ARTICLES
Indian downstream machinery manufacturing industry is very fragmented with large number of suppliers catering to lower end of the pyramid, akin to the plastic processing industry. Major reasons for fragmentation of the industry are economic advantages for being small scale, catering to certain geographical area or specific processing sector and low capital investment and/or technology requirement to enter the field. In India, 20 machinery manufacturers account for 80-85% of domestic sales. To know the existing scenario, the industry outlook, demand in 2010, market outlook, sector wise performance projection, future prospects, etc, read Indian Downstream Machinery Industry - An Outlook
India is one of the largest producers of commodities like food grains, sugar, milk, fruits, vegetables, pulses and tea in the world. However, huge losses have been observed in agriculture produce in India. Wastage varies from 5-35% depending on nature of crops. Due to a varied crop pattern; countrywide and localized production of commodities, safe and hygienic storage, transportation, distribution and protection against wastage is essential, hence packaging is of utmost importance. Read in Plastics in Food Packaging in India
Researchers have developed a material that can be used as transparent coating for plastic food packaging, which they say will improve both its strength and performance. The study showed that the substance could function as a barrier, preventing any gases from moving through bottles or foil. This could increase the shelf life of food and the time it takes for carbonated drinks to go flat. Read more in Developments in plastic packaging that help increase the shelf life of food and drink
Ethylene demand forecast for the next decade is 3% pa while propylene is forecast to grow at 4-5% mainly due to its major derivative PP growing exceptionally well. The present production distribution cannot fulfill the increasing demand of propylene. The new massive crackers coming up in the Middle Eastern region are predominantly based on ethane rich gas and cannot cannot fulfill the additional demand of propylene. Therefore special investments are being made in other dedicated manufacturing processes for propylene. To know about the dedicated propylene manufacturing routes, the newer alternative technologies, benefits offered, etc, read Alternate processes required to manufacture propylene growing at about 4-5% pa
Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) injection molding finds applications in medical, automotive, infant care and general industrial markets, aerospace, electronics and many other specialized industries. LSRs are low viscosity, shear thinning, thermosetting polymers that exhibit characteristics exceeding those of comparable materials in terms of biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and thermal, chemical, and electrical resistances. To know about current process, advantages and disadvantages, etc, read Liquid silicone rubber injection molding market has good growth prospects
Cell phones have been classified as hazardous materials because of electromagnetic radiation and electronic composition, as well as containing persistent toxins. Cell phones made of biodegradable content or with recycled materials, help reduce the problems of disposal due to toxic waste that piles up every year as cell phones are discarded. Electronics makers are coming forward to create energy efficient models that can make use of alternative energy, are manufactured from recycled materials, use less power, and come cradled in recycled packaging. Read more in Telecom industry goes green: Phones made from Recycled Plastics
A self-healing material that can repair in about a minute under UV light has been developed. The material relies on localized heating and metal-ligand interactions. When exposed to UV light, the heat quickly depolymerizes the area around the cut. Once the UV light is turned off, the liquidized area cools, reforms the ligand-metal complexes, and seals up the cut. The healing process can be localized. Read more in Polymer that self heals in a minute when exposed to UV light
In various countries, politicians and environmental organisations have requested a ban on plastics bags and/or already implemented it. A research and consulting firm in the area of environmental and sustainability issues compared carrier bags made of conventional plastic (polyethylene), bio-degradable starch-based plastics and paper. Various packaging materials have various advantages – and the intensive debate about the plastic carrier bag affects only a fraction of the annual consumer carbon footprints. Read more in Carbon footprint of carrier bags made of paper and plastics
PRICE TRENDS for the week
NAPHTHA
Naphtha prices ended the week of April 24, 2011 at levels above US$1075/MT in Asia. Fewer arbitrage cargoes for May arrival is leading to high offers. Price swings...
ETHYLENE
Ethylene prices have risen above US$1355/MT in Asia in the week of April 24, 2011. Prices have not risen in line with rising crude and naphtha, amid lackluster trading in China. Markets...
PROPYLENE
Propylene prices have inched up to US$1550/In Asia in the week of April 24, 2011. Spot propylene prices on an FOB Korea basis were mostly unchanged this week as buyers...
Read More in Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended April 24, 2011
NAPHTHA
Naphtha prices ended the week of April 24, 2011 at levels above US$1075/MT in Asia. Fewer arbitrage cargoes for May arrival is leading to high offers. Price swings...
ETHYLENE
Ethylene prices have risen above US$1355/MT in Asia in the week of April 24, 2011. Prices have not risen in line with rising crude and naphtha, amid lackluster trading in China. Markets...
PROPYLENE
Propylene prices have inched up to US$1550/In Asia in the week of April 24, 2011. Spot propylene prices on an FOB Korea basis were mostly unchanged this week as buyers...
Read More in Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended April 24, 2011
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