Showing posts with label Global Industry Analysis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Global Industry Analysis. Show all posts

Friday, 11 September 2015

How are the Declining Crude Oil Prices Impacting Global Natural Oil Polyol Market?

Polyol is the most important raw material required for the production of polyurea and polyuretha. It is derived from a nontraditional source – natural oils. Traditionally, petroleum and petroleum-derived feedstock formed the primary source for the production of polyols. Polyols find an extensive range of applications in industries such as paints and coatings, construction, and automotive. 

The interest in using biobased polyols, especially the ones derived from natural oils has seen a significant rise in the past few years owing to two chief reasons: extreme rise in crude oil prices in the past decade and environmental concerns regarding non-degradable nature of petro-based polyurethane products.

Browse Natural Oil Polyol Market Report with Full TOC at http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/natural-oil-polyol-market.html

How Extreme Rise in Crude Oil Prices Paved Way for Natural Oil Polyols  
Of late, the steeply rising crude oil prices globally have paved the way for the introduction of an alternate source of raw material for the production of polyol. Especially in the past decade, when crude oil prices saw a dramatic rise from nearly US$00 per barrel in 2000 to nearly US$130 per barrel in the middle of 2008, the need for finding an alternative for petroleum and petroleum-derived feedstock was felt to be most pressing. 

The adoption of natural oil polyols in these circumstances was the need of the period. Environmental concerns regarding the non-biodegradable nature of petro-based polyols also encouraged the adoption of natural oil polyols. This has led to the formation of a billion dollar industry. A market research report, published by the market research firm Transparency Market Research, states that the market for natural oil polyols had a valuation of US$3.88 billion in 2013. The report projects a good growth trajectory for the market’s future over the period 2014-20. According to the report, the market will expand at a 9.3% CAGR and rise to US$7.22 billion by 2020. It should be remembered however, that this forecast was based at a time when prices of crude oil in the global market were still high, almost double of what they are now.  

Will the Current Low Prices Prompt Polyol Producers to go Back to the Petroleum Industry for Feedstock?
Chances are ripe. The rapidly declining prices of crude oil since the beginning of this year have changed the overall dynamics of many industries. As oil companies continue to reduce oil prices to sustain the tough times, an industry such as polyol, which primarily made its move to natural oil feedstock due to extreme rise in crude oil prices, has every chance of moving back to its traditional, most-trusted source – petroleum. Consistently dropping crude oil prices are definitely attracting industries that source a variety of raw materials from the oil industry, and the situation can very much impact the natural oil polyol market negatively. 

Browse Press Release 

But it also needs to be remembered that the price fluctuations in the crude oil market is nothing new. Even if the market for natural oil polyol follows a rough growth path for some time starting from now, the market has every chance of recovering its proceeds in the long run. The added sustainability granted to polyurethane products by natural oil polyols hints the bright future of these substances.

As the world begins realizing the added benefits of natural oil polyols above the polyols based on petroleum products, regulations mandating the use of the former may also follow soon. What businesses in the global natural oil polyol market need now is to have faith in the growing awareness of industries and consumers about the need for sustainable and bio-degradable products. After all, the times when the world will demand for everything that is ‘green’ is not very far away.

Special Requirements from Different Industries Sparks Innovation in Adhesives and Sealants Market

Analysts at business intelligence firm Transparency Market Research (TMR) nperfectly describes the need for adhesives and sealants. In a recent report, the lead analyst of the study states: Given the characteristic of binding two substances or surfaces together, adhesives and sealants are most often used in industries where the integrity of the final commodity is of vital significance. The construction and automotive sectors, as a result, are the largest end users of adhesives and sealants. 

The report indicates that the evolutionary nature of the adhesives and sealants market is likely to boost its growth from US$22.70 billion in 2012 to US$31.64 billion by 2018 at a 5.7% CAGR.

Browse Medical Adhesives and Sealants Market Report with Full TOC at http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/adhesives-and-sealants-market.html

Discussed below are some of the recent developments in the adhesives and sealants market.

UCSB Scientists Develop Super Glue for Underwater Adhesion

A team of researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) last month developed a type of super adhesive that can be used under water. The need for adhesives that stick under water drove the scientists to focus on natural adhesives that work in an aqueous environment. Two chemicals – catechol and lysine – were found to work best for underwater adhesion. The findings of the study by UCSB scientists Michael Rapp, Jacob Israelachvili, Herb Waite, Greg Maier, and Alison Butler appeared in the journal Science. 

An Adhesive that Hardens when Electrocuted

At the end of August, researchers at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University created an adhesive that hardens only when electric current is applied. Voltaglue is not affected by environmental changes and does not lose any of its strength when exposed to high moisture or heat. Assistant professor Terry Steele and his team developed Voltaglue by using hydrogels made out of carbon molecules. When electrocuted, the reactive carbon molecules release and stick to nearby surfaces. 

Byproduct of Cotton Production as Alternative to Petroleum-based Sealants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists are presently working on using a byproduct of cotton production to develop a biobased interior wood adhesive. Cottonseed meal, leftovers after oil and lint are extracted from cotton seed, is usually used as livestock feed or fertilizer, but is currently being studied as a biodegradable environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based adhesives and sealants. 

Browse Press Release 

Adhesives Designed for Use on UV-Coated Surfaces

Tape adhesives usually have no or poor adhesion quality when used on UV-coated materials. Essentra Specialty Tapes recently introduced a series of double-sided adhesive tapes that can stick well to UV-coated surfaces on cartons, boxes, POP displays, posters, easels, and danglers. These tapes are made from specially modified hot melt rubber-based and acrylic adhesives.

Increasing investment on product research and development by the industry, backed by the presence of innovative and dedicated manufacturers such as BASF, Dow Chemical Company, and 3M are likely to boost the adhesives and sealants market in the near future.

Tuesday, 8 September 2015

Reprocessed Medical Devices Market to Register Rapid Growth as Reducing Medical Waste Becomes Priority

Reprocessing of medical devices as a concept is not one coined recently. It has always remained a significant part of the medical device lifecycle in developed and emerging economies alike. Reprocessing of medical devices refers to the method of testing, disinfecting, cleaning, sterilizing, remanufacturing, packaging, and then labelling used or expired but undamaged medical devices, the process being intended to make them patient-ready and at a much lower cost than new devices. 

The demand for reprocessed medical devices has significantly increased over the last few years. However, the practice in developing nations is solely aimed at reducing supply costs incurred by hospitals, which often compromises patients’ safety. Several research publications on the medical devices market indicate that until a decade back, medical device reprocessing was mostly performed within the hospital setting by hospital staffs. Not many of them take a note of the proper guidelines and regulations before performing the method. To curb such incidences, the FDA has introduced reprocessing guidelines, which has also positively impacted the market for reprocessed medical devices around the world. The promulgation of FDA guidelines on medical device reprocessing has encouraged many third party vendors to venture into the industry and hospitals have also become more likely to outsource medical device reprocessing to qualified third party service providers. 

Browse Market Research Report of Reprocessed Medical Devices Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/reprocessed-medical-devices.html

Reprocessing Instructions Laid Down by the FDA

To ensure that medical device reprocessing does not compromise patients’ safety, the FDA has formulated six instructions. The instructions laid down by the FDA include:

1. FDA mandates labelling of reprocessed medical devices to address all six criteria it laid down for clear reprocessing. This is intended to help users understand and correctly comply with the reprocessing instructions. 

2. The instructions for reprocessing medical devices recommend users to thoroughly clean the device. Cleaning, therefore, is the very first step that should be described in the labelling as part of the processing instruction. 

3. The reprocessing instructions included in the labelling should also indicate the appropriate microbicidal process to be followed for the device. This criterion also requires the instructions to be consistent with the prevailing infection control principles. 

4. Players venturing into the market must ensure that reprocessing instructions are technically feasible and include only medical accessories or devices that are legally marketed. 

Browse Market Research Press Release of Reprocessed Medical Devices Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/reprocessed-medical-devices.htm

5. The reprocessing instructions included in the packaging must be comprehensive. The users should precisely understand how to perform the complete process safely and effectively. 

6. Reprocessing instructions should be mentioned in an understandable, clear, and legible manner. Every step must to be followed for reprocessing must be mentioned in a sequential order. 

Reprocessed medical devices are available at a much reduced cost, which helps hospitals and healthcare organizations address the issue of medical wastage in conjunction with the increasing adoption of these devices. The Association of Medical Device Reprocessors (AMDR) says that a typical hospital can save US$500,000 to US$2 million every year by using reprocessed medical devices. This is a primary factor boosting the rapid development of the global reprocessed medical devices market. 

According to Transparency Market Research, the global reprocessed medical devices market, which stood at US$0.78 billion in 2013, is expected to reach US$2.58 billion by 2020. If the figures hold true, the global reprocessed medical devices market will exhibit a healthy 19.3% CAGR during the period. 

What Makes Synthetic Paper the Ideal Printing Solution Today?

Synthetic paper, most commonly manufactured from petroleum derivatives, displays characteristics similar to plastic films and possesses numerous advantages over traditional paper. A report by Transparency Market Research pegs the value of the global synthetic paper market at US$212.7 million in 2013, growing to US$388 million by 2020 at a 7.0% CAGR during that period. 

Synthetic paper today has become the go-to choice of printing and labeling solutions. Here are some key reasons why users across several industries are opting for synthetic paper.

Moisture and Water Resistance 

Even the best laminated materials are sometimes prone to moisture and water threatens to leak through the toughest of barriers when it comes to paper. Synthetic paper steers clear from harm even when it comes in contact with water. Water-friendly uses of synthetic paper range from plant tags that promise to endure regular watering or labels on surfing or scuba diving equipment.

Browse Synthetic Paper Market Report with Full TOC at http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/synthetic-paper-market.html 

Durability in terms of Tear Resistance 

Items such as menu cards in restaurants, identity cards such as driving license, and runners’ bibs need to not only bear the test of time and wear and tear, but also need to continue to look presentable under extreme pressure or constant use. Synthetic paper is tear-resistant and is undeniably durable under the harshest of conditions. 

Erasability

Synthetic paper is perfect for brainstorming ideas or creative meetings because it is pencil erasable. Taking notes, creating a storyboard, making blueprints or maps, or simply doodling – synthetic paper offers users the ideal canvas that is not bulky and cumbersome like whiteboards. 

Inexpensive yet just as Useful as Laminated Paper

Lamination is often a solution that spikes costs. The need for a smooth coated surface on printed projects is served by synthetic paper, especially since it suits the budget. Synthetic paper has all the required qualities that lamination offers: water resistance and durability, and that too while providing savings. This brings down the overall labor as well as production cost.

Reduction in Production Cost and Time

Building on the previous point, using traditional paper for different purposes such as making labels, printing cards, making brochures or menus, printed projects and posters, and signage, excludes the added cost, time, and effort of getting it laminated or coating it with a more durable and water- and tear-resistant material. Synthetic paper offers a wide range of benefits of vinyl or laminated materials while saving precious resources.

All-Weather Friend

Apart from being water-resistant, synthetic paper can also endure all types of weather, be it harsh sunlight and heat, rains and thunderstorms, or strong winds and snow. The surface of synthetic paper can simply be wiped clean, without any color fading or tears. Traditionally printed materials, on the other hand, fail to stand similar tests of time or weather. 

Browse Press Release 

Compatibility with Digital Presses

Printing product tags, parking passes, or medical charts becomes a breeze because synthetic paper can be run through commercial digital presses, providing a long-lasting color-durable print solution. 

The top vendors dealing in synthetic paper include Tagleef Industries, Yupo Corporation, Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, Hop Industries, DuPont, Arjobex, American Profol, and PPG Industries.

Major Players in Latin America Adhesives and Sealants Market Shifting Focus to Biobased Alternatives

The Latin America adhesives and sealants market is projected to grow at a healthy rate in the coming few years. The rapidly expanding Brazilian construction industry is the primary driver of the Latin America adhesives and sealants market. However, the Latin America adhesives and sealants market is suppressed by the rising environmental concerns.

Due to growing environmental issues, several big companies in the Latin America adhesives and sealants market are shifting their focus towards the development of biobased alternatives. Major firms such as The Dow Chemical Company, DaniMer Scientific LLC, and Henkel have been involved in developing biobased adhesives and sealants over the past few years.

Browse Latin America Adhesives and Sealants Market Report with Full TOC at http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/latin-america-adhesives-sealants-market.html

Why Biobased Adhesive and Sealants Segment is Lucrative for Companies in Latin America

Innovative product development is driving demand for enhanced biobased adhesives and sealants. Products that feature the latest technology offer improved performance, environmental viability, and cost benefits.

Environmental Benefits
Biobased adhesive and sealants are made using renewable raw materials such as soy. Furthermore, these adhesives and sealants help reduce environmental damage, as biological materials are less toxic to the environment. In addition to this, biobased adhesives and sealants are inherently biodegradable by nature. Besides environmental benefits, biobased adhesives also provide significant health benefits. Some of the synthetic adhesives and sealants use carcinogenic chemicals such as resins during the production process. Biobased adhesive and sealants eliminate the use of such chemicals, which makes them safer to humans. 

Performance Benefits
Biobased adhesives and sealants have shown a remarkable performance upgrade over conventional adhesives and sealants. For example, soy adhesives can help reduce curing time. Furthermore, hydrolyzed soy proteins, when added to phenol formaldehyde resins, offer reduced costs without impacting performance. Soy-based adhesives are particularly popular in wood product industries, as they offer enhanced performance in addition to its environmental benefits. Another biobased adhesive sector that offers multiple benefits performance-wise is that of polyurethane adhesives based on castor oil. They are easy to handle at ambient temperatures and have a strong resistance to water and ultraviolet rays. These adhesives also have high mechanical strength, which is adding to their popularity.

Cost Benefits
Biobased adhesives and sealants are manufactured using renewable raw materials, which can be grown, harvested, and processed at lower costs than synthetic products. Hence, they are economically advantageous, as these raw materials can be grown and processed very close to their point of use. On the other hand, nonrenewable resources need to be extracted and shipped from their source, which can be hundreds of thousands of miles away from their point of use.

Browse Press Release 

In the past few years, a growing number of scientific studies have been undertaken to use natural, renewable substances as adhesive and sealant raw materials. Considerable progress has been achieved in laboratory tests; however, the majority of these products have not yet penetrated the commercial market. In the foreseeable future, the number of biobased adhesives and sealants is expected to rise significantly.
At present, some of the biobased adhesives and sealants available in the market are Henkel’s LOCTITE LIOFOL LA 3742-21 (solvent-based lamination adhesive), Green Products’ Naturalock (biobased urethane foam adhesive), and DaniMer 92721 (label adhesive), and Dow’s ADCOTE BL 1001-BCR1001 (biobased compostable adhesive).