Global demand for thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) is forecast to increase 6.3% pa through 2011 to 3.7 mln tons, driven by their use as replacements for natural and synthetic rubber, as well as for rigid thermoplastics and metals. To know about growing applications, growth sectors, growing markets and the factors driving this growth, and much more, Read more in Thermoplastic elastomers expected to grow at 6.5 % from 2007-2011
Many different materials are used as plasticizers in PVC. The most commonly used materials are phthalate esters. Since the early 1980s, there have been concerns regarding the use of phthalates and their effects on human health and the environment. As a result of these concerns, the European Commission in 1999 temporarily banned the use of six phthalates in toys which were used in oral applications designed for children under three years old. This temporary ban was subsequently renewed several times until a permanent ban was adapted in 2005. Other countries followed. Read more in An overview of plasticizers and concerns of their effects on human health and environment
WPCs represent an estimated 15% of North American demand for decking and railing products (board-feet of lumber basis; excludes deck sub-structure) and 20% of the market on a wholesale market value basis. The West European market for thermoplastic wood composites is vastly different than the WPC market in North America due to several factors that have greatly slowed the penetration of WPCs into West European applications. Read more in Thermoplastic wood composites have grown well only in North America
Demonstrations of cast and blown film set throughput records at K 2007. Not only have machinery makers increased speed of extruders, but they have displayed faster downstream chill rolls, winders and surface inspection systems too. Read more in Higher throughputs on cast and blown film lines
Polymer in membranes find application in several applications, from flat roofing to landfill. A typical waterproofing membrane structure comprises a top layer of 0.5-1.5 mm, a reinforcement fabric and a bottom layer of 0.5-1.5 mm with an underlying fleece protective layer. To know the rate of penetration of polyolefins and the potential for further market innovation, growth following the introduction of several new polyolefinic resin families, Read more in Technical innovative developments for waterproof membranes
Changing trend in profits of the food and beverage industry, growth trend in the retail sector for cosmetics and healthcare are few of the cyclical indicators that herald another year of solid growth in the short term demand for plastics packaging. Several long-term trends are also promising for this industry. Read more in Injection moulded plastics packaging products poised to grow well
