Barber shop
Oman is saying goodbye to the traditional paraphernalia of the barber shop in favour of disposable equipment.
Oman could be set to experience a rise in demand for medical plastics - but not through the usual healthcare channels.
Gulf News reports that barber shops could be investing in medical-grade plastic kit on a country-wide scale after a law was passed on June 8th 2015 requiring all barber shops to use single-use kits.
The new regulations require barbers to get rid of multi-use razors, instead using only single-use razors, plastic aprons and alcohol swabs with each individual client in order to reduce the spread of infection. Customers may also choose to bring their own single use 'kit' when they come for a trim.
Plastic aprons tend to be coated in PVC, while disposable razor handles are normally made from injection-moulded plastic.
Some shops have been slow to adapt to the new law, but an official at Muscat Municipality contacted Gulf News to say that shops have been given until Eid Al Fitr to bring their operations up to code.
To read a recent article by Gulf News on the matter, click here.