ARTICLES

  • The global market for caps and closures is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4% from 2013 to 2018, largely driven by the volume growth in end-use industries. The penchant for consumption of packaged products such as food & beverage, personal care and pharmaceuticals is resulting in the growth of this industry. Consumers' push for convenient packaging would result in the growth of pouches, sachets, bags, and other types of flexible packaging. These novel pack types with varying sizes and innovative closures are expected to gain momentum in the near future. Read more in Global caps & closures market estimated to reach 2,312 bln by 2018, at CAGR of 4% from 2013 to 2018
  • The global Geosynthetics market is estimated to reach US$18 bln by 2018, growing at a CAGR of 11.9% from 2013, dominated by high demand from Asia-Pacific and North America. Though there are various types of geosynthetics available in the market, each one performs at-least one or more of the following six basic applications: separation, drainage, filtration, barrier, reinforcement and protection. Demand from emerging countries is likely to increase on the account of rising awareness about the benefits of geosynthetics in civil constructions. Additional growth will be driven by increased market penetration, stimulated by growing concerns regarding environmental protection and greater awareness of the performance advantages in a variety of applications. Read more in Growth in global geosynthetics market dominated by demand from Asia-Pacific, N America
  • Researchers have discovered a new, potentially life-saving application for polyethylene terephthalate (PET). They have successfully converted PET into a non-toxic biocompatible material with superior fungal killing properties. In recent years, the number of opportunistic fungal infections has increased due to growing populations of patients with weakened immune systems, for example due to cancer, organ transplant or HIV/AIDS. In such patients, invasive infections caused by fungi strains may take the form of potentially lethal blood stream infections, lung infections and meningitis. These trends necessitate the urgent development of suitable alternatives to the limited selection of available antifungal agents. Read more in Breakthrough converts PET into non-toxic, biocompatible material to attack fungal infections
  • Butadiene has been indispensable for a range of important industrial and consumer products, finding application in computers, carpets, automotive, paints, textile, appliances, etc. Countries in Asia-Pacific lead global demand for butadiene and its derivatives in a diverse range of applications, with demand projected to be well above the average growth rate of the market. Some of the reasons for the high level growth in this region are growing population, vast economies, favorable investment policies and government initiatives, etc. Read more in Rapid growth to continue in global butadiene market until 2018, driven by growing demand in APAC
  • Rigid transparent plastics are thermoplastics like acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, polysulfones, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride, styrene acrylonitrile, acrylic-styrene copolymers, nylon and cellulosic resins. The major applications of these plastics are in construction, airplanes, household appliances, toys, sight glasses, cosmetic surgeries and more. Technological advancement in rigid transparent plastics promises rise in its application base, leading to growth in the market demand. To know about the growth regions, growing applications, factors impacting demand, etc, read Global rigid transparent plastic market to grow to US$25 bln in 2018, at a CAGR of 5.7%
  • A Research team has produced plastic crystals with the help of rod-shaped particles that could find application in colour monitor screens based on electronic ink. New and improved energy efficient digital screens as well as improved TV images could be some of the benefits of a new discovery in the field of liquid crystals, by another team. Read more Plastic crystals open up possibilities for novel materials in colour monitor screens based on electronic ink