Petrochemicals are currently the biggest of the industrial chemicals sectors, accounting in 2016 for 40 percent of the global chemicals market of around €2.65 trillion. And Petrochemicals represent the majority of all chemicals shipped between the continents of the world.

In commemoration of the 50^th Annual Meeting of the European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) held in Budapest in October 2016, the association has taken the opportunity to share with all stakeholders and the younger generations the story of the passionate journey EPCA has taken during the past 50 years.

The diligently researched and appealingly illustrated EPCA History Book tells the story of an industry that shaped our past, improves our present, and builds our future. Published on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting of the European Petrochemical Association it looks back on the beginning of the petrochemical industry and its evolution, but it also outlines the industry's way into the future.

In his Foreword Tom Crotty, current President of EPCA, explains the role the industry plays in our present and future challenges: “The petrochemical industry has come a long way, it has navigated stormy waters and fought its battles, but at the same time it has created ground-breaking materials and enabled sustainable solutions for mankind. Moreover our industry is here to stay because the global challenges we are facing to maintain life on our planet – conquering climate change, providing health care, and ensuring energy and water supply – can only be resolved with innovative chemical solutions and efficient (as well as effective and innovative) supply chains. All over the world, EPCA member companies and their visionary leaders and ingenious researchers are working to make our future a bright one.”

The book is available as an interactive e-book that can be downloaded for free as a printable PDF version. Included in the book as an insert is an illustrated timeline depicting achievements of the petrochemical industry.