Publisher Summary The consumption of thermoplastics and thermoplastic composites is controlled by user market demand and the capacity for innovation in terms of materials and processes. The purpose of this exploratory study is to provide some background information on these points. The use of thermoplastics and thermoplastic composites makes it possible to satisfy some of the requirements. To achieve greater market penetration, thermoplastics and thermoplastic composites must enhance prices, performances, characteristics, productivity, ease of processing and recycling. Intensive processing research is based on several routes to reduce costs: globalization of processing, from raw materials to finishing, automation, industrialization and simplification. Patents published in the year 2004 have been analysed by polymer type, reinforcement type, and material structure and process type. The study recalls some facts concerning the environmental impact of plastics. Sustainability, pollution minimization, recycling and safe elimination of wastes are basic principles of environment policy.