Single-use plastics have been in the news a lot lately, and the news isn't good. Once vaunted for their convenience, disposable plastic products have come under fire in recent years as evidence of the environmental damage they can cause piles up – sometimes literally.

Feed phytogenics, sometimes also referred to as botanicals or phytobiotics, are plant-based feed additives utilized in animal nutrition. They are derived from herbs, spices, and extracts (such as essential oils). According to many leading players in the industry – including Delacon, Cargill, and BIOMIN – phytogenics are key solutions for conventional and antibiotic-free animal nutrition.

The past few years have seen quite a boom in merger and acquisition activity, particularly in the packaging market. For proof of this, look no further than the blockbuster August announcement that Amcor planned to acquire rival packaging firm Bemis in an all-stock transaction valued at nearly US$5.3 billion.

Boosted by an increase in single-family housing starts and the rising need for storm-resistant products, the demand for roofing in the U.S. is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% to reach $19.9 billion in 2021, according to a new white paper by The Freedonia Group, a leading international business research company.

The chemical industry will continue to undergo rapid change in the next decade. Chemical companies must adapt quickly to maintain a competitive edge, overcome challenges, and embrace new market opportunities.

This article describes three major chemical industry trends to watch in the coming years, based on studies published by MarketsandMarkets, a global market research firm.

3D printing has been identified as one of the major disruptive technologies of this century that has the potential to change manufacturing activities across various industries. 3D printing technologies can help companies differentiate their business and gain a powerful competitive advantage.

The global industrial gas market is benefiting from rising consumer demand for freshness in food products, according to a recent market research report. Health-conscious consumers are demanding fewer additives and safer and fresher food products, which increases the demand for industrial gases that can be used in place of chemical ingredients.

One of the latest trends involving agrochemicals is an increase in counterfeit pesticides. Fake pesticides are causing significant losses to the pesticides industry.

China offers many investment opportunities in the chemical sector. The country is expected to attract foreign investors in a variety of markets such as pesticides, rubbers and fibers, ethyl alcohol and plastic materials, according to the recently published Chemicals Market Global Report 2017 by The Business Research Company (TBRC).

The electronics industry is extremely dynamic as technologies, materials, and business models are continuously restructured to meet evolving consumer demand. The demand for miniaturized (i.e., smaller, lighter, and thinner electronics products), improved connectivity and computing power, faster data speeds, and most importantly, sustainability, is encouraging innovations in this industry.