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Plastics are some of the most vastly used materials in modern life. They are the building block of products manufactured by almost every sector, including packaging, building and construction, textiles, [...]

Liturgy invites participants to partake in spiritual goods that are also economic commodities. This article explores the liturgical significance of these commodities through the lens of Veblenian thought. Thorstein Veblen argues that consumption of positional or inherently limited goods signifies predatory status, and that liturgy similarly uses such resources to depict God as a predator. Addressing Veblen's analysis of liturgy, Paul's explanation of the eucharist in 1 Corinthians 11 suggests that the goods of liturgy are the antitheses of positional goods, insofar as they attain their highest goodness when shared equitably. Such "sacramental goods" provide a means for viewing divine participation not only in the liturgy, but also in the broader economy. Selected implications follow, including a need to orient the aesthetics of the liturgy toward shared rather than limited goodness, and cautious employment of consumerist emblems in liturgical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elkus Manfredi Architects has designed two state-of-the-art facilities for Nuro, a robotics company in Silicon Valley that specializes in electric, autonomous vehicles for transporting consumer goods. The project involved renovating two former warehouses to create a 58,000-square-foot industrial laboratory and a 49,000-square-foot fit-out. The interiors were designed to resemble cities, with a network of neighborhoods and a ring road that organizes work functions and breakout spaces. The design also prioritized sustainability, with features such as daylighting, recycled materials, and a minimalistic track painted on the floor to serve as a main artery and wayfinding element. The space is flexible and adaptable, allowing employees to work where they need to with movable furniture and repositionable lighting. The design also incorporates elements that reflect Nuro's brand, such as miniature vehicle models and murals of street maps. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on debunking the narrative of China's economic rise being fueled primarily by intellectual property theft. It highlighting the exaggeration of IP theft figures; misrepresentation of what IP is being stolen (consumer goods like sneakers and handbags); flawed assumptions about the impact of theft on technological innovation; mischaracterization of China's open-source intelligence efforts as espionage; and the misconceptions around joint venture IP "theft" by Chinese companies.

Scott Saunders, the general manager of KW Plastics, discusses the company's success in the recycling industry by working directly with consumer product companies to incorporate postconsumer resin into their applications. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships with suppliers and customers and the need for improved recycling programs and extended producer responsibility. KW Plastics plans to continue expanding its recycling capabilities to meet growing demand. The article also highlights the importance of increasing recycling rates in rural states, starting with easily recyclable items and gradually tackling more challenging materials. The author advocates for building momentum and funding through simple successes before taking on more difficult recycling initiatives. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the merger of Firmenich and DSM to form dsm-firmenich, a company operating in the nutrition, health, and beauty industries. With combined revenues exceeding €12 billion, dsm-firmenich offers a wide range of products, including fragrances, skincare products, plant-based proteins, and omega-3s. The company focuses on sustainability and green chemistry, investing in digital transformation and joint growth programs in sugar reduction and plant-based products. They have expanded their capabilities in India, received awards for flavor science and innovation, and offer health and nutrition solutions. The company's Science & Research teams prioritize sustainability and collaborate with partners to make a measurable difference in the food industry. [Extracted from the article]

Givaudan, a company based in Switzerland, has a strong global presence with numerous employees and locations worldwide. Despite external challenges, the company has achieved financial success and is focused on shaping the future of the food, fragrance, and beauty industries through innovation and collaboration with customers. Givaudan is also committed to sustainability and diversity, and its co-creation process, digital tools, and new facilities have helped it deliver market-leading products. The company identifies three key influences driving innovation in the industry, including the need for established partners, a focus on sustainability, and the demand for nutritious food without compromising taste. Givaudan is actively addressing these influences and supporting customers in navigating regulatory changes while emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and community care. [Extracted from the article]

Virtually all managers in consumer businesses recognize major social, economic, and technological trends. But many do not consider the profound ways in which trends—especially those that seem unrelated to their core markets—influence consumers’ aspirations, attitudes, and behaviors. As a result, companies may be ceding to rivals an opportunity to transform the industry. For instance, the impact of the digital revolution on consumers’ daily lives is hardly a revelation. But it may be less obvious that heavy digital users tend to focus on short-term goals, demand immediate gratification, and expect to multitask. That insight, the authors argue, is as important for a company that sells lipstick as it is for one that sells smartphones. The authors present a process for identifying the trends that could reshape a business and three strategies for leveraging trends to create new value propositions: Infuse aspects of the trend into the product category to augment traditional offerings, as Coach did with its lower-priced Poppy handbags. Combine aspects of the trend with attributes of the category to produce offerings that transcend it, as Nike did with its Nike+ sports kit and web service. Or counteract negative effects of the trend with new products and services that reaffirm the category’s values, as iToys did with its ME2 video game, which encourages children to be physically active. INSETS: New Value Propositions;Why Firms Fail to Leverage Trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What was it Wayne Gretzky said about why he was so good at hockey? He just skated to where the puck was going next. Executives and investors wish they could do so too, to sense where profits are going next. Following a six- year study of profitability patterns, the authors have developed a model for doing just that. In the early stages of a product’s evolution, companies compete on the basis of performance. And since they can’t make substantial improvements in product performance unless the entire value chain is housed under one organizational roof, it works best if companies are vertically integrated. But as the underlying technology improves to meet the needs of most customers, companies begin to compete on the basis of convenience, customization, price, and flexibility. At that point, vertical integration is no longer an advantage—in fact, it quickly becomes a disadvantage. Different links in the industry value chain become modular, and the chain subsequently fragments. In either stage, most profitability goes to the companies that own the interdependent links in the value chain—the places where everyone’s still vying to satisfy their customers with ever-better product functionality. Initially, that’s the makers of the proprietary products aimed at the end-use consumers. But as those products become standardized, profitability shifts to the makers of components, and as components themselves become standardized, it can shift further back in the value chain. That’s predictable, but it causes a problem for incumbents. As their products become commodities and profits decline, pressure from investors to maintain ROA causes them to spin off asset-intensive units that design and manufacture components—the very places where profits are heading. INSETS: Management Education¿Ripe for Dis-Integration;Where the Money Went in the PC Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Our Bureau, New Delhi Aligned with National Nutrition Week 2024's theme, 'Eating for a Healthier Tomorrow', Organic India's is dedicated to bring the pure and most wholesome products directly [...]

Regulars PRODUCTS THE LATEST, GREATEST BITES FOR YOUR CLASSIC FORD PRODUCT OF THE MONTH PIRELLI CINTURATO P7 TYRE £342 Longstone In 1974 Pirelli were one of the first to market [...]

Byline: Simon Harvey Fresh from a Nasdaq debut in July through a merger with a SPAC vehicle, Above Food's co-founder, president and CEO Lionel Kambeitz discusses the company's push into [...]

Byline: Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) has written to Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal 'outlining serious concerns' over deceptive packaging strategies used by [...]

Samoa's current account is dominated by three large components: goods imports, services exports and remittances. Other items, such as goods exports, play a much smaller role in influencing the current-account [...]

Byline: Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi The FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) sector, in July 2024, has continued to face significant challenges, with sales remaining sluggish, say sector experts. In this regard, [...]

Barclays raised the firm's price target on Reynolds Consumer Products to $29 from $28 and keeps an Equal Weight rating on the shares. The firm says innovation and marketing can [...]

Canaccord raised the firm's price target on Reynolds Consumer Products to $32 from $30 and keeps a Hold rating on the shares. The firm said they reported Q2 results that [...]

2022 2023 2024 3 Qtr 4 Qtr 1 Qtr 2 Qtr 3 Qtr 4 Qtr 1 Qtr 2 Qtr Output (2015=100)[sup.a] Industrial production index[sup.b] 100.7 99.1 99.9 100.8 100.8 100.8 [...]

Raises FY24 revenue view to $3.59M -$3.67M , consensus [...]

Sees Q3 revenue $$885M-$915M , consensus [...]

Reports Q2 revenue $930M, consensus $$891M.The company further reduced Net Debt to Trailing Twelve Months Adjusted EBITDA1 from 2.7x on December 31 to 2.4x on June 30, 2024. 'Strong retail [...]

Regulars / PRODUCTS PRODUCTS THE LATEST, GREATEST BITES FOR YOUR CLASSIC FORD PRODUCT OF THE MONTH 80 MM STEPPER GAUGES From £89.50 Rally Design Rally Design’s good-value, super-accurate stepper gauges [...]

JPMorgan lowered the firm's price target on Reynolds Consumer Products to $29 from $30 and keeps a Neutral rating on the shares as part of a Q2 preview last week [...]

Barclays lowered the firm's price target on Reynolds Consumer Products to $28 from $29 and keeps an Equal Weight rating on the shares. The analyst believes the macro backdrop and/or [...]

Byline: Rachel Lawler The EU's Green Claims Directive, which comes into effect in 2026 will mean any claims made about the sustainability of a consumer product will need to be [...]

New Delhi, July 1 -- The United Nations-mandated Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 talks about 'responsible consumption and production'. Specifically, target 12.6 states that, 'encourage companies, especially large and transnational [...]

Regulars / PRODUCTS THE LATEST, GREATEST BITS FOR YOUR CLASSIC FORD PRODUCT OF THE MONTH HARRY POTTER ANGLIA SLOT CAR £53.99 Pendle Slot Racing It was only a matter of [...]

The article discusses the concept of "process debt" and its impact on the success of artificial intelligence (AI) implementation in organizations. Process debt refers to the accumulation of outdated, isolated, and customer-disconnected ways of doing work. The article argues that organizations need to address process debt in order to fully realize the potential of AI and other digitization tools. It provides recommendations for tackling process debt, including mapping end-to-end processes, identifying clear outcomes, leveraging external collaborators, establishing a digital factory, reskilling employees, and adopting an iterative and learning mindset. The article emphasizes the importance of rethinking and redesigning work processes to focus on customer demands and create value. [Extracted from the article]

The article highlights the 73rd annual Retailer Excellence Awards (REA), recognizing independent retailers, top sales representatives, and manufacturers. It features finalists across various categories and announcing Gift for Life's Industry Achievement Award honoree, Dorothy Belshaw, with a gala scheduled for June 19 at Union Station in Dallas, Texas, U.S.

The article focuses on the trends in US containerized exports in 2023, revealing a slight overall increase of 0.3 percent after three years of decline. Topics include a 5.7 percent rise in chemical and plastic resin exports, a 6.9 percent increase in recyclables shipments, and declines in exports of automobiles and parts, paper and forest products, and agricultural goods by 3.5 percent, 8.8 percent, and 6.1 percent respectively.

This article examines the regulation of heavy metals in cannabis and hemp products in the United States. It acknowledges the inconsistent regulations across different states and argues for a broader range of elemental contaminants to be monitored for consumer safety. The article compares state-based limits with federal guidelines for pharmaceuticals and emphasizes the need for more consistency and comprehensive risk assessment studies in the cannabis industry. The document includes tables outlining permissible limits of elemental impurities in drug compounds and suggests testing frequencies for different classes of metals. The author, Robert Thomas, is a principal scientist with expertise in atomic and mass spectroscopy. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a study conducted by the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) and Creme Global on the exposure to fragrance ingredients in high-end fragranced products. The study found that even the highest-end users of fragranced products have extremely low exposure to fragrance, which is well below internationally recognized safe levels. The study used the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) and Dermal Sensitization Threshold (DST) to determine consumer exposure to fragrance. The authors of the study emphasize that these findings provide reassurance to perfumers and consumers that fragrance ingredients can be safely used. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the decline of the retail sector in the United States, specifically in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasizes the impact of e-commerce on traditional retailers and the difficulties they face in transitioning to omnichannel strategies. The pandemic resulted in a surge in online shopping, with online retail sales surpassing $1 trillion and gaining market share. Although in-store sales experienced a temporary rebound as restrictions eased, overall retail sales growth has slowed, and key performance metrics for retail chains have declined. The retail sector is currently facing challenges as consumer spending returns to pre-pandemic levels and there is an increase in large retail bankruptcy filings. Many retailers are undergoing restructuring or facing financial difficulties, particularly those in various product categories and store types. Furthermore, more shoppers are experiencing financial struggles, with increased personal debt impacting their consumption decisions. The future of retail necessitates adaptation and relevance to customers, with a focus on important locations and online capabilities. Affluent Americans and smaller online retailers are thriving, while mid-sized chains that sell nondescript or lower-end brands to lower and middle-income shoppers are at the greatest risk of distress. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the founding and evolution of Seabrook, a vibrant beach town near Washington's Pacific Beach, emphasizing its commitment to new urbanism design principles and its recent approval for major expansions. It also explores Seabrook's vision for the future, including the development of retail villages, homes, wellness centers, and community amenities, all while maintaining a focus on eco-friendly practices and sustainability.

W. RE, a developer, has renovated the former Arding & Hobbs department store in Clapham, London, after it was left vacant by Debenhams' collapse. The renovation transformed the space into a mixed-use development, including a bar, restaurant, gym, and office space. The building's original features were preserved, such as brick and stone walls, and architectural gems were uncovered during the refurbishment. The development aims to breathe new life into old department stores and restore their architectural glory. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Plastverarbeiter is the property of Hüthig GmbH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The regulatory landscape for hemp-derived cannabinoids is undergoing significant transformations, driven by both federal and state legislative actions. This article provides an analysis of current regulations and proposed changes that could impact the hemp industry. The 2018 Farm Bill initially provided a legal framework for hemp cultivation and the production of non-intoxicating cannabinoids. However, recent amendments to the 2024 Farm Bill paired with major regulatory changes on the state level seek to redefine hemp and increase regulations for hemp consumer goods. This article examines these regulatory shifts, their motivations, and the potential consequences for farmers, producers, and consumers in the hemp industry. The analysis underscores the need for balanced regulations that ensure product safety without stifling industry growth and innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kerry Group, based in Kerry, Ireland, reported sales of €8,020 million in 2023 and is focusing on growth opportunities in the Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and African regions. The company has made significant investments in taste production facilities, including a new facility in Karawang, Indonesia, to bring capabilities closer to high-growth markets. Kerry is also committed to sustainable nutrition and has been recognized for its sustainability efforts. Major influencers for innovation in 2024 include consumer trends, health requirements, and industry needs. The company's main focuses for the next 12 months are pursuing growth, extending reach in sustainable nutrition, prioritizing healthfulness of product formulations, and addressing cost-related issues in the supply chain. [Extracted from the article]

Space is becoming a potential source of value for businesses across a range of sectors, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and tourism. To understand what the opportunities are for your company, the authors advise you to consider the four ways in which using space could create value: data, capabilities, resources, and markets. For most companies thinking about their space strategy over the next five to 10 years, data will be the dominant focus. For instance, many companies are turning to remote-sensing satellites for data that will inform business decisions. Whether it’s tracking the number of cars parked in retail locations, detecting costly and environmentally damaging methane leaks from natural-gas wells, or assessing soil type and moisture content to maximize crop yields, creative uses for data gathered from space abound. Companies looking further ahead will want to explore the value to be gained from conducting activities in space, utilizing space assets, and meeting demand from the new space age. Businesses engaging with commercial space should be willing to experiment and should look for partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of a larger effort to digitize its global supply chain, Kimberly-Clark is putting a combination of machine learning and optimization algorithms to work to optimize its transportation networks--and [...]

Copyright of POP is the property of Transcript Verlag and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article examines the cooling capabilities of the Intel Core i7-14700K processor and tests the effectiveness of a smaller air cooler, the Noctua NH-L9x65 Chromax Black. It provides a list of components used in the build, discussing their compatibility and performance. The article offers a step-by-step guide for building a PC using the Hydra chassis, including tips and instructions for various aspects of the build. It also discusses the performance and features of Intel's 14th generation processors, specifically focusing on the Core i7-14700K, and suggests that upgrading may not be necessary for those already on the 13th or 12th gen. [Extracted from the article]

This document provides an overview of recent litigation involving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in FDA-regulated products, specifically cosmetics and food packaging. The document highlights several cases where plaintiffs alleged deceptive practices and failure to disclose PFAS in products, but the courts dismissed the claims due to insufficient evidence or lack of standing. The document also offers best practices for companies to mitigate potential litigation risks, including working with experts, obtaining compliance certifications, and structuring cost-effective discovery. The document acknowledges that the PFAS litigation is still evolving, and future court decisions will shape the scope and future of this litigation. [Extracted from the article]

Product manufacturers have increasingly used proprietary software and predatory design to prevent independent servicers from repairing their products, forcing consumers to seek repairs through manufacturer-authorized servicers, often at an inflated price. In response to this, the Right to Repair Movement seeks to promote competition within repairs aftermarkets to reduce costs, mitigate the environmental impacts of consumer waste, and increase the overall utility of consumer goods. Right to repair advocates typically lobby for legislative goals, but I argue that antitrust law, namely prohibitions on anticompetitive tying arrangements, can be a useful tool to achieve similar goals in the absence of such legislation. I use the MacBook Pro laptop as a case study to illustrate the law's utility in this context. Furthermore, I argue that the leading Supreme Court case on aftermarket tieins, Eastman Kodak Co. v. Image Technical Services, Inc., may be worthy of revival despite its skeptics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the diverse landscape of energy supplements beyond traditional energy drinks, delving into options like pre-workout supplements, adaptogen formulas, and mental energy products. It also mentions the shift towards better-for-you options, the market is witnessing a move away from stimulant-packed products, with a growing demand for non-stimulant ingredients and a focus on delivering sustained, targeted benefits aligned with consumers' specific needs.

The U.S. Supreme Court has indirectly expressed support for the legal principle that consent is not required to use a third-party trademark in a creative or artistic work. This principle has been relied upon by filmmakers, musicians, and video game producers for over 30 years. The Court's recent decisions in two cases, Jack Daniel's Properties, Inc. v. VIP Products LLC and Abitron Austria GMBH v. Hetronic International, Inc., suggest that trademark owners cannot establish infringement based on the use of a mark in an artistic or creative work. These decisions reinforce the rights of artists and storytellers to use trademarks in their expressive works. [Extracted from the article]