Supplier product improvement driving

PHB producers expect continued progress in fermentation processes and identification of lower cost feedstock to provide more reasonable material costs for niche markets. Longer term, crop-based production has potential to drive PHB costs to more competitive levels from improved productivity. P G for example, is investigating the manufacture of Nodax by plant-grown methods. The supplier states that this method could reduce Nodax prices to between 1.0-2.0 per kg. 

This situation is all in stark contrast to other safety critical industries. For example in aerospace there is a more open and transparent culture of learning which crosses organisational and otherwise commercially competitive boundaries. lu aerospace stakeholders are aware that improvements in safety are for the greata good of the industty and that in the long term a safe product drives revenues for aU players. HIT suppliers have some way to catch up and it is largely the responsibility of their customers to call for the transparency that is required to enable a rigorous and practical assurance process. 

The continuing drive to improve customer care and the high profile of health and safety issues, has led to pressure on the suppliers of plastics components to certain industries to minimise odours, and volatiles in general, from their products. This is particular tme of the automotive industry. 

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