Domestic Sector - Growing preference for bio-based products

Emerging applications for plastics have driven innovation in such sectors as packaging, medical/heathcare, electronics/electrical, construction and infrastructure, and transportation. These sectors are expected to benefit from technological advances paving the way for the launch of more consumer products with value-added features in 2013.

Materials - New breed of high performance materials

The implementation and expected operation of a number of petrochemical and chemicals plants in the MENA region will ensure sufficient supply of raw materials for the plastics industry. Given the substantial growth in such sectors as infrastructure, construction, electronics/electrical and packaging (for both food and non-food), the development of new high performance materials is expected to intensify in 2013.

Machinery and Technology Outlook: Lucrative market for fully-integrated systems

Turnkey systems with maximum output at lowest production costs are seeing increased demand in 2013. These systems will become one of the major products the MENA region will demand from machinery manufacturers. The KraussMaffei Group sees the Middle East and Africa as very important region, with huge potential that can't be ignored.

Favourable outlook for MENA's plastics industry

The prospects for the global economy may not be risk-free but the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is expected to ride through the many challenges as its industrial sector spearheads growth in 2013. This has been the consensus of analysts and industry players, whose confidence in the region's resiliency has not waned despite the global economic slowdown.

A history of food at the Smithsonian

Exhibit explores the impact of technology and other factors on food and eating in post-war America

The future of specialty film and flexible packaging

Total packaging market size in India is now worth $20 billion, with annual growth of over 20%, with value expected to hit $60 billion by 2016. In this sector, plastics play a very important role by offering solutions to virtually every industrial and consumer activity. Flexible packaging provides content and anti-pilferage protection, extended shelf life, pleasant feel to touch, consumer convenience and most importantly, improved health and hygiene.

Extending the scope of a standard machine

Most reports focus on outstanding special applications and dedicated machinery specially designed for such purposes, while standard machines are not in the limelight yet have the lion's share in contributing to corporate success. This also applies to plastics processing in general and injection moulding machines in particular. Motorcycle parts manufacturer J. D. von Hagen AG in Iserlohn, North Rhine-Westphalia realised the maximum benefit of a standard machine upon approaching Wittmann Battenfel

Sub-Saharan Africa tagged as growth "miracle"

Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to continue growing strongly in the near term, with regional differences in prospects reflecting in part the economies' varying exposure to external shocks, according to the recent report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Jordan on a juncture

It will be a tough balancing act for Jordan, one of the most strategically positioned countries in the Middle East. Internal unrest and political instability have drawn international concerns and actions.

Injectable sponge can deliver drug, cells

Harvard bioengineers develop injectable, degradable gel-based sponge to deliver drugs or cell tissues

Fetal pacemaker under development

20 mm-long pacemaker for unborn babies with heart defect being developed

New NMR-based device detects microvesicles

Microfluidic NMR system may allow diagnosis, monitoring of brain cancer