Featured Stories
Carton Decorating | Cold Foil Makes Packaging Pop
Ellis Paperbox added Eagle Systems' cold foil unit to a new Komori press, pleasing customers looking for shine at an affordable price.
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Fluid preparation and delivery may be ancillary to the coating process, but they are critical to the coating outcome.
Read moreShow Preview | ICE USA 2015 Returns to Orlanda with Added Features
PFFC's "Static Beat" columnist Kelly Robinson is part of expanded "Ask the Experts" program. Kelly and "Coating Matters" columnist Mark Miller present at CEMA …
Read moreOn Print | Digital Printers for Real Converters
Advances in technology make it possible to handle the move to digital just like you did when bringing in flexo or gravure.
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News | New Products
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Amcor Wins WorldStar Award
StayClean packaging recognized by World Packaging Org.
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Champion Machinery Corrugated Line Is Upgraded
Company says line now offers reduced temperature and pressure, a simplified process, and improved quality
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Cosmo Films Offers Direct Thermal Label Films
Films feature a protective layer said to offer good resistance and feature a paper-like matte finish
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Menasha Acquires PearceWellwood
Company acquires Canadian supplier of corrugated displays, as well as Tencorr Packaging, a Canadian corrugated sheet manufacturer
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Flint Holds Narrow Web Conference
Conference, held in Sweden, reportedly offered a forum for shared perspectives on narrow web trends, challenges, and opportunities
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Cortec Offers Fire-Retardant Shrink Film
MilCorr FR VpCI shrink film is said to provide universal protection to parts when used as packaging
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ecoEnvelopes Awarded 6th Patent for Envelope Conversion
Technology allows large format mailers to send 6x9 in. outgoing envelopes that convert into smaller envelopes for return mailing
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Visit Kelly on Static from Static control expert Dr. Kelly Robinson, president of Electrostatic Answers; Kelly has 27+ years of experience in problem-solving and consulting.
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Visit Mark's Coating Matters from fluid coating expert Mark D. Miller; Process improvement and project management for precision roll-to-roll coating applications.
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Visit Marketing Mojo for dynamic marketing insights from Stephanie Millman that inspire new ideas on how to stay on top of your customer’s mind.
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Visit Yo’s Yarns to share the thoughts, impressions, experiences, and news that impact the converting industry. . . or anything else that happens to be on her mind!
Visit Tom's Poly Ploys, where Tom will be writing on various topics that the typical polymer processor would encounter on the job.
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Degradable Plastics Trending Positive
- December 01, 2010
CLEVELAND, OH | The degradable plastic industry is showing positive trends driven by continuing interest in environmental issues as well as the increasing availability of biodegradable plastics. These conclusions are from a new report by The Freedonia Group.
US demand for degradable plastics is forecast to rise 16.6%/yr to 325 million lb in 2014, valued at $380 million. Opportunities will reflect continued capacity growth, efforts to reduce pollution and US reliance on petroleum products, and consumer demand for sustainable, environmentally friendly packaging and manufactured goods.
Polylactic acid (PLA) and starch-based plastics dominate the market, and both are expected to see strong growth. PLA will register the faster gains due to increased availability, greater processor familiarity, and performance enhancements that will expand potential applications. Starch-based resins will benefit from the introduction of improved resin grades, blending with other biopolymers and an increasing number of suppliers.
Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a new product, had negligible sales in 2009, but the report predicts rapid growth over the next ten years.
For more information on Degradable Plastics, visit www.freedoniagroup.com.
| US Degradable Plastic Demand (million pounds) | % Annual Growth | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item | 2004 | 2009 | 2014 | 04-09 | 09-14 |
| Polylactic Acid | 20 | 55 | 140 | 22.4 | 20.5 |
| Starch-Based | 25 | 50 | 85 | 14.9 | 11.2 |
| Cellulose | 16 | 20 | 25 | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Petroleum-Based | 12 | 19 | 30 | 9.6 | 9.6 |
| Polyhydroxyalkanoates | — | 1 | 35 | — | 103.6 |
| Other | 4 | 6 | 10 | 8.4 | 10.8 |
| Total | 77 | 151 | 325 | 14.4 | 16.6 |
©2010 by The Freedonia Group
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