International Plastics News for Asia

Consumer electronics is one of the most dynamic sectors for engineering plastics. No surprise since the telecommunications industry was an early adaptor of plastics. Think telephones, one of the first consumer products made of Bakelite, an early plastic that was a marvel nearly a century ago. Then as now the consumer electronics sector demands materials that exhibit dimensional stability, heat and chemical resistance, high strength and unique properties. One of the top users of plastic materials, the consumer electronics industry is vibrant and as responsive to consumer trends as the fashion industry, and one reason why 2.3 billion mobile devices were sold in 2014. This demand is fuelling improvement in both materials and processing techniques, some of which you can read about in Industry Application section beginning on page 24.

Designing innovative concepts that are responsive to consumer needs is the focus of Touch and Drag, a South Korean company that isn’t limiting smartphone accessories to USB and chargers. Instead, CEO Daniel Lee and his design team are constantly coming up with novelty products that are fun, creative and connected. Read about Mr Lee’s approach to functionality in Boardroom Connection.