Petrochemical producers ponder the way out of doldrums.

Petrochemical producers have to answer some difficult questions if they are to prosper beyond the recession, according to Clive Thompson, v.p./operations and supply, Arco Chemical Europe (Maidenhead, U.K.). Chairing the Financial Times petrochemical conference, "Global Prospects Beyond the Recession," in London last week, Thompson said global markets mean global competition and companies need to determine whether they are prepared for that challenge. In many cases, he says, the industry's salvation is in its own hands.

Although some companies believe a good dose of higher pricing will solve all their ills, Eddie Wilson, v.p./strategic planning, Dow Europe (Horgen, Switzerland), thinks that approach is far too simplistic. He says industry is obsessed with pricing, describing it as akin to mistaking the altimeter …