US Industrial Rubber Recycling: Past, Present, and Future
The rise of eco-friendly initiatives has led to an increase in industrial products composed partly or entirely of recycled rubber, particularly in states with tire recycling requirements. Find out why manufacturers of these products have reasons to be optimistic about future growth, and which mitigating factors could impact this outlook.
Mexican HVAC Equipment Imports: A Hot Topic Faces a Cold Reality
The issue of American companies relocating production to Mexico has become a hot-button issue, with images of closed-up factories used as potent political symbols of a changing US economy. However, in the United States HVAC industry, imports from Mexico remain a small portion of the overall market, and "made in USA" predominates. A Freedonia analyst explains this polemical issue.
Smart Technology Invades the Power Tool Market
The Internet of Things is gaining traction in the power tools market. Digital connectivity can provide a variety of advantages, from theft deterrence to inventory management to improved tool performance. Find out how different manufacturers are implementing new technologies in power tools.
Furnace Manufacturers Hot Under the Collar Over New Energy Standard
A new efficiency standard for natural gas furnaces has created an ongoing debate within the furnace manufacturing industry concerning increased costs and payback results for consumers. Several compromises have developed, though at this point the implementation of the rule is in question. A Freedonia analyst weighs in on what this means for the heating equipment market.
VRF Heat Pumps: A Heating & Cooling Technology That Can Make Everyone Happy
Finding the right temperature that will make most people comfortable can be a difficult balancing act. However, the installation of VRF heat pumps enable separate rooms in a central system to have independent temperature control. Learn more about this technology and how it will impact the overall heat pump market.
Using Soy Can Benefit Your Health…But Not How You Think: Soy-based Air Filters
Agricultural crops, such as corn or soybeans, are increasingly used in non-food applications, particularly among companies looking to up their sustainability cred with biodegradable or bio-based products. One such innovation is soy air filters, which use biodegradable soy protein and bacterial cellulose to filter particulate matter. Learn more about the future of these products.
Sears Crafts Deal to Shed its Craftsman Legacy Brand
On January 5, 2017, Sears announced that it would sell its famed Craftsman tools brand to Stanley Black & Decker. This deal reflects the shifting US retail market and perhaps also the decline of Sears. However, for Stanley Black & Decker, it marks a major opportunity to expand its already significant share of the US tool market and move into new retail channels.