Plastics industry trends for 2017
Plastics industry trends for 2017
The plastics industry seems to have reached its peak and, moreover, the perception on plastics has changed drastically in recent years. Now they are viewed more as essential resources than as sources producing wastes that are extremely harmful to the environment.
Experts in the field have done in-depth reports relating to the management of waste resulting from the production of plastics in order to discover new ways of protecting the environment, saving resources and streamlining the industry.
An analysis conducted by the Plastics Europe Association shows that 2017 looks favorable for plastics manufacturers. According to the statistics, there will be an estimated increase of 1.5% in demand for plastics in comparison to 2016, although in previous years there have not been increases in relation to this aspect.
Why will the demand for plastics increase in 2017?
The constant development of technology leads to the discovery of effective solutions to improve industrial processes. This also takes place in the plastics industry.
Plastics have the advantage of being highly resistant, suitable for a very large number of applications. Moreover, the use of plastic instead of more sophisticated but less sustainable materials is a cheaper alternative for all areas of activity.
In recent years, plastic has gained a new form. The recycling possibilities existing today have led to a differentiation of two new categories of plastic:
- Biodegradable plastic
- Bio-plastic
While biodegradable plastic is that type of material which easily degrades in contact with water, carbon dioxide and biomass, bio-plastic is made of biological components, such as fibers, potatoes, sugar or vegetable oils.
These two new types of plastic are already used on a large scale and the main effect of this change is the reduction of waste harmful to the environment.
These new categories of plastics can be used in most areas such as:
- Packing
- Construction
- Auto and aeronautics
- Electrical and electronics
- Agriculture
- Medical products
A large proportion of producers in the plastics industry view the Mobil brand as one of the leaders in the field in what lubrication solutions and other products are concerned, both in terms of streamlining the technological process and increasing performance.
The main trends of 2017
The plastics industry is one of the many industries that have a major contribution to the European economy and society, which is why it is important the market evolution in this field should be based on practices that are sustainable, environmentally-friendly and affordable.
To better understand the general situation this year, here is some useful information:
- China will continue to have the highest percentage of companies producing plastics;
- The highest plastics demand will continue to be in the field of packing and construction;
- The same two fields hold the maximum percentage regarding the polymer demand;
- 25.8 million tons of waste from plastic production were registered in 2014, following that 69.2% of this quantity to be recovered and reused;
- Plastic recycling will contribute to the streamlining of the economy of all countries doing it;
- Plastics will continue to be used in related and varied areas, from construction to clothing and medical equipment.
Therefore, we note that the main trends this year focus on the efficient production of plastic, on saving resources and energy, as well as on the development of bio-materials that increase the public’s confidence in the abilities of this material to support a variety of other industries.
In addition to the expected trends for 2017, read more about current trends, visible worldwide in this industrial sector.