Author's conclusion: A major chemical business has created a manufacturing technique for turning wood fibres into plastic after investing a significant amount in research. The hulls of tiny sailboats, among other things, may be made from this new material, the business claims. However, what does the corporation believe that earlier sailboat hulls were built of? The obsession with sophisticated technology can hardly be any worse than this, right?
Which of the following assertions would substantially undermine the author's conclusion if true?
1
The technique results in plastic that is stronger, lighter, and more water-tight than wood.
2
There is a growing shortage of the wood required to make the plastic
3
The price of making a sailboat hull goes up by 10 to 15% due to the expense of the plastic manufacturing process.
4
The chemical business will deduct a large portion of the cost of the research that led to the creation of the new method for tax reasons.
5
None of the above