The market for bioplastics in SE Asia is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 129.8% in the next 5-7 years until 2015 as per a report. The bioplastics market in the region is in its nascent stage. The large population in this region provides an impetus to producers to explore opportunities here. However, the industry is beset with its hurdles distinctive to the Asian region. Read more in Bioplastics expected to grow over 125% in South East Asia

Transparent membranes are becoming increasingly important, particularly where clarity to the entire spectrum of natural light is required, along with lightweight structure to create an economical solution. Fluoropolymer membranes such as ETFE (ethyl tetrafluorethylene) foils provide the solution. Though ETFE has some interesting properties, it is a relatively unknown material. Read more in ETFE fluoropolymer membrane offers excellent clarity and cost reduction

Several alternatives have been developed to PVC that have great potential for applications in medical sector. The processes and technologies however, need a lot more development to enable the manufacture of specialized products at reasonable costs. Currently, PVC is the most economical material for medical application and unless the other alternatives match in price PVC will continue to dominate as the market leader in medical applications. Read in Alternatives for PVC in medical applications are developed, but are less cost effective

Undesired, odor and taste producing substances occur owing to chemical degradation or transformation during production or compounding of plastic materials. They can constitute a health hazard or merely a source of irritation. Zeolite (Aluminum Sillicate in molecular sieve form) when added just at less than 0.5% in polymer material before converting eliminates undesired odor. Read more in Zeolite is found to eliminate undesirable odour from PE and PP products

50 largest rigid film and sheet producers of Europe, profiled in a report were responsible for 2.6 mln metric tons of polymer consumption in 2007, equivalent to 60% of the total European market. Read in Rigid film business in Europe is restructuring to achieve better profitability

An innovative wood-like biocomposite material has been developed- which promises a several environmental as well production benefits as compared to wood. Though the faux wood material looks and performs just like wood; it can undergo many times faster end-of-life biodegradation and closed loop recycling. The material can be used as a replacement for wood in building and furniture industry, thereby saving thousands of acres of plantations being razed to obtain lumber. Read more in Faux wood biocomposites that complete the closed loop and limit global warming

Low-cost wood is still dominantly used for pallets, but reusability of plastics is a growing attraction among manufacturers looking for sustainable material-handling options. Wood pallet remains a strong force globally for transportation, distribution and storage of manufactured products. Its pre-eminence has been dictated largely by cost, but plastic pallets continue to make inroads because of their durability, reusability and light weight. Read more in Plastic pallets that provide reuse and overall cost reduction have good growth prospects

Machining of materials for medical applications has moved to a new level of precision. In parallel with this, molding technology has improved through the increased use of sensors in moulds, enhanced design simulation and processes such as micromolding. Read more about newer techniques in New techniques for precision molded consumer and medical products

Thermoplastic microcellular foams, such as those produced by the MuCell process, provide cost saving of the products and thus provide economy. One of the key problems is to correlate cell structure with foam mechanical properties. Read more in Three variables individually have significant effect on properties of cellular products