Over 95% of all plastics are produced or derived from the major non-renewable energy sources. The key factors hindering the use of plastics from agricultural based feedstocks were cost and product functionality limitations and lack of flexibility in producing specialized materials. However, soaring oil prices, global interest in renewable resources, growing concern regarding greenhouse gas emissions and a new emphasis on waste management has created renewed interest in biopolymers. Major chemical companies are investing in new plants and technologies to produce plastics from annually renewable sources. New technologies in plant breeding and processing are narrowing the bioplastics-synthetic plastics cost differential, as well as improving material properties. Read in Newer investments and developments in polymers from renewable resources
The Indian composite plastic industry is expected to grow at a remarkable rate of around 25% in the next 4-5 years, benefiting from opportunities predominantly prevalent in transport, infrastructure, wind energy and oil and gas segments. The Indian composites market has been growing rapidly and modern technology is gradually being introduced. Read in Indian reinforced/composite plastic industry expected to grow at 25%
In 2007, India was the number 1 producer of fruits (accounting for 32 million tons out of 370 million tons of fruits production in the world) and number.2 producer of vegetables (accounting for 71 million tons out of the 473 million tons of vegetables produced in the world). A huge potential exists for HDPE Agrishade Nets which needs to be tapped in our country. Agrishade net is a net which prevents excess sunlight from entering into the plants and to retain moisture levels in the soil. Existing HDPE Woven sack processors can manufacture HDPE Agrishade nets on the same tape extruder with an additional investment in knitting machines. Read more in HDPE Agrishade Nets : a profitable product mix for woven sack manufacturers in India
Packaging is of critical importance to the medical and healthcare industries, affecting safety, functionality, compliance and speed-to-marketplace . On -going medical packaging R&D is projected to continue to produce sophisticated, technically advanced transparent products. The new generation products include smart films that absorb or emit various gases, films that incorporate antioxidants which are gradually diffused into the product, ozone emitting antibiotic film. Read In Advances in transparent medical plastic packaging impart better performance
To meet the increasing requirements of more power and functionality from electronics, the semiconductor industry strives to fit more functionality onto existing integrated circuits or chips. The new compounds help remove a major hurdle in the miniaturization of components, as well as provide outstanding clarity, cleanliness, and electrical conductivity. Read in Ultra pure compound helps remove a major hurdle in miniaturization of components for electronic industry
In consumer goods markets, there are countless applications for clear plastics such as copolyesters, acrylic, SAN, amorphous nylon and polycarbonate. However, as new applications call for materials that can deliver durability, design flexibility, and easy processing, existing plastics can fall short. The new material overcomes this hurdle with significantly increased heat resistance and toughness. Read in New clear Copolyester is tougher, heat-resistant and has easy processability
