Association jointly organized the "China Plastics Industry Development Forum" and the HC Network 2007 Annual Plastics Industry Ten "Good Presentation Ceremony." This event honored the top ten companies in the domestic plastics industry, provided a platform for business discussions, and aimed to promote the sustainable development of China's plastics sector.
Dow Chemical's Plastics Business Unit, a globally recognized multinational corporation, stood out among numerous domestic and international competitors and was awarded the "Top Ten Suppliers in the Plastics Industry in 2007" with the highest number of votes. In an exclusive interview, Paul Wu, Sales Director of the Dow Plastics Products Division in Greater China from Taiwan, shared his vision: "Solution, Preferred Dow."
Q: First of all, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Dow Chemical on winning the "Top Ten Suppliers in the Plastics Industry in 2007." What are your thoughts on this achievement? Also, could you say a few words to express gratitude to the majority of users?
Wu: We sincerely thank our customers and industry leaders for their continued support, as well as the organizers for creating such a valuable platform that helps us increase our visibility among peers and users in China. While Dow Plastics has strong brand recognition abroad, we aim to further enhance our presence in the Chinese market through increased brand promotion efforts in the future.
Q: As a world-renowned company, can you briefly share the development journey of Dow Chemical since entering China?
Wu: Dow first entered China through trade, serving a wide range of local customers. Over the years, both our employee base and customer numbers have grown significantly. We have established production facilities in locations such as Zhangjiagang, Ningbo, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Additionally, Dow has announced plans to invest more in China, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art R&D center in Zhangjiang, Shanghai, in 2008. This move underscores our long-term commitment to the Asia-Pacific region and our Chinese customers.
Q: In recent years, Dow Chemical has emphasized the brand concept of "human element." Could you explain what "human element" means and how Dow Plastics implements this philosophy?
Wu: "Human Element" is a way for Dow to clearly communicate what we do daily. Our products serve various industries, including automotive, electronics, construction, and more. For example, in the automotive sector, our materials help reduce noise, and in home appliances, they contribute to energy efficiency by reducing material thickness. At Dow, everything we do is closely tied to improving people’s lives, based on the idea of "chemicals improving human life."
Q: Dow Chemical is a global leader in the chemical industry, but many people may not be fully aware of the history of its Plastics Division. Could you tell us about it?
Wu: The Dow Plastics Division offers a balanced and diversified portfolio, covering a wide range of performance specifications—from everyday industrial products to specialty plastics. Our product line includes polyethylene resins, polystyrene, polypropylene, elastomers, engineering thermoplastics, and more. These products are used in a variety of applications, such as adhesives, household appliances, automobiles, packaging, and even wire and cable. You can find Dow plastics in almost every aspect of daily life.
Q: With so much competition in the plastics industry, how does Dow position itself as an innovative solution provider? What guarantees the realization of the "solution, preferred Dow" ideal?
Wu: As competition intensifies, the demand for innovative solutions grows. Dow continuously adapts its portfolio to meet these needs, focusing on technology and application-based solutions. At events like the China International Plastics Show, we showcase our latest innovations and strengthen relationships with customers across Asia. We are also committed to environmental protection and sustainability, which enhances our reputation and ensures long-term competitiveness.
Q: With oil prices rising above $100 per barrel, the plastics industry faces cost pressures. How has the Dow Plastics Division managed this challenge? Also, how does the joint venture with Kuwait Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (PIC) impact the company’s long-term cost strategy?
Wu: Rising oil prices affect the entire supply chain. To cope, we focus on cost control and maintaining strong customer relationships. The joint venture with PIC, a subsidiary of Kuwait Petroleum Group, provides access to rich raw material resources and advanced technologies. This collaboration strengthens our supply chain, supports long-term growth, and ultimately benefits our customers.
Q: At the 2008 China National Rubber and Plastics Exhibition, which products did Dow showcase? Why were these specific products chosen?
Wu: We are currently transitioning from a product-focused approach to a market- and customer-oriented solution provider. At the exhibition, we highlighted new styrene-butadiene copolymers, which offer better cost-performance compared to traditional materials like ABS. These products are designed for consumer electronics and home appliance parts, offering high impact resistance and good brightness. We also introduced nine development-oriented copolymers to meet growing market demands for innovation and tailored solutions.
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