So far, this 4-layer sheet, which uses printed organic transistors and plastic MEMS switches, can deliver up to 40 watts of power -- enough for some laptops.

This year's film and sheet ranking of 163 North American companies shows a 3 percent gain, adding $2 billion over last year's total. Pulling together $42.9 billion in related sales, a huge figure.

In thermoforming, a plastic sheet is made pliable by heating and then is stamped with a tool into shapes such as cups and clamshell containers.

Shimadzu's UV-3600 Plus spectrophotometer and ISR-1503 attachment enable precise haze and transmittance analysis of various plastic sheets and films.