Plastics in a sustainable society

March 1, 2015

During its short history of only less than 75 yrs, plastics have emerged as the material of choice in a diverse variety of applications. The World production of plastics has been on the increase exponentially and in 2013 stood at 288 MMT of resin. In terms of global per-capita consumption during the last few decades, plastics clearly outperformed competing materials such as wood, metal or glass as a material of construction.  There is a continuing trend of the substitution of these competing materials by plastics in building, packaging, construction, and medical devices. The reason behind this impressive market success of plastics is attributed to its unique functionality and low cost.  Plastics are relatively lower in density and can, therefore, be inexpensively transported, durable under most environments, bio-inert allowing it to be used in food-contact uses, formable into complex shapes, recyclable at low cost and are cost-effective in most applications. With the increase in global population and greater per capita use in developing regions of the World, plastics as a material is destined to continue its impressive record of use into the foreseeable future.

Spotlight

Houghton International

Since 1865, Houghton International Inc. has been serving the metalworking, automotive, and steel industries, along with a variety of other markets including the offshore oil exploration and production industry, with the development and production of specialty chemicals, oils and lubricants. Headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., Houghton maintains manufacturing and research facilities throughout the world. Houghton International continues its focus to expand its customer service operations and grow its worldwide facilities.

OTHER WHITEPAPERS
news image

Silicone-Base Coating Mitigates Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) In Petrochemical Plants

whitePaper | June 15, 2021

Corrosion under insulation (CUI) is one of the costliest problems in the petrochemical industry. It also presents a high degree of potential danger. CUI occurs when moisture mixed with contaminants infiltrates insulation, encouraging the development of corrosion cells on the steel underneath. This paper demonstrates how Sherwin-Williams Heat-Flex® High-Temp 1200 withstands temperature fluctuations, thermal shock and other upset conditions to protect against hidden CUI.

Read More
news image

Decarbonizing practices in the global automotive industry

whitePaper | January 27, 2023

This whitepaper examines the current state and trajectory of decarbonization within the global automotive industry. By examining and establishing a baseline on industry action, early- mid- and long-term initiatives can be highlighted to help inform manufacturers and producers how they can engage and push themselves further towards full decarbonization.

Read More
news image

A Connected Work Checklist for EHS Managers and Practitioners in the Oil and Gas Industry

whitePaper | June 1, 2021

Connected work has changed the game in EHS - for the better, of course. From leveraging “new to market” hardware and equipment to implementing key EHS software solutions designed to drive connected work, decision-makers have been able to enhance risk management, make sound, data-driven decisions and champion strong safety cultures within their organizations. We’re excited to share with you the Connected Work Checklist for EHS Leaders and Practitioners in the Oil and Gas Industry.

Read More
news image

First Sustainable Circular Economy Token

whitePaper | March 12, 2022

According to the United Nations, we dump more than 2 billion tonnes of waste every year. Global waste could grow to 3.40 billion tonnes by 2050, more than double population growth over the same period.

Read More
news image

Sampling Sulfuric Acid

whitePaper | May 6, 2021

While grab sampling in an industrial setting may represent a tiny fraction of a plant’s overall activities, its importance cannot be underestimated. Unfortunately, sometimes the focus on sampling improvements only becomes critical after an incident, an accident or equipment failure. Sampling is an integral part of the manufacturing process, and a safe and reliable sampling regime can improve: Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Sample Quality, A plant’s bottom line.

Read More
news image

Integrating Metal Detectors and Magnetic Separators to Ensure Contaminant-Free Process

whitePaper | February 22, 2023

In the food industry, metal contamination can damage process equipment and create an impure product that eventually must be scrapped. Metal contamination can come from a variety of sources.

Read More

Spotlight

Houghton International

Since 1865, Houghton International Inc. has been serving the metalworking, automotive, and steel industries, along with a variety of other markets including the offshore oil exploration and production industry, with the development and production of specialty chemicals, oils and lubricants. Headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., Houghton maintains manufacturing and research facilities throughout the world. Houghton International continues its focus to expand its customer service operations and grow its worldwide facilities.

Events