Why are polymers cheap?

Question

How are they manufactured? Where do the raw materials come from?

Answer 1

Raw materials are coal, oil, and natural gas. These raw materials have increased in price lately, but they are far below $/lb for metals, wood, glass, which they replace. The hydrocarbon starting materials are converted to low-molecular weight compounds called monomers. The monomers are polymerized to plastic resins. The reins are fabricated into finished plastic or textile fiber goods.

Answer 2

Most polymers are made from the by-products of the petroleum industry- what they can't crack into gasoline, oils and gasses.