World market additives

Since 1971, the overall demand for isocyanates has increased at a compounded rate of 12%. Although this level will not likely be sustained in the future due to the maturation of key appHcation markets, it is probable that additional growth will occur through the year 2000. This trend will likely iaclude a shift in emphasis from TDl to MDl and polymeric MDl-based materials. New growth opportunities in the constmction industry, stmctural appHcations, and growth in the automotive industry exist. Third-world markets are also anticipated to provide growth opportunities. 

In particular, the RoHS Directive has been proven in Europe. Those substances are now banned from the products (below the limit values). In addition, the international equipment manufacturers have switched their production, not limited to Europe, but made for the world market. This in turn has led to the creation of laws similar to the RoHS regulation in other regions of the world. 

Methyl bromide has been identified as an ozone-depleting substance and is being gradually removed from world markets. Current legislation and plans call for the elimination of methyl bromide in most industrial countries by 2005, with possible exemptions for quarantine (UNEP, 1996). Currently there is an extensive search worldwide for products that are alternatives to methyl bromide (Kawakami, 1999). These alternatives are broadly defined and include components of management plans such as sanitation, monitoring, contact insecticides, heat treatments, and modified atmospheres, in addition to new fumigants (Batchelor, 1998). 

The use is examined of plastics in medical applications with reference to the US market for additives for these products. The use of plastics for medical applications, which include products and components of equipment, and packaging, is expected to exceed 4 billion US dollars in the next two years, with perhaps double or treble that figure for the world market, it is forecasted. The regulatory bodies governing the use of additives are reviewed, and specific additives discussed include plasticisers, stabilisers, conductive additives, and lubricants. The production of compounds for use in the medical sector is examined with reference to the activities of leading companies, and brief details of product developments are included. 

Xylose isomerases (EC 5.3.1.5), often referred to as glucose isomerase, have been studied extensively, in large part because of their use in the conversion of glucose to fructose for high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). The world market for HFCS is expected to reach a total of 7.9 million metric tons in 1990 which, at a cost of 0.20/LB, would amount to 3.2 billion (i), and sales of xylose isomerase is expected to be about 15 million (T. Wallace, International Biosynthetics, personal communication). Research on xylose isomerase has produced DNA sequences of the gene from a number of bacterial strains, including the detailed structure of the xylose operon (2-7). In addition, x-ray crystallographic studies (8), kinetic measurements (9), and the use of inhibitors (10,11) have led to descriptions of the location of the active site and mechanistic models of its activity. 

Recovered sulfur sources in Middle East countries have also been developed recently. Most important of these is the Saudi Arabian gas recovery program at Berri, Shedgum and Uthmaniyah which will initially add some 4,000 tons/d to recovered sulfur production. This additional 1.5 million tons/annum of recovered sulfur will further enhance the growing dominance of recovered sulfur in the total world market picture. 

Addition of Active C-H Compounds to Dienes the Rhone-Poulenc Process for Geranylacetone - Geranylacetone is a precursor of isophytol, a key intermediate in the manufacture of vitamine E (tocopherol) (see Figure 16), the world market of which is 10 000 t/a at a price of 25-30 /kg tocopherylacetate.54... 

There are several thousand known minerals in nature (with estimates ranging from 2,000 to 7,000), but fewer than a hundred are considered gem minerals. Of these, only about a dozen or so are actually valuable enough to be important gemstones on the world market. In order to be considered a gemstone, a mineral must first of all be beautiful. In addition, it must be hard and durable. Its value increases if it is also rare. 

Vietnam produces more than 50001 of star anise seeds per annum. It is estimated that the combined production of China and Vietnam is more than 25,0001 per annum. In addition, 200-2501 of essential oil are shipped to France and the Czech Republic. In China, which is the largest supplier of star anise to the world market, Vietnamese star anise is blended and then exported to France. In France, it is used as a raw material in the production of alcoholic beverages (FAO, 2003). 

Energy (electric power, oil, gas, and coal) is an important component of the Russian economy, accounting for 30.1 percent of Russian industrial output. Industrial output, in turn, contributed 31.8 percent to nominal GDP in 2000, of which oil extraction, refining, and natural gas contributed 8.8 percent. This share, 8.8 percent, was up sharply from 1998 as higher world market prices boosted the value of the output, the value-added in these sectors. In addition to its contribution to GDP, the energy sector is a major source of profit and excise tax revenue. It was responsible for 22 percent of total corporate... 

Theta Reports. 1775 Broadway, Suite 511, New York, NY 10019, U.S.A. Phone +1 212-262-8230, Fax +1 212-262-8234. E-mail lschacterle thetareports.com. URL http // www.pjbpubs.com/theta/index.htm. Theta Reports, a division of PJB, has been an independent publisher of market research reports for the healthcare sector since 1970. They focus exclusively on the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, and diagnostics industries, gathering their information via primary research and industry interviews. They also offer a customized research and analysis service. Theta Reports offer good coverage of world markets in addition to... 

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