The central objective of this work is the presentation of a novel simple method for the characterization of polymers as regards their thermodynamic behavior in bulk phases and interfaces. For this purpose, LSER (Linear Solvation Energy Relationships) type molecular descriptors and polymer surface energies are derived, primarily, from Inverse Gas Chromatography (IGC) and contact angle measurements for a number of common polymers. The interconnection of these descriptors with the more familiar equationof-state scaling constants from PVT measurements is explored. The characteristic LSER descriptors are used for the prediction of polymer - polymer miscibility as well as for handling IGC data for multicomponent systems. Emphasis is given on hydrogen-bonded polymer systems. As shown by a variety of examples, the efficiency and versatility of the method are particularly promising. The broader perspectives of this unified approach to solution thermodynamics are discussed. (c) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.