The Future of Polymer Additives
Nearly all plastics are comprised of a base polymer and additives. Additives are chemicals added to the base polymer to modify the properties of the final product such as improving strength or durability, or prolonging the product life span. There are various types of polymer additives available and each provides one or more specific characteristics; examples include plasticizers, stabilizers, processing aids, flame retardants, anti-static, blowing agents, fillers, and others.
As expected, the future of polymer additives is coupled to the demand for plastics. Below are some expected trends for polymer additives.
Continued Growth
The future of polymer additives looks promising as the demand for plastics (and therefore additives) is expected to continue to grow. There are several factors that are driving this growth – one of the biggest factors is the low cost of plastics compared to metal. Plastics have become even more attractive in recent years due to the rising cost of raw materials for some metals, triggering the further use of plastic to replace metal parts or equipment. Additionally, plastics continue to branch out into more diverse markets, and usage continues to expand especially within the packaging, agriculture, and medical industries. Lastly, the demand for additives is also driven by stricter safety standards, resulting in higher demand for plastics with flame retardant and resistant properties. All of these factors drive up consumption of polymer additives in the future.
Industries
While all sectors are expected to experience growth, there will likely be ample opportunities for additive growth within the construction, packaging, consumer goods, and automotive industries. Within the plastic additive market, the construction sector has historically been the largest consumer and this trend is expected to continue due to demand for applications such as pipes, cabling, flooring, etc. In the near-term, the packaging sector is expected to observe the most growth due to increased demand for food and beverage and consumer goods. The automotive industry is also expected to observe growth in additive usage due to plastic’s lighter weight and cost-competitiveness compared to metal alternatives.
Types and Regions
Regarding the types of additives, plasticizers are expected to continue to dominate the additive market and are anticipated to remain the largest additive type due to expected growth for PVC applications. As previously noted, the demand for additives with flame retardant properties are expected to rise due to more stringent safety protocols and standards as well as growth in the electronics and construction sectors.
While all regions are expected to experience growth, the Asia Pacific region will likely continue as the largest market share by volume for additives. This is largely due to the demand for plastics across the automotive and construction sectors in the region, especially China and India.
Safety and Sustainability
Many companies are focusing R&D efforts on new, innovative polymer additives that address some of the challenges of the plastics industry. Safety and sustainability are expected to be big factors in the future of polymer additives and below are a few examples.
- A relatively new type of additive called “biodegradables” is gaining traction. These are additives that expedite the degradation process by allowing microorganisms to consume portions of the plastic.
- Toxicity is a concern for some polymer additives. To address this issue, bio-based additives such as plasticizers have been developed that provide manufacturers with less or non-toxic additive options that minimize the impact to the environment.
- Just like there are smart devices, there are R&D efforts focused on developing smart packaging in order to improve food and beverage safety. Plastic packaging is being developed that will use color changing additives to detect the freshness of a product as well as oxygen scavenging additives to better preserve the product.
- Lastly, companies, such as Amcor, are creating Sustainability Initiatives. The purpose of these programs is to recognize the importance of natural resources and reduce the ecological footprint on the environment. This can be achieved via several means such as conserving raw materials and helping customers produce reusable products.
Amcor
Amcor is a manufacturer of polyethylene film and bags, as well as polyolefin compounds, additives, blends, and masterbatches. Amcor has grown from a single product line to hundreds of products and five product divisions. In addition to selling products, we also provide tech support, assistance with your equipment, and process recommendations.
Amcor is also a full line distributor of various chemicals, resins, and gases for the plastic industry. With warehousing and distribution facilities across the United States, Mexico, Eastern Europe and China, we service companies of all sizes and locations across multiple industries.
Amcor realizes that quick turnaround, on time delivery, a quality product, and personal service are what it is all about. Contact us today to learn how we can assist with your next project!
Advantages of Buying Direct from Manufacturer
Historically, manufacturers did not have a financially viable way of getting products to customers so the role of a distributor was necessary. Distributors, or wholesalers, worked as the “middle man” between manufactures and customers - engaging with customers and maintaining inventory locally. With the digitalization of manufacturing and a shift to a more customer-centric business model, the distributor role is often no longer necessary. More and more manufacturers are employing a direct-to-customer model to sell products, which is lowering costs and improving customer and brand loyalty. This shift is opening up new purchasing options for customers and allowing them to reap the benefits of buying direct from manufacturers.
Advantages of Buying Direct
Purchasing raw materials and products directly from manufacturers provides several advantages to customers, several of which are highlighted below. It should be noted that if you are considering buying direct, make sure your manufacturer has experience and the right infrastructure and processes in place to deliver products directly at the necessary quality and within the desired timeframe. In order to reap the direct buying benefits below, you must partner with a manufacturer, like Amcor, that has the experience and expertise for direct purchases.
- Lower Costs: simply put, costs are inflated when distributors are part of the supply chain. These costs include expenses such as of infrastructure, personnel, transport equipment and storage facilities. Direct buying means the intermediary is not involved, completely eliminating the costs associated with this middle step. These costs savings are then shared between the customer and manufacturer – a win for both parties!
- Direct Line of Communication: when you buy direct you have a specific point of contact at the manufacturer that is accountable to you and is responsible for giving your account the attention it deserves. This direct line of communication provides many advantages. First, with fewer individuals involved it is safe to say there will be fewer miscommunications and confusion – additionally, there will be no one in the middle to potentially misinterpret the information being relayed between customer and manufacturer. Second, there will be fewer hurdles to receiving the latest information and guidance from the manufacturer. Last, but not least, buying direct allows the manufacturer and customer to build a long-term relationship which is advantageous to both parties.
- Improved Customer Service: the manufacturer has expertise in their product so when you buy direct you get to tap into this knowledge pool more easily. Direct access allows you to discuss with the manufacturer any questions you may have as well as more easily obtain recommendations on how to optimize product usage to maximize its benefits. Similarly, if you have concerns with the product or wish to discuss modifications, service matters are more easily addressed when a distributor is not in the middle as the manufacturer has full ownership of any issues. This arrangement also has benefits for the manufacturer as buying direct allows them to highlight their customer service offerings as a means of distinguishing them from the competition.
- Improved Transport and Quality Management: manufacturers give up some control and oversight of the product when a distributor is involved. The more individuals involved in handling the product, the more potential for quality issues and delays during transport. Lead times are often more reliable when buying direct which means customers receive the right products at the right time and in good condition.
- Ability to Purchase in Smaller Quantities: Yes, this is possible – smaller quantities are not just available from distributors! Many manufacturers only sell in large batches which does not make buying direct a viable option for some small or medium sized companies. However, not all manufacturers adhere to this model. Amcor, for example, sells in various volumes including small quantities, which makes direct purchasing from Amcor a viable solution for companies of all sizes!
Amcor: Manufacturer & Distributor
Amcor is a manufacturer of polyethylene film and bags, as well as polyolefin compounds, additives, blends, and masterbatches. Amcor has grown from a single product line to hundreds of products and five product divisions. In addition to selling products, we also provide tech support, assistance with your equipment, and process recommendations.
Amcor is also a full line distributor of various chemicals, resins, and gases for the plastic industry. With warehousing and distribution facilities across the United States, Mexico, Eastern Europe and China, we service companies of all sizes and locations across multiple industries.
Amcor realizes that quick turnaround, on time delivery, a quality product, and personal service are what it is all about. Contact us today to learn how we can assist with your next purchase!