25-27 Jan, 2016 - Bangkok, THAILAND
Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit
Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit
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The global demand for bioplastics is increasing. Global bioplastics production capacity is said to quadruple by 2018 (6.73 million metric tons) with 75.8% being produced in Asia – according to European Bioplastics. Meanwhile, global bioplastics demand is slated for a rise with an annual growth rate of 19% until 2017 to reach 960,000 metric tons – as per Freedonia Group.
The growth of the bioplastics market will largely depend on two factors – price and performance. Bioplastics prices are much higher compared to virgin plastics and therefore the adoption is slow. It’s argued that the prices can be brought down by the adoption of better production technologies that reduce manufacturing costs as well as improve performance.
To bring down the prices of bioplastics, it’s important that there is long term supply of raw materials that support large scale production, thus lowers cost of production. However, most of the feedstock for bioplastics production are renewable such as sugar, corn starch or plant oil and are only available in small quantities and compete with other industries.
Bioplastics for packaging is one of the key areas of growth. As per a report from Research and Markets.com (2013) the bioplastics packaging segment will grow at a 19.85% CAGR between 2013 and 2018. With governments across different countries mandating and encouraging use of cleaner fuels and alternatives to petroleum based products, the use of bioplastics has seen further traction.
At 5th Starch World Asia on 25-27 January, 2016 in Bangkok, more on ‘Bioplastics from Starch Feedstocks’ will be analyzed by Henk Jaap Meijer, Director Marketing and Sales at HENAN Food Systems BV.
Contact Ms. Huiyan at huiyan@cmtsp.com.sg or call +65 6345 9113 for more details.
14 Dec, 2015
China’s barley, cassava, sorghum, DDGS imports have risen in July 2015 as per the General Administration of Customs data. The country imported a 1.1 million tonnes of DDGS, a by-product of corn-based ethanol, that marked a rise of 67% on the year. The previous record was 959,935 tonnes in June. Most of the DDGS came from the US. Meanwhile China’s barley imports also increased 68% on the year to 1.28 million tonnes. Similarly sorghum imports jumped 183% on the year to 1.11 million tonnes while corn increased tenfold to 1.11 million tonnes.
The high imports record is the result of cheap overseas grains prices as compared to the expensive domestic grains.
Since there were no quota restrictions, domestic players imported in high numbers. To curb this, the Chinese government authorities intervened with restrictions. With effect from September 1, 2015, importers of barley, cassava, distillers' grains (DDGS) and sorghum in China have to register details of their purchases under a new system before they make the purchase.
The restrictions are expected to slow down shipments to China – the world’s top buyer.
Last year China introduced a similar system for sugar imports.
China’s grains stockpile is increasing. In fact it’s said that the Beijing's stockpile system has led to almost 50% increase in domestic corn prices as compared to global prices.
A drop of 30 percent is expected in China's corn and corn substitute imports to 20 million tonnes in 2015/16 from its 30 million tonnes imports in the current marketing year.
5th StarchWorld Asia on 26-27 January, 2016 in Bangkok, Thailand will discuss China’s imports and exports in greater details.
Contact Ms. Huiyan at huiyan@cmtsp.com.sg or call +65 6346 9113 for more details.
14 Oct, 2015
