Compounding consists of preparing "plastic" formulations by mixing and/or blending polymers and additives in molten state.

A wide variety of products are made with materials that were developed through plastic compounding. Among the consumer products made with these materials are toys, furniture, appliances, etc. Industrial applications include automotive components, pipes for construction, and so on.

The immense array of materials that can be created with plastic compounding ensures widespread use of this process in product manufacturing well into the future.