International Plastics News for Asia

Plastic film production has undergone tremendous change over the years as converters note the shift of consumer preference for environment-friendly options. More important, this sector of the plastics industry has taken a major leap forward in the move towards a circular economy. In this issue, we look at how a new breed of polyethylene resins has been helping achieve high performance and easy processing needed to help reduce blending, restore simplicity to film design, and unlock film and package production efficiencies.

We also look at the latest trends in homecare packaging and how manufacturers of homecare products are responding as consumers now prefer brands that are taking more meaningful steps to address sustainability. For one, we see increased use of post-consumer recycled material as an effective alternative that reduces the reliance on fossil-based materials.

Southeast Asia, whose trade and business sector was badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic, is now trying to regain its growth momentum. We look forward to the return of major trade exhibitions in this region, among them, the Manufacturing Expo in Thailand where five other exhibitions are co-located.