Increasing number of countries are switching to polymer bank notes, will US & EU follow

Connecting Businesses In the World Of Plastics

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An increasing number of countries are switching to using polymer bank notes. These polymer notes have gained in popularity and recognition because of the many benefits they offer over paper bank notes. Benefits include improved durability, prevention of counterfeiting through incorporated security features, cost-effectiveness in the long-term, increased environmental friendliness, etc. Interestingly, the European Central Bank issued paper currency when issuing euro notes for the first time in 2002 and USA continues to issue paper notes with no plans to switch to polymer notes. To understand this, read An increasing number of countries are switching to polymer bank notes, will US and EU follow?

Every year, the average EU citizen consumes approximately 500 plastic carrier bags. The EU Commission is looking hard at a ban on plastics bags for all of Europe by using the results of a survey to justify its decision, which was overwhelmingly in favor of a bag ban. Packaging groups across Europe are refuting a possible ban, as there already is a law to control plastic bag trash and all other packaging refuse--the European packaging directive, which obliges all member states to adhere to corresponding collection and recycling quotas. To know more, read Firm censure as EU deliberates plastic bag ban to reduce usage

Electronic packaging (e-packaging) addresses the need for brands to reconnect with the customer or fade from consumer memory due to imitation. It addresses the ageing population's need for disposable medical testers and drug delivery devices, and the fact that one third of us have difficulty reading smaller instructions. Global demand for electronic smart packaging devices is estimated to grow rapidly to US$1.7 bln in 2022. To know more about the major segments in e-packaging market in 2022, main driver of the rapid growth, technologies, etc, read Global demand for electronic smart packaging devices estimated at US$1.7 bln in 2022

Hospital acquired diseases and transmission of infections is a major problem in the healthcare system today. Not only does it put patients and healthcare workers at risk, but also costs an estimated US$30 bln every year to the US economy. One recent study found over 90% of stethoscopes used are contaminated with microbes including MRSA. To cope with this, the first of its kind full-coverage disposable stethoscope cover has been introduced. To prevent hospital acquired diseases, a technology that uses nitric oxide gas embedded into polymers as an antimicrobial has been developed. To know more about the product and technology used, read Developments help prevent hospital acquired diseases

The global active, intelligent and smart food and drink packaging market is expected to grow at robust rate in the next 5 years. The future of the industry will look very different as it is estimated to undergo regional shifts and technological changes, leading to growth opportunities. To know about the developments and their impact, the promising emerging market potential as demand increases due to rising concerns over health awareness, food safety, ecological packaging and food wastage. New products and processes will be introduced to the world market, along with the improved production and recycling processes. Read in Global active, smart and intelligent packaging for food and beverages: trends and forecasts to 2015

Over the past few years, the aromatics industry has witnessed unprecedented volatility in margins and demand. Though the global paraxylene market saw rapid recovery since 2009, recovery in benzene demand has been slower. Nevertheless, global consumption of both benzene and paraxylene exhibited an unprecedented increase by volume in 2010. The complexity in upstream factors provided a challenging business environment for aromatics. To know about the factors influencing price volatility, the regions that will continue to drive development of new aromatics capacity, factors affecting consumption, supply and demand, etc, read Volatility in benzene & paraxylene after unprecedented growth in 2010

Global benzene capacity continues to witness steady expansions, predominantly in the East, and will offer a much awaited respite from the imbalance between demand and supply. Global benzene consumption is projected to exceed 54 mln metric tons by 2012, supported by demand from developing nations. To know about the factors that affect demand for benzene, the factors that lead to demand and supply imbalances, key players dominating the global benzene market, regions poised to emerge into key exporting bases, the key downstream derivatives, world consumption of benzene by end use, etc, read Steady expansion in global benzene capacity, predominantly in Asia and the Middle East

Long Fibre Thermoplastic PP (LFT PP) is becoming a material of choice for automotive designers with mainly two types of products, LFT-G and LFT-D. The demand of LFT PP is predicted to grow at double digit rates during the coming years. To know more about the technology used in these products, wide area of applications, benefits, increasing adoption by Audi, Volkswagen, Škoda, BMW, etc, read Long fibre PP compounds drive automotive innovation