1983
ICI and Bayer launch PEEK, PPS (polyphenyene sulphide), and PES (polyether sulphone)
1987 
BASF in Germany produces a polyacetylene that has twice the electrical conductivity of copper.
1988
Introduction of triangular recycling symbols relating to plastics
1989
First light-emitting polymers (poly-ethyne) discovered in Cambridge
1989
 The Gravimetric Batch Blender is invented by Steve Maguire revolutionising the industry and bringing affordable gravimetric blending to processors
1990
ICI launches Biopol, the first commercially available biodegradable plastic
1991
Dyson’s vacuum cleaner launched in Japan