ARTICLES
- Acceleration in fixed investment outlay as well as polymer consumption will drive growth in the global plastics processing machine market through 2017. Packaging will remain the largest single market for plastics processing machinery, followed in size by consumer/institutional products, construction, and other miscellaneous markets. Injection molding equipment will continue to be the most popular product type. Developing markets will provide the best growth opportunities for suppliers of plastics processing equipment through 2017. Interestingly, India will be the fastest-growing national market, however, expanding over 12% pa. Read more in Global plastic processing machine market to continue upward curve through 2017
- In 2013, the USA alone consumed about 25 mln tons of ethylene. The average feedstock costs per ton of ethylene manufactured fell by about 40% between 2008 and 2013 in USA. About 75% of total ethylene output being ethane-based in 2021. The US shale gas boom has brought a renewed competitive advantage to the sector, spurring plans for additional new crackers. Plans have been announced for a total of 10 new ethane crackers in the US – eight on the US Gulf Coast, and two in the northeast US. This represents around 12.5 mln tpa of ethylene capacity. Read more in 75% of total ethylene output in USA forecast to be ethane-based in 2021
- Each member country of the European Union has normally by law or a covenant, fixed national targets for recycling and energy recovery. These regulations are based on the EU directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste (94/62/EU). Results show that national recycling schemes in Europe, based on extended producer responsibility (EPR), manage well. In USA, in 2012, the recycling rate for different types of plastic varies greatly, resulting in an overall plastics recycling rate of only 9%, 28% of HDPE bottles and 31% for PET bottles and jars. Read more in In 2012, EU surpasses target for plastic packaging waste; USA recovers 9%, Singapore 11% of total plastic waste generated
- A strong growth spurt is expected in the global plastic pipes market in two critical regions: recovery in the US construction industry resulting in nearly double-digit gains in pipe demands, and China, which should continue to maintain the world’s largest construction market. An important trend shows plastic pipe gaining market share as it continues to replace other materials, such as copper, concrete, and steel, due to its low cost, installation ease, and performance advantages. Further, HDPE is expected to take market share away from PVC in potable water distribution application. Read more in Rebound in demand from USA drives global plastic pipe demand to grow at 8.5% pa
- Increased focus on geotextiles and its applications in roadways and erosion prevention is expected to be a key driver for the growth of the market globally. In addition, growing regulatory support in emerging countries including India, China, UAE and Brazil is also expected to augment demand. Global demand for geosynthetics will be driven by construction especially in the key China and US markets, as well as growing concerns regarding environmental protection and greater awareness of the performance advantages. Read more in Global geotextiles market to surpass US$8 bln by 2020, geosynthetics to grow 8.9% pa till 2017
- Majority of PHA is produced using plant sugar, plant or vegetable oils such as soybean oil, palm oil and corn oil. Waste lipids and milk whey are the other raw materials at experimental stage and can be commercialized soon. Although the existing PHA plant capacities are underutilized, further capacity expansions are being planned, based on demand potential. Significant demand growth is expected with the wide range of possible applications and upcoming trends of biodegradable plastics. The two main market constraints- high prices and performance issues are being addressed as companies increase investments in R&D. Read more in Investments rise in global PHA market as consumption estimated at CAGR of 27.7% till 2018
