Bioplastics are increasingly seen as a viable alternative to fossil fuel-based virgin plastics and are a vital tool to deliver more sustainable plastic end-use applications. Important terms to understand in the sustainability lexicon are recyclable, biodegradable and compostable: A recyclable item can be reused and converted into new materials and items/parts instead of being dumped [...]
“Additive manufacturing” (AM) describes the use of 3D printing to make functional components, including tools and end-use production parts. Unlike “subtractive manufacturing” processes such as machining, where parts are created by removing material, additive manufacturing builds geometries by “adding” feedstock such as filament, wire or powder. Depending on the 3D printing process and application, additive [...]
The mold industry is one of the most long-span industries, and it has relationship with all areas of the manufacturing industry. In modern times, manufacturing and mold are highly dependent, and countless product components are manufactured by molding (injection, blow molding and silicone) or casting (mold casting, fining and spinning). No matter what application, the [...]
If you’re thinking of trying your hand at importing to your country, you’ve probably already been searching online or attending trade fairs looking for suppliers. What you may not be aware of is that many of the websites you have been visiting and the exhibition booths you’ve stopped at do not actually belong to manufacturers [...]
What is a trading company? A trading company – sometimes called a vendor – works as an agent connecting buyers and sellers without having any involvement in the ownership or manufacturing of the product sold. And when searching on websites like Alibaba and Global Sources, you might find most of the companies listed are not [...]
Online retailers of all sizes have several options when it comes to sourcing their products. Retailers may get their products from: manufacturers / affordable wholesalers / various distributors Online retailers may source products domestically or internationally. Quality and price vary widely, so start with thorough research and product samples. If you are planning on starting [...]
A lot of our new China sourcing customers request us not to source products from trading companies. We are more than happy to abide by customer wishes, but I wanted to create this article to introduce people to the hidden aspects of a trading company that most guides won’t tell you. A lot of the [...]
The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated e-commerce growth — it’s been forecasted that online sales grew by 32.4% in 2020. The types of products consumers are interested in have also shifted, with exercise bands, kayak accessories, kitchen furniture, and others seeing increased growth. If you’re looking to capitalize on these trends, you need to find the [...]
Of all the best practices an electronic contract manufacturer (CM) should adhere to, perhaps the best differentiator to identify a leading CM is Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Test (DFT) reporting. DFM and DFT reports ensure customer (that’s you) satisfaction, quality control, and predictable costs. These reports should have detailed descriptions of the [...]
Product customization is an ultimate opportunity to cater to your clients without altering your production chain significantly. Small changes mean the world to clients when those changes are personal. Engraving products or altering the color of a component make the product feel special to the client – and they are when made to order through [...]