2009 in the rearview, 2010 steers toward growth

In the wake of the “Great Recession,” what are plastics’ prospects in 2010? Given the historic collapse of 2009, it will be by default a year of growth and one that faces lingering threats as well as opportunities. Most economists now agree that the longest recession the U.S. has endured since the 1930s bottomed out in June of last year. Before descending to that nadir, however, an ignominious list of lowlights was compiled.

• For the first time since World War II, global gross domestic product (GDP) declined in 2009, falling by 2.3%.

‘Preventive’ is key to making a maintenance program work for you

Lack of maintenance on processing equipment can cost a company a lot in energy, 
processing inefficiencies, and downtime. The flip side, proactive maintenance, is almost 
purely positive and can pay big dividends in the long run.

Is now the time for plastic futures?

Has plastics pricing started the shift from an at-times opaque index system to a forward-looking transparent mechanism, with futures at its core?

Bioplastics: Coming to an RFQ near you

Hidden in the new material hoopla is that much of the real bioplastics excitement surrounds materials that are just “greener” versions of polyolefins, polyamides, or other thermoplastics. OEMs and brand owners are making clear they intend to specify these materials.

Malaysia seeks advanced 
manufacturing role

Sensing an urgent need to climb the technology tree amid intense competition from its ASEAN neighbors and other Asian countries, Malaysia has unveiled a series of initiatives to expand investment and attract more advanced manufacturing activity.

Research breakthrough keeps phthalates from migrating out of PVC

Researchers believe they have developed a way to ensure phthalate plasticizers become permanently bound within any PVC part in which they are used, with zero migration of the additives. This potentially huge news for processors of polyvinyl chloride appeared first in the latest issue of Macromolecule, a bi-weekly journal of the American Chemical Society.