The Amcor-Bemis Merger: 3 Things to Know

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.

Should the acquisition go through as anticipated, the transaction would create the world leader in flexible packaging, with US$13 billion in combined sales, according to a new acquisition impact report from The Freedonia Group. Here are three things to know about this global packaging game changer.

Topics: Materials & Chemicals Industry Insights The Freedonia Group

The U.S. Roofing Industry Outlook for 2018 and Beyond

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.

Topics: Materials & Chemicals Manufacturing & Construction Industry Insights The Freedonia Group

3 Megatrends in the Chemical Industry

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.

Topics: Materials & Chemicals Industry Insights

5 Key Trends in 3D Printing Materials

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.

Topics: Materials & Chemicals Manufacturing & Construction Industry Insights Heavy Industry

Industrial Gases: Important Trends to Watch in the Global Market

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.

Topics: Materials & Chemicals Industry Insights

Quick Facts & Statistics on the Agrochemicals Industry

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

Topics: Materials & Chemicals Industry Insights Heavy Industry

Investing in China? Fast Growth Predicted in the Chemical 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).

Topics: Materials & Chemicals Industry Insights

Top Advanced Materials & Technologies in the Electronics Industry

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.

Topics: Materials & Chemicals Computer Hardware & Networking Manufacturing & Construction Energy & Resources Industry Insights Heavy Industry

Oxygen in a Can: Why Recreational Oxygen Is Gaining Traction

Consumer oxygen is used by football players and movie stars. Professional athletes generally use supplemental recreational oxygen to help recover from stress in the body due to exertion.

The oxygen seems to help recovery, give more stamina, and provide an energy boost when needed. You see football players use it on the bench in between stints on the field. 

Topics: Materials & Chemicals Industry Insights Heavy Industry

What Makes Superplasticizers Super?

In concrete production, water and cement react to bind together fine aggregates (primarily sand) and coarse aggregates such as crushed stone or natural gravel. A relatively small amount of water is needed to initiate this chemical reaction (hydration) to transform the ingredients into concrete. 

However, additional water is often required to make the mix workable enough to be poured and finished, and the addition of too much extra water can decrease the strength of finished concrete. Reduced durability in concrete can lead to a premature need for repairs or replacement in the residential and nonresidential building sectors, as well as in such public projects as highways, streets, bridges, and dams.

Topics: Materials & Chemicals Industry Insights Heavy Industry The Freedonia Group