High-performance films represent a very small market accounting for about 10% of all commercial plastic films by volume. Compared to their commodity counterparts, high-performance films possess greater tensile and impact strength, greater heat and moisture resistance, and improved gas barrier properties; some also display special electrical or electronic properties. Read more in High performance films can do tougher tasks and are poised to grow well

Building and construction sectors constitute the second largest plastics consuming sector accounting for 17% of total plastics consumption. PVC is the major plastic used by this sector. Read more in Building & Construction account for 17% of global plastics consumption

The objective of flame retardant thermoplastics is to increase the resistance of a material to ignition and, once ignited, to reduce the rate of flame spread. The product does not become non-combustible, but the use of a flame-retardant additive may prevent a small fire from becoming a catastrophe. Read more in Flame Retardant Polyolefins

Nanoclay is increasingly used in plastics to enhance mechanical properties at a very low level of addition. Generally nanoclay is incorporated at less than 5% level. It eliminates surface melt fracture and postpones the critical shear rate for the onset of gross melt fracture to significantly higher values depending on resin type, temperature and additive concentration. Read more in The Effect of Nanoclays on the Processibility of Polyolefins

In a study of cost comparison of petrochemical projects across the globe, Nexant, a well-known research organization, has found that China as well as the other Asian regions offer cost competitiveness in the newer petrochemical projects. Read more in Petrochemical projects in Asia offer better cost competitiveness

Plastindia Foundation, presented the Plasticon 2005 Runner up Award for Excellence in Contribution to Agriculture to Bhinge Brothers, Nashik. This award has been conferred for excellence in the development of an Agriculture Treadle Pump with innovative use of reinforced polypropylene for its component, having a capacity of 3000 litres per hour, suitable for small farms and rural areas. Read further in The Ecoflo Pump