Packaging is the largest market for plastics in Europe-accounting for nearly half of all polymers processed. In volume terms plastics is estimated to account for 21% of all packaging materials, while in value terms it holds a higher share of the market at over 30%. Market for packaging plastics has reached a state of maturity in Western Europe, with regional growth slowing to a level roughly in line with GDP. In contrast, many Eastern European markets are experiencing dynamic growth. Read more to get a fair idea of the dynamics shaping the plastics packaging industries in Europe and USA in Plastic packaging matures in Europe; US market poised for consistent growth

Polypropylene demand is expected to rise at a higher rate from the emerging Asian markets than the developed markets of North America and Western Europe. Also, PP manufacturing will see a staggering mount in China and India, while it is expected to fall in North America and Europe. The Middle East region will shift from being a major supplier of crude oil to other downstream products in the coming decade. To know the changes taking place in the global PP markets, read Global demand of PP will reach 85 million tons by 2017

The increasing incorporation of plastics in automotive and building construction markets for variety of reasons has intensified the need for weather testing these materials. The reasons for testing such products may vary from examining of UV-sensitivity, surface-crazing, color shifts, chalking and the like. Examine the various methods of weather testing plastics, the costs, the companies offering weather testing services and the time taken for different tests. Read more to know the details about each of them in Increasing emphasis on weather testing for plastics used in automobile and construction

Extrusion processes using a barrier-type screw for maximum output and performance need certain finer adjustments of barrel-temperature zone profiles. The article discusses the optimum temperatures at which the barrel zones, die zone and adapter zone should be set to achieve maximum performance and reduce wear to polymer melt. Continue reading to know details of temperature optimization across the extruders in Optimization of temperatures across extruder is essential to reduce stress to polymer melt.

The applications of polyurethane foam are enormous owing to reasons ranging from weight reduction, high load bearing capacity, toughness, resistance to UV light, environment friendliness, etc. This article will focus on a relatively recent application of microcellular polyurethane foam based system in manufacturing tires for use in areas like wheeled vehicles, gardening, construction site trolleys and the like. Read further to know the details and pros of these tires in Polyurethane foam tires last longer and provide more comfort

Dyneema is the world's strongest fiber with extremely low weight, high tensile strength, brilliant abrasion resistance, sheer smoothness and a lot more benefits. Dyneema Purity® grade is relatively a new fiber developed which permits use in surgical products that are significantly smaller than existing devices due to its high strength and low weight, and the braid (suture or tape) will be about half the thickness of similar polyester products. This property in itself enables the design of smaller implants, such as stronger but thinner sutures, which in turn results in smaller knots with the potential to reduce patient discomfort. Read in Enhanced performance and long term strength of implants