Polyolefin (POF) Shrink Film for Better Seal Quality

Polyolefin (POF) is a term used for plastics such as Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE). These shrink films possess various properties such as high tensile strength, seal strength, and puncture resistance. They are chemically inert, therefore are used widely in packaging applications, particularly in the food and beverages sector. The product can be classified into general POF shrink film and cross-linked POF shrink films.

High Strength Films for Packaging

Polyolefin shrink film can be used in various industries including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and industrial packaging. Rising demand for packaged food like snacks, frozen meals, and Ready-To-Eat (RTE) meals due to changing lifestyle and growing popularity of quick service restaurants can drive the segment over the forecast period (from 2018 to 2025). Rising demand for alcoholic, non-alcoholic, and carbonated beverages is also likely to boost the product demand as it can be used to make plastic cans and bottles using clear and printed films.

In 2016, industrial packaging estimated for 26.4% of the total revenue share due to high demand in automotive and construction sectors. In terms of revenue, the segment is likely to expand at a CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period. The POF films can offer durable, tidy, and waterproof solution, which is anticipated to increase the product demand in this segment in the coming years. Taghleef Industries (Ti) presented a new floatable shrink film called TDS at Labelexpo Europe 2017 for TD shrink sleeve lables, which is a low-density POF polymer that reduces the weight of the lable. It can be used for 360-degree label designs. The company also presented an antibacterial film that could offer an additional layer for protecting personal care products.

Market Overview

According to Grand View Research, Inc., the worldwide Polyolefin (POF) shrink film market is predicted to achieve USD 7.4 billion by 2025. Factors such as increasing demand for product due to its better barrier properties, greater airtight sealings, high gloss finish and ease of printing can drive the market during the projected period. In addition, technological advancements and introduction of innovative cross-link technology, which provides durable sealing and better shrink ability, are also likely to fuel the market growth.

In 2016, Asia pacific accounted for 35.7% of the overall revenue share due to high demand in consumer goods packaging industry in the emerging countries of the region. Some of the leading companies operating in this market are China Petrochemical Corporation; PakMarkas UAB; Intertape Polymer Group (IPG), Inc.; Riverside Paper Co. Inc.; and PakMarkas UAB.

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Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) market is expected to reach USD 1.21 billion by 2025

The global polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) market is expected to reach USD 1.21 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Increasing need for bio-based PVA alcohol products is key growth factor to drive polyvinyl alcohol market growth. In addition, rising demand from Asia Pacific region is further propelling the demand over the forecast period.

PVA is a synthetic water-soluble polymer, widely used in the formulation processes in various end-use industries. Polyvinyl alcohol is mainly driven by the demand from the packaging industry, as it is a material with an excellent barrier to oxygen, water solubility, and biodegradable properties.

In terms of volume, food packaging accounted as the largest end-use segment in 2016 and is anticipated to continue its trends with a growth rate of 5.6% over the forecast period. Increasing need for biocompatible and non-toxic packaging solutions in food & beverage industry is expected to drive the growth. PVA is extensively used in food packaging industry owing to its advantageous properties such as good crosslinking density and moisture content.

The demand for PVA is expected to boost owing to the growth in various end-use industries in the Asia Pacific region. Different grades of polyvinyl alcohol are used in the papermaking process with high, intermediate and low viscosities. These grades can be either fully, partially or intermediately hydrolyzed in nature.

Further key findings from the report suggest:

• Construction segment will experience the fastest growth in terms of value at a CAGR of 7.9% from 2017 to 2025 on account of its various characteristics such as excellent degree of swelling, non-embrittlement, water resistance and waterproof. Furthermore, growing infrastructural development activities in emerging economies are expected to augment the growth over the forecast period.

• Food packaging emerged as the largest end-use segment in terms of volume in 2016 and is estimated to reach demand 525.4 kilo tons by 2025. Global PVA revenue in paper segment was USD 213.2 million in 2016 and is anticipated to experience steady growth over the years ahead

• The U.S. polyvinyl alcohol market in terms of volume was 172.8 kilo tons in 2016 and is estimated to reach a 276.7 kilo tons by 2025. The industry in Asia Pacific is projected to witness substantial growth over the next eight years owing to robust growth in various end-use industries, especially in the food packaging industry. In terms of revenue, the regional market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2017 to 2025

• Key players including E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Nippon Synthetic Chemical Industry Co., Eastman Chemical Company, and Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd. dominated the global polyvinyl alcohol market

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Polychlorotrifluoroethylene market size is expected to reach USD 683.1 million by 2025

The global polychlorotrifluoroethylene market size is expected to reach USD 683.1 million by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., clocking in a 4.0% CAGR during the forecast period. Rising demand for polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) in the aerospace industry to manufacture diaphragms, valve seats, and gaskets on account of its light weight and superior thermal resistance is likely to drive market growth.

Increasing penetration of PCTFE as moisture barrier films in the pharmaceutical industry is expected to positively impact the market over the forecast period. Furthermore, PCTFE films are extensively used in manufacturing blister packaging, thus promoting its use in the pharmaceutical industry.

PCTFE exhibits low gas and vapor permeability, high melt processability, low melting temperature, and superior cold flow characteristics. These properties make it ideal for injection molding and extrusion processes, by means of which PCTFE can be molded into a wide range of desired shapes and structures. As a result, expansion of molding industry is likely to have a positive impact on the PCTFE market.

High raw material cost and relatively lower production volumes of PCTFE as compared to its counterparts increases overall product cost. This factor has limited the penetration of PCTFE in application industries despite its inherent advantages. Furthermore, it exhibits low thermal and chemical resistance as compared to low-cost alternatives such as PTFE, which is expected to hamper market growth.

Further key findings from the report suggest:

• By application, the coatings segment is expected to register a CAGR of 4.1% over the projected period owing to rising demand for manufacturing electronic and aerospace components

• Films was the largest application segment in 2016, accounting for 38.2% of the market owing to widespread use as a moisture barrier film in the pharmaceutical and electrical and electronics industry

• By end use, the electrical and electronics segment is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR of 5.2% owing to high demand for PCTFE coatings and films in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards and semiconductors

• Asia Pacific accounted for around 44.0% of the PCTFE market in 2016 and is expected to dominate over the forecast period on account of rapid growth of aerospace, pharmaceutical, and electronics industries

• Several industry participants are expected to adopt production capacity expansion strategies to serve increasing consumer demand and gain a larger market share. Furthermore, presence of limited suppliers in the PCTFE industry reduces the bargaining power of buyers, resulting in lower price flexibility.

Grand View Research has segmented the global polychlorotrifluoroethylen market report on the basis of application, end use, and region:

Polychlorotrifluoroethylene Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

• Films

• Wires & Tubes

• Coatings

• Others

Polychlorotrifluoroethylene End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

• Pharmaceutical

• Electrical & Electronics

• Aerospace

• Others

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https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/polychlorotrifluoroethylene-market

Polymer Gel Manufacturers to Tap into New Industrial Verticals with Extensive R&D Activities

Polymer gel is a synthetic water-soluble polymer that has a three-dimensional cross-linkage structure. The structure givesit excellent absorption and deformation capabilities. Spiraling demand for personal care products will translate into greater uptake of polymer gels.

Personal Care Segment to Hold Prominence through 2025

Key areas of application of polymer gel are construction, personal care, wastewater treatment, agriculture, and drug delivery systems. Among these, the personal care segment will be the leading segment through 2025. Polymer gels are highly effective absorbents of water and other aqueous solutions, owing to which they are widely used in personal care products such as diapers and female hygiene products. Widening base of infant population, growing number of working mothers, and rising disposable income are triggering the sales of baby diapers. This, in turn, is contributing to the growth of the segment.

Demand for polymer gels in estimated to experience a sharp rise in the agricultural sector in coming years. Polymer gels are economical and save resources such as water and fertilizers. Their application saves 40 to 70 percent of irrigation water. They are highly beneficial in areas with water scarcity. Shortage of agricultural land in urban areas is also promoting the adoption of polymer gels. Increasing shift towards smart farming techniques can supplement the growth of the segment.

Recent Development

Apart from the aforementioned verticals, polymer gels are gradually finding application in other sectors as well, thanks to increasing research and development activities. For instance, in October 2017, a research group from the Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo developed fluids that show amoeba-like spontaneous sol-gel oscillation. The fluid is made up of a polymer with a special molecular arrangement and improved its properties by incorporating a metal complex. This would help the polymer be a gel in reduced state and a sol in oxidized state. The liquid can be used for studying the movement of cancer cells from one part of the body to another, immune cells development, and cell division.

Market Insights

According to a report by Grand View Research Inc., the global polymer gel market is poised to rise at a CAGR of 5.7% between 2017 and 2025. Rising awareness regarding merits of polymer gel along with increasing hygiene consciousness among people can stoke the growth of the global polymer gel market. Robust growth of the cosmetics industry is anticipated to help the market in gaining significant traction.Asia Pacific will account for a large share in the global arena throughout the forecast horizon (2014–2025).

Some of the prominent companies operating in the market are Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., BASF Corporation, Dow Chemicals, LG Chemicals Ltd., and FIMA Group Ltd.

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New Concrete Admixture Ensures Excellent Flow Retention and Consistent Concrete Quality

Admixtures are manufactured or natural chemicals mixed combined with concrete during or before mixing. They provide some special properties to both fresh and hardened concrete and can improve workability, strength, and/or durability of concrete mixture. Some of the major types of these admixtures are air-entraining agents, waterproofing agents, water reducing agents, retarding agents, and accelerating agents.

Concrete admixtures can benefit concrete in many ways:

• Enhancing concrete work ability

• Increasing concrete resistance against freeze-thaw effect

• Acting as an anti-bacterial agent

• Improving sustainability by bringing waste products in use

• Controlling alkali-aggregation expansion

• Reducing segregation in grout mixtures

• Producing colored mortar or concrete

New Admixture for Control Flow Concrete

The demand for and use of concrete admixtures is increasing rapidly; thus, major manufacturers are expanding their global presence and focusing on developing high-end technologies and products to sustain intense competition. GCP Applied Technologies, Inc. recently launched Concera concrete admixtures, which allow the production of control flow concrete—a new category of segregation-resistant, highly flowing concrete with common mix designs. This type of concrete is ideal for use in walls, columns, decks, beams, footers, and floors. With Concera admixture, manufacturers can produce highly consistent concrete with excellent flow maintenance without retardation.

Market Overview

According to the findings of a research report by Grand View Research, Inc., the global concrete admixtures market is anticipated to register a healthy CAGR of around 7 % over the forecast period (from 2017 to 2025). This growth is supported by rising investments in the infrastructure and hospitality sectors across the globe. In addition, shifting preference of population toward urbanization is projected to augment the growth of the global market over the next few years.

Some of the prominent companies operating in the worldwide market are RPM International Inc.; MAPEI S.P.A.; BASF SE; The Dow Chemical Company; Pidilite Industries Ltd.; Chryso S.A.S.; and Sika AG. Global business expansion, product development, and mergers and acquisitions are some of the key strategies followed by these companies to attract more consumers and maintain their market position.

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Specialty Chemical Manufacturers to Focus on Production of Bio-based Products

Specialty chemicals are specially-designed chemical products that provide numerous effects suitable for various applications. Some of the categories of these chemicals are agrochemicals, adhesives, cosmetic additives, cleaning materials, food additives, construction chemicals, textile chemicals, and lubricants. Over the coming years, demand for specialty chemicals is likely to remain high in industries such as automotive, cosmetics, food and beverages, textile, and agriculture.

What are ‘Specialty Chemicals’?

Specialty chemicals are often also referred to as effect chemicals, formulation chemicals, or performance chemicals. Selection of a specialty chemical is mostly dependent on its performance or function. These chemicals can be unique molecules or a mixture of molecules known as formulations. Chemical and physical characteristics of their molecules and composition of the mixtures influence the performance of end products.

AkzoNobel Collaborates with Itaconix to Develop Bio-based Polymers

Rising concerns pertaining to environmental degradation are prompting specialty chemical manufacturers to focus on eco-friendly products. They are shifting toward renewable bio-based raw materials that can be as reliable and efficient as synthetic products. For instance, in July 2017, AkzoNobel’s specialty chemical business teamed up with Itaconix to develop bio-based polymers. These polymers can be commercially used in construction and coatings industries. 

Another case in point is Genomatica, a biotech company. In August 2017, the firm announced the entry of its bio-based specialty chemicals in the commercial market. The company is making specialty chemicals using natural, sustainable, and plant-based ingredients that will reportedly showcase greater performance than fossil-fuel-derived alternatives. Increase in collaborations and technological innovations are anticipated to encourage the development of bio-based specialty chemicals.

Market Insights

Soaring demand for function-specific and high-value chemicals for development of novel products can play an important role in the growth of the global specialty chemicals market. Specialty chemicals are preferred over commodity products owing to their specialized and advanced features. Therefore, growth of end-use industries such as automotive, construction, agriculture, and electronics is expected to drive the market, finds Grand View Research Inc. in a study.

On the other hand, stringent environmental regulations regarding usage of synthetic chemicals due to their toxic nature can adversely affect market growth. Volatile prices of raw materials are also expected to act as a roadblock in the development of the market. 

Some of the prominent players in the market are The Dow Chemical Company, BASF, ExxonMobil, Henkel, and PPG Industries.

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Polymer Chameleons Find New Applications as Research Programs Rise!

Polymer chameleons, also called as environmentally-sensitive polymers or smart polymers, are stimuli-responsive polymers that go through speedy amendments in their microstructure, caused by various environmental changes. These polymers are poised for rapid commercialization & adoption across the industries, particularly, healthcare. The increasing usage of bioengineered polymeric products that provide high efficiency and high strength to produce modern hi-tech, end-user materials is likely to augment the market demands during the forecast period (from 2014 to 2025).

Recent Application Discoveries for Smart Polymers:

Despite some challenges, research programs & collaborations between the industry and the R&D community as well as financial support from both governments & private companies are helping in the industry develop. Extensive research on the possible applications of polymer chameleon in various fields, such as pharmaceuticals, implants, molecular separation, flexible chips, drug delivery, biofilms, etc., is in progress.

Growing importance of smart materials with better lifespan is driving the usage of polymer chameleons in different industries, such as healthcare. Research programs for smart polymers in drug delivery products for particular applications are ongoing in the healthcare industry. They are already executing and also looking to expand into several other product sectors and industries, such as personal care.

Challenges Faced by Technology Developers:

Customization of these polymers as per end-use applications, scalability, and cost-effective production are the major issues faced by the technology developers. High raw material prices are another restraint to commercialization and large-scale uptake.

However, research and strategic collaborations are allowing the stakeholders increase the scope of these polymers. Designing technology specific to a particular end application is the best way for a firm to manage an R&D portfolio.

Market Overview:

The usage of advanced technologies to create superior products is said to positively affect the growth of the global market. Factors such as strict execution of rules by various governing bodies, increased disposable income levels, and high demand for light-weight & low-fuel combustion automobiles have augmented the demands for engineered polymeric products. The global polymer chameleons market is projected to reach USD 1.6 billion by 2025, as per to a report published by Grand View Research, Inc. Some major companies operating in the global polymer chameleons market are Autonomic Materials, Inc.; Evonik Industries AG; E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company; BASF SE; and Akzo Nobel N.V.

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http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/polymer-chameleons-market