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NZ Manufacturer September 2013
DEVELOPMENTS
Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. – John Maxwell
Analysis of the global market for expandable polystyrene
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lobal demand development for expandable polystyrene (EPS) in the construction and packaging industries will slow down, but continues. Important factors are the recovery of the construction sector after the financial and economic crisis in 2008/09, state-funded programs to improve energy efficiency, and increasing wealth and population in emerging countries. Average growth rates of 4.8% p.a. that have been generated in the previous eight years are unlikely to be reached again, but the international market research institute Ceresana nevertheless expects consumption to increase at an AAGR of 3.8% in the next eight years. An expected market volume of more than US$15 billion in 2020 shows that the market for EPS is well worth a closer examination.
Growth Motor AsiaPacific
Asia-Pacific already is the most important consumer of EPS worldwide, accounting for about 54% of global demand, followed by Western and Eastern Europe. Distribution of market shares is likely to change notably in the upcoming eight year period. Market analysts forecast AsianPacific countries to continue to gain shares of the global EPS market, mostly at the expense of saturated industrialized countries in Western Europe and North America. Developing and emerging countries, on the other hand, can capitalise on an increasing per capita consumption of packaging materials and other EPS-based products. The by far most important growth motor on the international market is China. Changes in regional demand will also have an effect on the production structure of manufacturers. Current EPS capacities of more than 10
million tonnes will be expanded by over 1 million tonnes. Almost 43% of these new capacities will be created in Asia-Pacific.
Regional Differences
This most comprehensive report worldwide analyses how the utilisation of EPS will develop on individual markets. Due to its technical properties such as low weight, rigidity, and formability, this material can be used in a wide range of different applications. It may be used as heat insulation, cold and sound insulation, in the packaging industry or in the manufacturing of recreational and sports products. One of the major application
areas is the construction sector that accounted for more than 61% of total demand in 2012. European countries in particular record a widespread use of EPS in the construction sector, as a range of state-funded programs target at improving energy efficiency. All around the world, EPS-based products are used in the construction of new residential building and in the refurbishment of old buildings. Even on saturated markets, this can create growth impulses because EPS consumption in the construction sector is expected to increase by 4.1% per year. Packaging made from EPS that is, for example, used to transport fresh fish or electronic goods, account for
more than a third of global demand. Especially in Asia-Pacific and South America EPS products are accounting for a significant share of total demand. Other EPS-based products include recreational goods such as helmets, cores for surfboards, life jackets or foam cups for hot beverages. A particularly large consumption volume in this segment is recorded in North America, last but not least due to a comparatively high consumption of foam cups. EPS is also used in child safety seats, casting moulds, and horticultural applications. Taken together, all these applications accounted for about 4% of global demand.
Can Gun 1 makes aerosol spraying easier
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or those who find using an aerosol spray can a difficult and messy proposition, here’s an award-winning invention just arrived in New Zealand that will make it a whole lot easier and more convenient. It’s the Can Gun 1, a revolutionary new, patented pistol-grip spray can tool that easily snaps onto standard aerosol spray cans and transforms them into professional-style spray guns with effortless control and pain-free spraying – especially useful for people suffering with arthritis. The Can Gun 1 is claimed to be the world’s first full-grip, can tool trigger, fitting over the tiny nozzle on the top of a regular aerosol that many people find awkward and messy to use. It’s already become a success in its home market in the United States. The American manufacturer says the arthritis-friendly FullGrip trigger offers 22 times the surface area, compared to a standard spray can’s tip. This trigger and the unit’s 2.5:1 leverage advantage, makes the tool,
on average, eight times easier to spray with and it’s the only spray can tool usable while wearing work gloves. Its one-of-a-kind trigger eliminates finger fatigue and numbness, wrist and forearm strain and hand cramping. It also dramatically reduces chemical contact normally associated with extended application by frequent heavy users of, among other products, paints, coatings, cleaners, adhesives, lubricants and cleaners. The Can Gun 1’s one-size-fitsall FutureLock attachment ring is compatible with all standard spray cans worldwide and requires the lowest amount of effort to attach, spray and remove, says it manufacturer. And what’s more, it is also environmentally responsible because it is manufactured with recycled, non-toxic plastic and utilises zero-waste, space optimised, recyclable packaging. The Can Gun 1 was recently awarded a Silver North American Retail Hardware Association’s Packaging and Merchandising Award for the following categories:
The Can Gun 1 turns an aerosol can into an easier-to-use spray gun.
Overall shelf and sales appeal; Attractive graphic design; Innovative, new ideas, techniques, materials, design or advancement in field; Economical packaging efficiency; Shelf performance, and durability and Selling Features, how well the packaging conveys the features and benefits of the product. According to the New Zealand distributor, Griffiths Equipment Ltd, the Can Gun 1 helps the user to do a better spray painting job than by using the original aerosol nozzle, due to the improved control and accuracy afforded by the pistol grip. It can also be re-used again and again.
E-mail: acsdesign@maxnet.co.nz www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz