ARTICLES

  • The production capacity for bio-based polymers boasts very impressive development with a CAGR of almost 20% in comparison to petrochemical polymers, with a CAGR between 3-4%. The most dynamic development is foreseen for drop-in bio-based polymers, closely followed by new bio-based polymers. This group is spearheaded by partly bio-based PET whose production capacity is projected to reach about 7 mln tons by 2020. The second most dynamic development is foreseen for PHA followed by PLA and bio-based PUR. Most investment in new capacities will take place in Asia because of better access to feedstock and a favourable political framework. Europe and North America's share is projected to decrease, whereas Asia's is predicted to increase and South America's is likely to remain constant. Read more in Biobased polymer capacity to triple to 17 mln tons in 2020- PET, PLA, PHA to show fastest growth
  • Plastics additives help in improving the characteristics of polymers such as strength, shine, durability and heat sensitivity. The global plastic additives market is expected to generate revenue of US$57.8 bln by 2020 at a CAGR of 4.9% during 2013-2020. Impacting drivers include increase in environmental awareness and intervention by government to promote non-toxic plastic additives. The market is segmented into UV stabilizers, antimicrobials, antioxidants, impact modifiers, flame retardants, and plasticizers. Property modifiers mostly include impact modifiers, biodegradable plasticizers, antioxidants, blowing agents, antimicrobials, and flame retardants. Fuelled by the growth of the construction industry and the automobile industry, Asia Pacific dominates the market in terms of both consumption and production. Read more in Increasing environmental awareness, government intervention promote growth in plastic additives market
  • Global plastic compounding market is regulated by environmental agencies and association that constantly update and develop recycling norms, application scope and utilization quantity, and environmental policies. Demand is expected to reach 332.08 mln tons by 2022, at a CAGR of 4.7% to 2022. Automotive emerged as the leading application segment, while construction is expected to register highest demand growth. Asia Pacific was the leading regional market and accounted for over 45% of the total market volume in 2014. Read more in Bio-based polymers to augment global plastic compounding market growth at CAGR of 5.9% uptil 2022
  • The wood plastic composite industry consists of four applications: building and construction products, automotive components, industrial & consumer goods and others. Demand for building and construction segment currently accounts for the largest share in this industry. Polyethylene WPC dominated the global wood-plastic composites market, whereas, Polyvinyl chloride WPC is expected to be the fastest growing product segment owing to its growing application in window and decking. To know about the factors that boost demand and those that hamper overall growth, the major applications, the largest application segment, the largest market for WPC, etc, read Demand from building & construction to drive double digit growth of global wood plastic composites market
  • Plastic will continue to account for the largest share of global rigid packaging demand, and will also see the fastest gains, as plastic containers grab market share in many applications. These gains will be attributable to their cost advantages over some alternatives, shatter resistance, resealability, graphics capabilities, ease of opening and dispensing, and improved resin and processing technologies. One of the main factors affecting the market positively is the increase in F&B consumption worldwide. To know about the growth applications, the growth regions, factors influencing demand and the challenges faced by this sector, read Growth in global manufacturing output, spending on packaged goods to aid rigid packaging demand