West Texas Sand: A New Proppant
For years, mining firms have looked to Wisconsin as a source for the high-quality sand that functions as a proppant in hydraulic fracturing processes. Find out why some leading frac sand companies are now making investments in West Texas, and what it means for the oil plays in the region.
Harley-Davidson: The Reports of My Death Are Greatly Exaggerated
In recent years, Harley-Davidson has seen sales struggles, stock downgrades, and loss of market share in part due to slow economic recovery and a perceived decline in interest among millennials. Find out why one analyst believes these challenges are temporary, and what he thinks the company will do to overcome them.
Rising Demand for Natural Colors Galvanizes R&D Efforts
As consumers grow more selective about their diets, demand for natural colors over traditional artificial pigments in food and beverage products has rapidly increased. However, issues with chemical stability and color intensity have historically limited the widespread use of these additives. Find out how manufacturers are working to improve natural colors, and which products they've already introduced to meet the increased demand.
Layer Cakes: The Geology of Oklahoma's SCOOP and STACK
Oklahoma's highly developed oil and gas infrastructure makes it one of the most in-demand oil drilling spots in the US. Key to this demand is the geology of the state's oil fields, which feature stacked formations. Find why stacked formations make Oklahoma so desirable to oil and gas drillers, and what the future looks like in an up and down industry.
Sky High: Innovative Elevator Technologies Enable More Efficient Tall Buildings
Elevator technology and skyscraper architecture have a symbiotic relationship, with improvements in one encouraging new developments in the other. In recent years, elevator manufacturers have developed (or are currently testing) new technologies, to increase the speed, and travel distance of elevators, and to allow multiple cabs to operate in the same shaft, all in the name of allowing skyscrapers to grow even taller.
Water Soluble PVOH: The Material Behind the Booming Detergent Pod Market
Innovations with water soluble PVOH packaging film technology have spurred the rapid growth of single-use dose detergent products, despite safety concerns. Find out how some manufacturers are capitalizing on this technology to cater to consumer preference for similar convenience products.