Sustainable diets for Africa

Bioversity’s Bruce Cogill sheds light on food sustainability, in this report by CRISTINA DOUTHWAITE.

Low-fat chocolate

ADM Company says it has taken away 95% of fat from its cocoa powder without changing taste and colour. The product, D-00-ZR, enhances the quality of formulations where fat can have an undesirable effect, such as protein foam based confectionery and bakery products. With it, consumers can develop low-calorie, flavourful food with lower saturated fat content.

Natural and nutritive

AMANDINE DE SANTI of Naturex speaks with RIA MENDOZA on natural flavouring trends

Philippines’ plastics industry remains upbeat

The plastics industry in the Philippines faces optimistic prospect with the entry of foreign companies into the country. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said that last year during the technical consultation on the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), the Philippines’ plastics industry would benefit from the entry of Japanese printer manufacturers as these foreign companies would need raw materials for packaging, which would present opportunities for the plastic.

Growing beyond expectations

As evidenced by the presence of 3,218 exhibitors from all over the globe, K in Düsseldorf remains the most important event for the plastics and rubber industry and the perfect channel to establish and expand business contacts. The upturn experienced in the sector for months now, along with the confidence of companies in showing their pioneering product innovations for all sections of the value-added chain, raised justified hopes of a good fair and brisk post-fair business. Exhibitors reported un

Evolving to serve in the digital age

HERE wasn’t a lack headlines in July 1997. What should have been the big story – Hong Kong’s handover to China by the United Kingdom – was quickly eclipsed by the financial crisis that knocked out Thailand and quickly pummelled more economies across Asia. Industrial projects ground to a halt, banks shut down, and investments dried up. To observers, only China was unmarked by the pounding that the rest of the region was taking.

Outlook 2014: Rubber market in Asia continues to thrive

Increased consumption in the wake of stable rubber supply is expected to boost the rubber industry in 2014. The International Rubber Study Group expects global demand to grow annually by 3.8% with China making up for the slack in European economies. China accounts for about 35% of global demand for natural and synthetic rubber, used mainly to make tyres. The IRSG’s forecast is based on several economic scenarios and one of them being the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) projections of a 3.3%

Outlook 2014: Dynamic Asia Pacific as stable industrial base

Asia Pacific remains a highly dynamic and diversified region with an economic growth that is outperforming other regions of the world. High investment inflows, robust industries and rising consumption are factors that continue to drive growth for the plastics industry in the region.

Ticking all the boxes

To remain a player in the increasingly competitive plastics market, a leading masterbatch manufacturer in China has its eye on the bottom line. Shanghai Xiner Low-Carbon Environmental Co. Ltd. is intent on reducing costs and simplifying manufacturing processes. At the same time, however, the company remains focused on the future and serving the increasingly higher requirements of its customers.

The next-generation consumer electronics

The market for consumer electronics and lifestyle products has grown rapidly throughout the years due to the rising middle class segment of the society. According to a report conducted by Clearwater Corporate Finance in 2012, annual spending by the global middle class will reach $20 trillion by 2020. Global Industry Analysts Inc. has calculated the consumer electronics sector alone will be worth up to $1.4 trillion by 2015.

Fast, high-precision extrusion systems

The wide variety of extrusion systems available in the market today has given manufacturers of plastics products an edge in terms of efficiency and cost control.

Pioneering spirit rewarded

Established in 1966, Chuan Lih Fa (CLF) started with a small capital and a few people. Now, it has grown into an international corporation serving wide international markets with its injection moulding machines. The last five decades saw CLF as it endeavours to establish a brand that would become a shining star in this field. International Plastics News for Asia (IRNA) had the opportunity to interview Mr. Thomas Lin, General Manager of CLF, on how the company has grown into a world-class machine