Volkswagen Launches Mobile Charging Station in its Hometown with Plans to Expand to Other Cities in Future

Wolfsburg based Car manufacturer brand Volkswagen has unveiled quick electronic charging stations for its electric cars to be set up initially in the company’s hometown with plans to expand to other cities as well. The charging stations are mobile with capacity of charging up to 100 Kw electricity in a very short time. Volkswagen’s series of electric cars can be charged by these mobile stations as well as of other brands.

The greatest challenge in adoption to electric vehicles is the lack of efficient network of charging points. Customer’s difficulty in finding a reasonable number of charging points on the road discourages them from adopting to clean energy vehicles. Volkswagen wants to fix this by providing basic infrastructure for adoption to e-mobility.

The Volkswagen charging stations will be discoverable with the help of smartphone app and will be positioned strategically at different points across the city to ensure ease of access. The stations will be able to charge e-bikes as well as e-cars with the capacity to charge four vehicles at a time with two ac and two dc adapters. The storage capacity of the battery is 360 Kwh more than sufficient for 15 e-vehicles. Vehicles can also be connected to direct power supply with threshold charging limit of 30 Kw via alternating current.

Volkswagen believes an electric vehicle can be called eco-friendly or a clean vehicle only if it is using sustainably generated electricity, it claims that it’s charging points can be specifically used for storing electricity generated by wind and solar energy making the station completely CO2-neutral.

The mobile column is powered with Volkswagen’s Modular Electric Toolkit (MEB), this will allow quick scalability along with second battery life. The charging station’s design allows it to be setup at any shopping center, the average time for charging each vehicle will be nearly 17 minutes.

Its plans to invest heavily with US$ 2 billion of investment in plans for the e-mobility infrastructure sector will fast track transition to e-vehicles. E-vehicles hit record sales of 1 million sales in 2018. Scandinavian countries like Norway lead the race, with one third of its total vehicles sold in 2018 being electric vehicles. The country has also formulated a policy to go fossil fuel free by the year 2025. With global warming at the doorsteps and Paris Climate agreement’s ambitious targets to cut carbon emission, many countries are offering tax exemption for e-vehicle.

For the swift and smooth shift to e-mobility, an integrated network of charging points along with ability to charge vehicles in minutes is integral. Volkswagen wants to address these issues with this project. 

Egg Replacement Ingredient Expansion: Renmatix Enters Into an Agreement with The Ingredient House

A distribution contract was signed by Renmatix with The Ingredient House, a supplier of specialty food ingredients tto food and beverage manufacturers all over the US. Both companies foresee the potential to substitute eggs with simple cellulose in baked products. Simple cellulose is a plant-based ingredient that offers producers around 50 percent in cost-in-use savings.

Renmatix feels that there are a lot of growth opportunities in following the clean label movement by using simple cellulose, which shows multifunctional property advantages in moisture retention, fat replacement, texturizing, and emulsification. Some of these are sought-after traits to meet today’s ever-changing consumer tastes.

Simple cellulose is extracted from agricultural feedstocks and plant materials. It enables food manufacturers to replace fats and eggs, as it increases the efficiency of texturizing ingredients and moisture retention needed for freshness extension. All this is done by undermining the price of traditional components. 

Simple cellulose has also shown promise in vegan-baked and gluten-free goods. Additionally, its exceptional characteristics are currently being recognized in various baked goods such as donuts, breads, cookies, and muffins. As per Renmatix, the product will also be used in meat & dairy, soups,sauces, and several other food ingredient applications.

Renmatix’s CEO, Mike Hamilton explained that egg substitute is essential in the present baking industry. He stated that eggs are just expensive and natural calamities such as diseases, hurricanes and other factors can hamper the supply chain, thereby increasing costs and creating uncertainty for businesses that are highly dependent on a regular supply of ingredients.

Mike Hamilton also added that simple cellulose is extracted from plant material, namely agricultural feedstocks that only uses water, making it less expensive than eggs.

Renmatix estimated that if bakeries opt for simple cellulose, they will be saving around 25-50% on the cost of eggs annually. Second crucial fact is that a lot of consumers want plant-based ingredients in their food, which are not just environmentally sustainable but also cruelty-free.

Besides plant-based ingredients, consumers also want gluten-free and allergen-free food products, which is possible with the help of simple cellulose. It was in July that simple cellulose was introduced at the IFT Food Expo. Since its debut, it has been used in several bakery trial tests run all over the US.

Mike Hamilton said that they introduced simple cellulose last summer and they have been continuously testing it regionally in many commercial bakeries around Philadelphia. They are producing it in big amounts in their Kennesaw (Georgia) factory, and have witnessed big success in the bakeries and tests with partners such as Mattson Foods. He further said that they are all ready to provide simple cellulose to bigger customers in the US.

Nuvo Pharmaceuticals Completes Previously Announced Acquisition of Aralez’ Revenue-Generating Products

Nuvo Pharmaceuticals, a Canadian healthcare firm, has completed the acquisition of a portfolio of more than 20 revenue-generating products of Aralez Pharmaceuticals.

Earlier, the news of Nuvo having a conference call/audio webcast on January 2, 2019, at 8:30 a.m. EST was released. The call was about providing the details of the transaction, Aralez’s key products, and financing deal. The call was hosted by Jesse Ledger, who is Nuvo’s CEO as well as the President and Vice President, and CFO of Nuvo, Mary-Jane Burkett.

Jesse Ledger stated that the completion of this acquisition has made Nuvo one of the leading pharmaceutical firms in Canada. He explained that Nuvo is now completely different from their peers, as they have superior infrastructure to support their international business, top-class production facility and a robust portfolio of growth products, which includes development of new product opportunities.

Jesse Ledger further stated that their acquisition is backed by a robust and experienced management team and enhanced business setup that will help the company to grow, make profits, and create values in the coming future.

Aralez was formerly known as Tribute Pharmaceuticals Canada. A growing firm, it includes Suvexx, Cambia, Blexten, along with Canadian distribution rights to Resultz. Furthermore, this acquisition will pave way for Nuvo to purchase and introduce more commercial products in Canada.

Besides purchasing products from Aralez, Nuvo also obtained worldwide rights and royalties from licensees for Vimovo, global, Yosprala, and ex-U.S. product rights to MT400, which is presently marketed as Treximet in the United States.

It cost Nuvo roughly US$ 110 million to close the deal. The amount didn’t include $4.4 million, which was a deposit paid previously and was conditioned to indebtedness adjustments and certain working capital.

Nuvo was able to pay off the price with the help of funding offered by certain funds handled by a famous, global, and healthcare-specialized investor, Deerfield. Furthermore, the courts inspecting Aralez’s restructuring proceeds in the United States and Canada approved the acquisition. According to experts, this acquisition can help Nuvo achieve its following goals,

Huge cash flow from international royalties of global Vimovo sales and U.S.

Diversification of revenue from royalty revenues and product sales

The current commercial setup will stay the same to enable a hassle-free transition

Complex Systems in Modern Vehicles Call for Regular Automotive Maintenance Services

Aftermarket repair and maintenance services for automobiles are seeing a rapid increase with rising awareness among drivers about the usage of procedures such as oil changes, tire alignment, and maintenance of components including shock absorbers, drivelines, and batteries among others.

Unlike years past, modern automobiles are designed to last for a longer period, and be driven for longer distances. In addition, the poor quality of road transport infrastructure is widespread, especially in developing nations such as Brazil, China, and India.  These are key factors that contribute to vehicle wear and tear, thereby creating a strong demand for automotive repair and maintenance.

Advancements in Automotive Diagnostics Contributes to Growth

The worldwide automotive repair and maintenance services sector is projected to grow at a rapid rate in the near future, which can be attributed to increasing vehicle production around the globe particularly in emerging economies, such as China and India.

Demand of automotive repairs and service is on the rise as a growing number of drivers use their vehicles for transport to cover increasingly larger distances. The growing complexity of integral vehicle systems, are adversely affecting DIY efforts by vehicle owners and it consequently improving the prospects of automotive maintenance businesses.

Individual businesses in the sector base their profits on efficient marketing efforts and locations that are convenient for users. Large scale businesses on the other hand can afford to purchase and use the latest expensive equipment for automotive diagnostics and consequently benefit in the terms of purchases, distribution, and marketing. Smaller companies make up for their technical shortcomings by providing more personalized customer service or specialized offers such as home pickup and delivery.

Mandatory Safety Regulations Drive Growth of Automotive Servicing

Vehicle owners are required to regularly check for their vehicle’s roadworthiness and safety. This is aimed towards reducing accidents and delays arising from breakdowns, despite safe driving habits. Vehicles that are not serviced regularly are found to be more prone to accidents because of failure of components from functioning.

Rising concerns over inadequate maintenance activities and resultant accidents and fatalities is encouraging customers to repair and maintain their vehicle on a regular basis. This is anticipated to boost the growth of the worldwide automotive repair and maintenance services market in the near future.

As per a recent study by Future Market Insights on the global automotive repair and maintenance services market, the demand for tires and spares is anticipated to account for more than half of the growth opportunities of the sector in the coming decade.

Rising Popularity of Electric Vehicles Changes Maintenance Procedures

With growing concern over environmental pollution, electric vehicles are being increasingly adopted by drivers around the world. Since these automobiles work on electricity, they contribute in minimizing air pollution, and the resultant environment and health problems. Also, with growing use of renewable energy sources for recharging electric vehicles, a reduction of greenhouse gases will be seen. On the other hand, lack of technically skilled professionals to work with electric vehicles, will limit the automotive repair and maintenance services in this sector.

To learn more about the latest activity taking place in the automotive repair and maintenance market, click here.

Automotive Exhaust Manifold Manufacturers Address Carbon Monoxide Leakage Incidences

All-New Water-Cooled Exhaust Manifold System to Boost Efficiency

The new Toyota Yaris is integrated with 1.5-litre naturally sounded engine, which offers fuel economy and better performance compared to the 1.33-litre that is replaced. The new development can also form a base for comparatively powerful turbocharged unit, which is featured in Toyota Gazoo hot hatch.

Features of the New Four-Cylinder Engine

The all-new 4-cyclinder engine offers nearly 110bhp as well as 100lb ft. of the torque that is 30lb ft. and 12bhp more compared to the outgoing motor. With this added potency, the new 1.5-litre Yaris can accelerate from 0 to 62mph within 11sec. In addition, it can also power from nearly 50 to 75mph within 17.6sec.

Furthermore, the new engine caters to the Euro6 emissions standards as well as is mainly developed for attaining nearly 39% thermal effectiveness value. The highly significant contributions that boosts the effectiveness are

  • High 13.5:1 density ratio of the unit
  • Cooled EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system
  • Prolonged adaptable valve timing operation

All these features enable the engine in switching from Otto towards the Atkinson cycle.

Apart from this, the new engine is connected to the first water-cooled exhaust manifold system of Toyota that helps in boosting effectiveness while cruising at the motorway speeds. In addition, the new technology helps in reducing the exhaust gas temperature, thereby allowing engine to run under decreased fuel mixture and combustion temperature. All these factors ultimately enables in improving the exhaust emissions as well as fuel consumption.

Replacement of Cracked Exhaust Manifold to Eliminate Cases of Carbon Monoxide Leakage

Ford Motor Co. lately witnessed increasing pressure from Center for Auto Safety for recalling nearly 1.3Million Ford Explorer crossovers on account of rapidly rising number of cases indicating leakage of carbon monoxide. Customers with concerns regarding the carbon monoxide emissions are asked to take their vehicle to the local Ford dealer for free service targeted to reduce the formerly mentioned concern. Ford has taken immense efforts in issuing 4 technical service bulletins with regards to exhaust odor issue, in order to cater to the mounting complaints from the police fleets as well as others automobile owners. Ford manufacturers have been responsibly replacing the cracked exhaust manifolds and in the long run are planning to take a crucial step of recalling the affected vehicles for thoroughly inspecting and replacing the cracked exhaust manifold systems.

New Operational Facility of Wescast Industries to Stimulate Revenue Growth

Wescast Industries Inc. in Canada machines, casts, engineers, designs as well as assembles the exhaust system components, benefitting automotive OEMs across the globe. The Tier-1 auto supplier has moved its North America technical center and headquarters from Ontario to the Auburn Hills. The cast exhaust manifolds as well as turbocharger housings manufacturer has renovated the previous GKN Automotive building, 3300 University Drive that is vacant since past three years. The company has begun its operations by April 2018 and is expecting significant revenue growth in the forthcoming years from the new operational facility.

A recent study by Future Market Insights on Automotive Exhaust Manifold Market indicates, growing efforts of the manufacturers in developing products complying with the emission regulations including Euro 6C, is likely to trigger innovations and advancements in the overall automotive exhaust manifold market.

In order to gain more information on the notable developments and innovations in automotive exhaust manifold market, click here.

Hybrid 3D Printing Approaches To Enhance Automotive Exhaust Manifold Capabilities

3D Printer Benefitting In Prototyping Process of an Automotive Exhaust Manifold

BigRep, Large-Scale 3D printer’s developer in Germany recently witnessed its STUDIO 3D printer playing a significant role in the prototyping of an automotive exhaust manifold. This was done as a part of research, the company had been carrying out with Polymertal, a highly-innovative company in Israel producing hybrid products. Both the companies are looking for more cost-efficient and faster ways for performing fit-form-purpose manifold testing. This is done for reducing costs as well as development time. Along with this, advancement in the mechanical properties of prototype is done for making it closely resemble the finished parts from the cast metal.

In order to cater to the prototyping process, a huge manifold was 3D printed with the help of BigRep STUDIO. This product was catered to the growing needs of customers demanding for compact size product with similar capabilities as the BigRep ONE. Along with cost-effectiveness, the product was taken up as a perfect model for prototyping automotive exhaust manifold. With the innovative technology of Polymertal, plating of 3D printed parts was done, thereby creating strong and light objects. Therefore, plating the exhaust manifold offers increased heat as well as chemical resistance with enhanced strength. Manufactured quickly as well as at low cost, mechanical properties of the part were similar to the finished part. This in turn makes it suitable for the real functional testing.

Hybrid Approach to Be Adopted By Emerging Automotive Manufacturers

Consequently, quality of parts and the manufacturing speed gave Polymertal and BigRep to take on the technique of metal plating and 3D printing for utility as faster and improved testing of the upcoming automotive component designs. Eyeing on this new development, manufacturers in the overall automotive industry are taking immense efforts in adopting this 3D printing prototypes, which offer cost and time savings on a major basis. This hybrid approach is expected to be highly beneficial for Polymertal and BigRep as it helps in producing prototype close to final part, thereby enabling cheaper and faster production along with effective testing.

New Engine Launch with Integration of Exhaust Manifold to Deliver Effective Cooling

The new 1.3-litre petrol engine of Nissan Qashqai consists of exhaust manifold that is partially incorporated in cylinder head for effective cooling of the exhaust gas as well as more effective combustion, especially at the high loads and low engine speeds. The high-efficient new engine is made available in 160 PS and 140 PS outputs, thereby delivering decreased fuel consumption as well as CO2 emissions. Three types of all-new 1.3-litre engine:

  • 160 PS seven-speed DCT
  • 160 PS six-speed manual
  • 140 PS six-speed manual

The highly improved petrol powertrain line-up holds an innovative standard for the drivability in Qashqai. Customers are likely to witness improved acceleration and response by means of advanced torque and power, linear and smoother power delivery as well as quieter driving experience. In addition to this, the new development enables in extension of service intervals as well.

Note: The all-new powertrains are in compliance with the novel emissions standard – Euro 6d-Temp.

Breakthrough Engine Technology to Drive Production Sales of All-New Infiniti QX50

The all-new Infiniti QX50 consists of the world’s first variable-compression ratio engine. VC-Turbo is a 2.0L turbocharged 4cylinder representing broader leap forward for the internal combustion engine technology. The new engine functions with compression ratio as less as 8:1 and high as 14:1 as well as holds the power to switch between regular and Atkinson combustion cycles. The main features of VC-Turbo:

  • Light-weight
  • Smaller
  • Fuel-efficient

VC-Turbo uses both direct and port fuel injection and consists of a normal single-scroll design holding integration of the exhaust manifold engine system in cylinder head. With the improvement in emissions, and the mounting of catalytic convertors next to turbo enables in quick increase of temperature.

All-New Upgraded Engine Enables in Enhancing Acceleration Performance

Picanto GT by Kia Motor Corporation in South Korea witnesses development of new equipment and engine upgrades. The new 1.0 T-GDi engine with 171Nm and 99bhp torque makes Picanto GT more powerful than ever before. The new development enables in accelerating upto 60mph in 9.8 seconds. The single-scroll turbocharger has been paired with the electric wastegate motor, thereby improving the overall turbocharger performance, and searching clean air for engines, benefitting in the re-use of the combustion purposes. This exclusive engine is integrated with an exhaust manifold in a single-piece casting, lowering the exhaust gas temperatures, reducing weight as well as improving sealing.

To avail further insights on recent developments in automotive exhaust manifold market, click here.

Inflated Costs of Vehicles with Dual Clutch Transmission Hinder Product Demand

Although dual clutch transmission systems are finding widespread application in commercial and passenger automobiles only in recent times, they have been in use for military and racing vehicles for decades. At present, dual clutch transmission setups are increasingly being used by automobile manufacturers in small and medium sized vehicles to meet regulation compliance standards in regards to improving fuel economy, and the emission of pollutants and greenhouse gases.

Dual clutch transmissions make integrates automatic and manual transmission systems, where manually operated clutch is replaced by an electro-mechanic/hydraulic components that activate gears and shift rods that is optimized by an in-built computer or by driver-operated gear shift sticks.

Clunky Operation during Driving Experience Hinders Sales

Dual clutch transmission systems can be found in two types: dry or wet. Wet dual clutch transmission makes use of oil to smoothen the operational gears and shafts. The largest advantage of using dual clutch transmission is that they significantly minimize the weight of the vehicle along with reduced loss of power in comparison to conventional automatic transmission systems by getting rid of the relatively heavy and inefficient torque convertors used in traditional systems.

A large number of automobile manufacturers have struggled with numerous production issues, such as lack of satisfactory driver experience during normal operations. This can be attributed to skewed expectations that drivers have from transmission systems without a clutch, for smooth, and seamless movement during the shifting of gears; On the other hand, dual clutch transmissions provide a drivers with an experience that may feel choppy or clunky when during a rapid gear shifting process. This feeling is noticed more often when the vehicle is operating at low-speeds, or low-throttling activity, hindering growth of demand.

As per a recent study by Future Market Insights on the global dual clutch transmission market, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on improving technology, such as the controller software, while automobile dealership representatives are focusing on better explanations for drivers about the operational properties of such systems, leading to reduced owner disappointment.

System Failures and Higher Costs of Maintenance Hinder Adoption

While majority of dual clutch transmission systems have seldom displayed failures or improper operations, the recent debacle in the Ford Fiesta and Focus ranges in 2016 led to a class action lawsuit in the US, where numerous owners complained of clutch slippage, significant shuddering movements and delayed acceleration arising from an incorrectly designed dual clutch transmission system, which significantly impacted the overall demand.

Moreover, it is important to note that automobile manufacturers seldom offer the option of major repairs of internal parts, which leads to the need to replace entire transmission units at prohibitive costs in incidences of total failure. In addition, the integration of dual clutch transmission setups in a vehicle tend to greatly inflate the price of sale, so buyers are often hesitant when it comes to deciding on buying such vehicles. On the other hand, DCT can enhance fuel efficiency by more than 10 per cent, which positively affects the buyer’s transportation budget that is expected to overcome its limitations.

To get more information on the evolving dynamics of the global dual clutch transmission market, click here.

Workplace Safety Regulations Drive the Design and Production of Personal Protective Equipment

With increasingly stringent safety standards being executed by government bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of the UK, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. personal protective equipment has gained immense importance in businesses that need their workers to function in hazardous conditions.

Increasing emphasis on functionality and protection along with detailed training procedures, are driving developments in newer variants of personal protective equipment. Owing to the grave consequences of equipment failure, research and development on relative safeguard mechanisms has gained great importance among manufacturers across the globe.

Demand for Lightweight Equipment and Aesthetics Drives the Use of New Materials

Manufacturing industries are increasingly displaying preference towards lightweight materials that provide a similar level of safety, while providing additional mobility and ease of operations, even in constricted areas. This has been a key driver towards numerous innovations in design and fabric of various items.

For example, US based National Safety Apparel has developed its range of TEGGEN light-weight, fire resistant fabric that claims to eliminate the risk of melting or dripping as per OSHA standards, while enabling the manufacturers to design clothes such as shirts, bottoms, or overalls that are thin,  and visually appealing to resemble semi-casual work clothes.

Similarly, HexArmor Inc. has also released its version of light weight seamless gloves that improve on the thinness of material for improved dexterity and comfort, without compromising on resistance to cuts and abrasions, while incorporating highly flexible exoskeleton structures that protect from the adverse of high intensity impacts.

Stanco Safety Products has also released its range of apparel for use in the molten metal sector, which makes use of fabrics that weight between 10 and 12 pounds, instead of the traditional 16 pounds, which allow the users to stay cooler in the hot environments of such facilities, increasing comfort without compromising on the level of protection offered.

Personal Protective Equipment Manufacturers Focus on Training and Awareness Programs

Numerous businesses fail to have a proper hazard assessment of their premises, in addition to a lack of worker training. This is especially true of projects in the construction industry, which significantly increases the risk of injury or death for workers in the vicinity. As a result, PPE manufacturers also provide ancillary services such as training programs for workers along with comprehensive hazard assessments to help end users select the right PPE for the relevant tasks and workplace.

For example, US based JJ Keller and Associates provides customized safety and regulatory compliance assessments to clients, through dedicated specialists in the field as per the specific requirements of the end users. This ensures the complete compliance as per OSHA, DOT, EPA, and more.

Similarly, 3M provides a number of tools and software that businesses can implement to help their personnel to use their personal protective equipment in the optimal way to meet the requisite safety needs. These services include e-learning modules, demonstration vehicles, confined space training, roadshows for safety awareness, training in virtual reality, and safety webinars among others.

Failure in Standards Compliance Increases Importance of Third Party Testing

Workers in hazardous workplaces often come across products such as safety glasses that do not meet the prescribed safety standards, despite being labelled in the appropriate manner. Such sub-standard products can affect the credibility of the manufacturers and restrain their growth significantly. It is therefore important that all products need to be tested by accredited, third party laboratories.

For instance, Intertek Group Plc provides PPE manufacturers with extensive testing for their products, before being released to the market to meet appropriate fall protection, chemical and biological protection standards, as claimed by the manufacturers. This not just helps ensure the manufacturer’s credibility, but also helps avoid potentially expensive lawsuits, which emphasizes the importance of such procedures.

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Onsite Production Gains Popularity to Circumvent Short Shelf Life of Dry Ice

The constantly growing production and supply of frozen food and transportation of goods including grocery and medicine is anticipated to create strong demand for dry ice as a refrigerant in a number of industries such as manufacturing, aviation, transport, medicine, food processing, and bio-medicine.

Dry ice often finds application as a substitute of water based ice owing to the fact that it does not melt in to a liquid form, which results in lesser waste and easier cleaning, making it an ideal refrigerant in a number of end use industries.

Food and Transport Industries to Drive Use of Dry Ice

Dry ice is anticipated to witness a steady growth in demand in the near future. This growth can be largely attributed to the ever rising demand for the material in the role of a refrigerant for transporting temperature sensitive materials or perishable foods. In addition, the rising consumption of frozen foods is anticipated to boost the use of dry ice across the globe.

Another major factor that is presently pushing the use of dry ice globally, is its use in industrial cleaning through a dry ice blast cleaning process. The procedure is gaining popularity as it provides end users with a more effective and safe cleaning solution in comparison the results achieved by the use of traditional cleaning solvents and chemicals.

Dry ice is extremely versatile in its applications and is also increasingly being used as an effective alternative to traditional cooling systems that are powered by electricity. These factors are anticipated to directly influence the demand for dry ice in a positive manner for the foreseeable future.

Growth of Dry Ice Production and Application Equipment Innovations

The supply of dry ice is largely driven by the availability and innovation in production technologies, through changes in equipment design and working principles. Moreover, equipment manufacturers are also working on the crucial issue storing dry ice for longer periods, by making use of machines that provide dry ice as per the user needs, on site.

For example, Triventek A/S of Denmark has introduced a dry ice pelletizer machine that provides high quality and density of dry ice pellets that can be used for cooling and blast cleaning purposes. The new equipment features improved extrusion plates that allow the end user to access freshly produced dry ice on the site. Moreover, the equipment also features automatic lubrication and recovery mechanisms that recycle any waste gas that occurs due to sublimation of the material.

Cold Jet LLC has also released its new range of Aero dry ice blast cleaning systems, which make use of a combined electro-pneumatic system, in addition to insulated hoppers, focused nozzles, and durable and ergonomic designs to ease of use. Since the use of carbon dioxide in such a manner eliminates the need for volatile organic compounds, or other types of cleaning solvents, they are also supported by environmental initiatives, further driving the growth of the global dry ice market.

Mergers and Acquisitions to Drive Global Growth

Owing to the rising applications of dry ice, manufacturers are focused intensely on merger, acquisition, and collaborative activities that are aimed at increasing production capacity and improving on market presence on a global scale.

For example, leading industrial gas manufacturers Praxair Inc. and the Linde Group have announced their merger, which is expected to make the combined business entity the global leader in the industrial gas business, dethroning Air Liquide, by enhancing its geographic presence in all major markets, and boosted efficiency, savings, and production scale.

Similarly, European industrial gas manufacturer Yara International ASA has been acquired by Praxair Inc., which includes the sale of CO2 liquefaction units, dry ice production units, and shipping infrastructure across numerous European countries including Ireland, Italy, and Scandinavia.

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Container Liner Market Driven by Strategic Mergers and Acquisitions

Essential in the safe transport of bulk cargo, container liners are constantly gaining demand owing to factors such as reduced effort in cleaning, replacement, reusability, cost efficiency, and resistance to dampness and humidity. Rapidly growing manufacturing industries across the globe, and the consequent increase in marine shipping activities is one of the key influencers that is driving higher usage of container liners for the storage and transport of such products.

Environmental Concerns Drive Producers towards Material Sustainability

Constantly growing concerns about environment pollution, and the use and indiscriminate disposal of plastics around the world, has led to the implementation of strict laws, which are anticipated to restrict the companies producing container liners, and push them towards the adoption of measures aimed towards reuse and recyclability.

For example, with the European Union aiming for reduced use of plastics, and extensive application of circular economy, container liner manufacturer Thrace Group, has voluntarily announced its decision to replace more than 8000 tons of raw virgin plastic in its products with recycled plastic, by the end of 2025.

Similarly, LC Packaging International B.V, has announced its intention to reinvent the uses of plastic, to improve on efficiency in design, production, application, and disposal, through additional research efforts in the designing and manufacturing of recyclable, low-weight, packaging products, and new types of technical fabrics.

Container Liner Manufacturers Look Towards Strategic Acquisitions and Mergers

Manufacturers are increasingly looking to improve on their production capabilities, expanding technological knowhow, and expanding on geographical market presence, through strategic collaborations, mergers and acquisitions.

For instance, major container liner manufacturer Greif Inc. has entered into an agreement towards the acquisition of Caraustar Industries Inc. This deal is anticipated to significantly build on Greif’s diversity of products, thereby improving on overall cash flow, profitability, and balance.

Berry Global Group Inc., a container liner producer also announced its acquisition of polythene bag and film manufacturer, Laddawn Inc. in mid-2018. The acquisition is expected to provide Berry Global with significant additions to the company’s portfolio of engineered materials, resulting in a wide range of product offerings for consumers.

Similarly, Australian packaging products giant, Amcor Ltd. is also in the process of acquiring U.S. based Bemis Co. Inc. the merged entity is expected to have the benefit of additional manufacturing capacity, and extended market reach to consumers across different parts of the world, as both companies provide container liner products for similar end use consumers.

Innovations in Material and Design Drive the Development of Container Liners

To meet the high standards of modern packaging requirements, major container liner manufacturers have increased their investment in research and development activities to enhance functionality, durability, and sustainability of their products.

For example, Bulk Handling Australia has revealed its range of woven container liners made from polypropylene, or high-density polyethylene, that made manufactured according to the end-users customization. The liners make use of impulse welding processes, instead of conventional sewing procedures.

TankBag has introduced its range of single use container liners, made from food grade polyethylene that have been designed especially for ISO rated tanks, for liquid cargo. The product improves on the optimization of product integrity and costs of cleaning, thereby minimizing cargo restrictions. The TankBag allows users to have a completely clean tank, after every use, ready for a different type of cargo, by eliminating the risk of contamination, and making it compliant for use as per administrative bodies such as the EU, FOSFA, and FDA.

Eceplast has also brought out its variant of container liners that make use of a unique Barless Safety System that completely eliminates the need for steel bars in the bulkhead area, which significantly improves on the benefits of monetary savings, provides easier handling, and reduces the risk of damage that occasionally occurs through the use of steel bars.

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