UK: British Gypsum has launched its Gyproc Habito plasterboard product to the retail sector. The plasterboard features a high-strength core that provides strength, durability and fixability. The product is intended to help create durable and robust commercial spaces, while improving design flexibility. Due to its strength it is being targeted at high traffic retail spaces where interiors are frequently redesigned.

"Retail is a sector that's constantly evolving to meet customer needs and requirements, so flexibility is crucial on any project. There is a lot of time pressure during construction to get a store open as quickly as possible. Due to a reduced need for patressing, Gyproc Habito speeds up the installation process in addition to providing the freedom to fix heavy items anywhere," said Paul Campbell, Head of Product Marketing at British Gypsum.

Oman: The chief executives of the major gypsum mining companies have endorsed new regulations issued by the Public Authority for Mining (PAM) calling for a minimum export price for gypsum. The company leaders also agreed to establish the Oman Gypsum Association (OGA), an organisation intended to support the industry, according to the Oman Daily Observer newspaper. The decision follows the intervention by the PAM in December 2016 when it set minimum export freight on board (FOB) price for raw gypsum at US$12.50/t.

Following the intervention, local gypsum exporters are barred from exporting raw gypsum below this price. Those found in breach of this regulation will be denied export permits, while repeat offenders could have their mining licences removed.

US: The Gypsum Association (GA) has released revisions to five of its technical documents to update them with current best practice. These include: GA-220-2016 Gypsum Board Winter Related Installation Recommendations; GA-223-2016 Gypsum Panel Products, Types, Uses, and Standards; GA-226-2016 Application of Gypsum Board to Form Curved Surface; GA-234-2016 Control Joints for Fire Resistance Rated Systems; and GA-338-2016 Guidelines for Prevention of Mold Growth on Gypsum Board.

"Regular review and revision of GA documents is a key component of the association's technical services mandate and the GA's Building Code and Technical Committee (BCTC) has made a three-to five-year revision cycle for all documents a high priority," said GA Director of Technical Services Michael Schmeida.

All the documents are available for free via the GA.

Thailand: Thai Gypsum Products plans to focus on links with partners to launch more products in 2017. Managing director Richard Juggery said this was part of this company's strategy to expand and strengthen collaborations with domestic and international market partners, according to the Nation newspaper. He added that the company hopes to grow exports or expansion plans in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. The subsidiary of Saint-Gobain has gypsum wallboard plants at Laem Chabang, Chon Buri and Bang Pa-in, Ayutthaya.