Soaring demand growth and skyrocketing prices are making 2016 a very exciting year for lithium — the highly reactive, silvery white metal that has revolutionized the rechargeable battery industry. Portable electronics, including everything from smartphones to laptops, rely on lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries. But it will be electric vehicles (EVs) that drive lithium sales going forward, boosting prices while placing increasing pressure on global supplies. 

Demand in the US for behind-the-wall plumbing products is projected to advance 6.5 percent annually to $12.4 billion in 2020. The industry encompasses water distribution systems, which carry water from supply mains to fixtures and faucets; drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems, which transport wastewater and other materials to sewer mains; and fire suppression systems, including valves and sprinkler heads.

While demand continues to grow, manufacturers and plumbing contractors face new challenges related to water conservation. Stringent water use standards and low-flow fixtures — coupled with an increasing number of bathrooms in single-family homes — are stressing some waste systems in the US. Read more about the growing need for an ever more complicated network of pipes and valves to handle our modern needs.

In early 2014, the US folding carton sector looked as though it might begin to rebound. At that time, US exports of premium paperboard – SBS/SBB folding carton, liquid packaging board (LPB), and cup/plate stock – looked solid, and US converters had little incentive to source imported paperboard. US recycled grades were getting a boost by surging craft beer sales. US producers enjoyed a reputation for a quality product that could not be matched by many Asian (non-Japanese) suppliers, and longstanding supply relationships that had endured the financial crisis of 2008-2010 existed in the US and many foreign markets.

Though construction activity in China and some other developing countries has slowed since the 2009 to 2014 period, global demand for steel pipe is projected to advance 3.5 percent annually through 2019 to 79.7 million metric tons, according to a recent industry study from the Freedonia Group. Steel pipe sales are driven by the industries that use it. Read below as analyst Mariel Behnke explains.

“A number of different factors influence demand in each market. For instance, the oil and gas market is driven by energy demand, as well as oil prices and global political concerns,” notes Ms. Behnke.

Food and beverage is the dominant market within the packaging industry. Consider the wide array of packages that fill a single grocery store — from corrugated boxes, plastic clamshells, and stand-up pouches to resealable tubs and moisture-resistant boxes. More than just containers, these packaging formats are designed for specific uses — such as promoting aesthetic appeal and brand recognition, or monitoring temperature and prolonging shelf life.

Demand is expected to rise for produce, meat, seafood, and poultry packaging through 2019. In addition, the demand for active and intelligent packaging is forecast to increase, with the growing need for more advanced packaging technologies such as specialized gas scavenging and moisture control. In this post, three research analysts from the Freedonia Group, an international market research company owned by MarketResearch.com, weigh in to highlight key packaging trends and interesting new developments to watch.

The mechanical security industry, including locks, safes, and vaults, will grow 5.4 percent annually through 2020 to $6.1 billion. The large lock segment accounted for 72 percent of industry demand in 2015 and will drive growth. The recovering construction industry will support demand, while ongoing shifts to higher value electrified products, particularly door locks and door security hardware that are used with electronic access control systems, will assist gains, too. The need for electrified versions of mechanical security products will continue to rise as access control and other such systems are installed at more entry points. The newly published study Mechanical Security Products further discusses the markets.

The global demand for battery materials is projected to increase 8.3 percent per year to reach $46.8 billion in 2019, according to a new report by the Freedonia Group. A variety of factors are contributing to the growing demand, including the proliferation of mobile phones and tablets, the rising use of motor vehicles in developing countries, and the increasing production of hybrid and electric vehicles.

Batteries are manufactured using a broad range of materials. The major types are metals, chemicals, polymers, carbon and graphite, silicas, glass fibers, paper, rubber, and ceramics. Globally, metals accounted for 66 percent of materials demand in 2014, due to the large volumes of lead, zinc, steel, and nickel used in the battery industry. Read on to learn more about the market for battery materials and what changes analysts expect to see in the coming years.

The U.S. demand for drug delivery products is projected to reach $251 billion in 2019, according to the Freedonia Group, a leading international business research company. Oral dosage formulations will remain the largest-selling group of drug delivery products over the long term, but patent expirations and competition from generic brands will soften the growth potential of this product segment overall. Drawing on key findings from Freedonia's recent study Drug Delivery Products, here’s a look at the market outlook for oral medications, including controlled-release formulations and niche applications.

As the U.S. economy continues to recover from the effects of the recession, landscaping products such as lighting, pavers, heating elements, and synthetic turf will see increased demand from consumers and professionals. Healthy annual growth of 5.3 percent is forecasted through 2019. In 2014, decorative products were the largest category, with outdoor lighting receiving increased attention.

To find out what's in store for 2016, read on to learn about three major trends that are shaping the $6.3 billion industry for landscaping products in the U.S.

"Content is still king,” according to Rob Granader, Founder and CEO of MarketResearch.com, and that fundamental idea drove the acquisition of the Freedonia Group, a leading global provider of reliable and unbiased market research reports and consulting services for more than 30 years.

“This is a great day for our company as we officially welcome the talented Freedonia team to MarketResearch.com,” said Rob Granader.