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12 / June 2021 powderbulk.com pastries are increasing, along with growing spending power of the middle class and the adoption of automated technology. Some factors, such as rising labor, energy, and ingredient costs, are expected to cause end-use man- ufacturers to choose efficient and advanced bakery processing equip- ment that can improve production efficiency. Other factors, such as fluctuating raw material costs for stainless steel and polymers, will impact the overall bakery process- ing equipment market. For more info and to purchase a copy of the report for $4,950, visit www.grand viewresearch.com. RESEARCH NOTES Study shows microplastics are 'hubs' for pathogens, antibiotic-resistant bacteria Researchers at the New Jersey Insti- tute of Technology (NJIT) have demonstrated that microplastics (ultrafine plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in length) can become 'hubs' for antibiotic- resistant bacte- ria and pathogen growth after the microplastics wash down drains and enter wastewater treatment plants. The microplastics form a biofilm — a slimy layer of buildup — on their surface that provides a location for the bacteria and patho- gens to attach to and mix together. Led by Dung Ngoc Pham, NJIT PhD candidate and first study author, the research revealed that, in some cases, certain strains of bacteria elevate antibiotic resistance by up to 30 times while living on the microplastics' biofilm inside activated sludge units at wastewa- ter treatment plants. Microplastics are currently cre- ated by many products, including personal care products, industrial by European Union member states, resulting in restricted sales and use of the chemical in powder coatings in that region. For more info and to purchase a copy of the report for $4,900, visit www.persistence marketresearch.com. Bakery processing equipment market to grow as demand for cakes, pastries grows in Asia The bakery processing equipment market is forecast to reach a $20.24 billion value by 2028, according to the report Bakery Processing Equip- ment Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Equipment (Ovens & Proofers, Molders & Sheeters), by Application (Bread, Pizza Crusts), by Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2021- 2028 by Grand View Research. The bakery equipment market is expected to expand at a 5.8 per- cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2021 to 2028. The growth during the forecast period is expected to be driven by the incorporation of better-for-you ingredients in bakery products paired with greater demand for gluten-free bakery products. By equipment type, mixers and blenders represented the second- largest share of the bak- ery processing equipment market in 2020. Mixers and blenders can increase efficiency and quickly mix raw materials to produce large quantities of pastries, bread, and other baked goods. By product type, demand for cakes and pas- tries was the second highest in 2020 with the report citing rising dis- posable income, globalization, and inclination toward western-style diets in Asian countries. In terms of region, the Asia-Pacific region is predicted to expand the fastest over the forecast period for some of the same reasons that cakes and MARKETS UPDATE Powder polyester resins market to grow at 6 percent CAGR through 2030 The powder polyester resins market is predicted to grow at a more than 6 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to reach a value of $4.2 billion by the end of 2030. This is according to the report Global Mar- ket Study on Powder Polyester Resins: Significant Demand Projected for Hybrid Applications by Persistence Market Research, which notes that as chemicals have become more versatile, stable, and refined, their incorporation into products has grown substantially, including in paints and coatings, adhesives, and other products. The report states that the East Asian region dominates the global powder polymer resins market, with China leading the region with strong production and con- sumption of the material. The market for powder polyester resins is expected to show high growth potential in developing economies as these regions make infrastruc- ture improvements and expand end uses for the material. One growing segment is powder coatings in the global paints and coatings market because one of the available powder coating processes provides a more environmentally friendly alternative to solvent-based coating systems. In terms of polyester resin for- mulations, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on alter- native products to triglycidyl isocyanurate- (TGIC-) based poly- ester resins. The alternative, more environmentally friendly coating formulation ingredient is known as beta hydroxyalkylamide- (HAA-) based or TGIC-free powder poly- ester resins. In 1998, TGIC was classified as a Category 2 mutagen