PVC flooring, after a decade of negative growth and diminishing market share in USA, has shown some signs of revival in 2008. The economic slowdown has brought relief to this sector as the housing crisis and credit crunch pushed many people to make decisions based on value. Features of PVC flooring such as affordability, durability and long lifecycle gave it an upper edge over substitutes. However, a turnaround in the economy could impact this market again, as the green movement accelerates when consumers get free from the constraints of debt, credit problems and job insecurity. Read Will the upturn in economy negatively impact revival of growth seen in PVC flooring in 2008

The masterbatch industry in North America faced challenging conditions over the past year and is estimated to have contracted by around 5% in 2008. Barriers to entry have historically been considered low in a highly fragmented and competitive market with an extremely fragmented customer base. Overall, the North American concentrate market is highly concentrated in the hands of a few major players. The slower market is expected to drive further restructuring with companies rationalizing production to deal with overcapacity, slower sales growth and margin pressures. The industry is believed to have started recovering and is headed upward in 2010. Read details of the industry restructuring in Demand for Masterbatches in North America contracted by around 5% in 2008

A life-cycle inventory of single-serving soda containers has concluded that PET bottles offer a better environmental footprint than aluminum cans or glass bottles. Total energy, solid waste and greenhouse gas emissions were compared. Read details in PET bottles analyzed to be a greener alternative to aluminium cans and glass containers

Plastics are susceptible to attack by fungi, bacteria, mold and mildew, which leads to discoloration, odor and deterioration of mechanical properties. Biocides and antimicrobials are finding increasing application in medical/healthcare and consumer goods sectors. Hospital acquired infections are driving the use of biocides in health care products beyond medical devices. They have found inclusion in military clothing and equipments. To know about the types of broad categories, different attributes, different end-applications, advantages, disadvantages, and the newer developments in this segment, read Growing demand triggers development of cost effective anti microbial additives

Aluminum molds were considered to be too soft for high volume production so far, because the tooling was unable to withstand the rigors of high-temperature, high-volume injection molding. This is changing as OEMs look more closely at tooling costs and cycle times to reduce piece-part pricing, and overall manufacturing cost. Aluminum tooling is easier to cut and it cools at a much more rapid rate than steel, thus reducing cycle times and resulting in reduced costs. To know about the major benefits of aluminum molds, reasons that plastic flow better in aluminum injection molds, factors to be considered for a successful mold, etc, read Aluminum molds from alloy materials for large production volumes