The 1960-1997 total and per-head productions of polymer in the world and in Poland are presented with particular reference to the total and per-head consumptions of polymers in 20 countries including Poland in 1993-1997. The 1997 balance sheet is given for plastics with due account for technological utilization.General application directions are presented including the characteristics of processing machines and tools with particular reference to the situation in Poland. Processing plants and companies are characterized in general.