Plastics Industry Association Suppliers Showroom

Plastics Index Shows Supply Chain Improvement Despite Production Slowdown

Future expectations reach 2024 high on the heels of the recent election.

An Uphill Journey

Proper end-of-life outcomes for plastics are possible, if we’re willing to put in the work.

Plastics Machinery Shipments Rebound in Third Quarter

The Plastics Industry Association’s Committee on Equipment Statistics (CES) third quarter shipment data for primary plastics machinery in North America showed improvement.

Plastics Processing Index Remains Virtually Unchanged

Future business indicators rose again this month, but other inputs changed only slightly.

Plastics Processing Contraction Slows Slightly

While the market is still sluggish, future business outlook rose significantly from last month.

Plastics Processing Activity Contraction Continues in August

Four months of consecutive contraction overall.

Plastics Machinery Shipments Decline in Second Quarter

PLASTICS reported that shipments for primary plastics machinery in North America fell 15.4% compared to the second quarter and 36.2% on a year-over-year basis.

Processing Takes a Dip in June

Plastics activity took a relatively big downturn in June, ending at a low for the year and lower than the same month a year ago.

Policy Strategy On Plastic Pollution Released

White House will seek to curb government purchase of single-use plastic, study pollution sources and fund management infrastructure.

NPE2024 Sets Several Show Records

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has released final figures for NPE2024: The Plastics Show (May 6-10; Orlando) that officially make it the largest ever NPE in several key metrics.

See Recyclers Close the Loop on Trade Show Production Scrap at NPE2024

A collaboration between show organizer PLASTICS, recycler CPR and size reduction experts WEIMA and Conair recovered and recycled all production scrap at NPE2024.

NPE2024 and the Economy: What PLASTICS' Pineda Has to Say

PLASTICS Chief Economist Perc Pineda shares his thoughts on the economic conditions that will shape the industry.

Inside the Florida Recycler Taking on NPE’s 100% Scrap Reuse Goal

Hundreds of tons of demonstration products will be created this week. Commercial Plastics Recycling is striving to recycle ALL of it.

Michael Cicco Announced as Second Keynote Speaker for NPE2024

FANUC America president and CEO Michael Cicco presents his show opening keynote, ‘Unlocking the Potential: Robotics, AI and Automation in the New Tech Era,’ at NPE2024.

Four Industry 4.0 Tech Adoption Insights from Indiana Plastics Manufacturers

As more plastics manufacturers step into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, insights have emerged about how best to approach the digital transformation journey.

PLASTICS Hosts First Community Service Event at NPE2024

The Plastics Industry Association and Alliance Specialties and Laser Sales are partnering with U.S. Hunger to host NPE’s first ever community service event.

NPE2024 Announces Speaker for First Ever Women in Plastics Breakfast

NPE: The Plastics Show, produced by The Plastics Industry Association, will host its inaugural Women in Plastics Breakfast featuring speaker Kerrie Greenfelder, PE.

Exhibitor Registration Opens for K 2025

Exhibitor registration for the triennial event, which will take place Oct. 8-15, 2025, in Düsseldorf, Germany, is open with a reservation deadline of May 31, 2024.

Plastics Industry Association Announces Future Dates for NPE

Ahead of the first NPE since 2018, PLASTICS announced that its triennial show will stay in Orlando and early May for ’27, ’30 and ’33.

Injection Molding Shipments Continue Slide, Extrusion a Bright Spot

North American shipments of injection molding machines declined for a third straight quarter, while single- and twin-screw extruders sales grew in the third quarter, according to PLASTICS.

Contraction in Processing Slows in October

The Gardner Business Index for plastics processing activity jumped a bit in October, though it still contracted as it has since July 2022.

PLASTICS Report Shows Strong Global Demand for Plastics

The Plastics Industry Association report shows that the U.S. plastics industry’s trade volume for 2022 grew 9.7%.

Plastics Processing Activity Continues to Contract

September’s survey results mark a third month of a very similar GBI.

Advocacy Campaign Promotes Plastic Recycling and Recyclers

Policymakers targeted with a message of recycling feasibility.

Industry Association Campaign Centers Workers Who Recycle Plastic

Advocacy campaign videos present policymakers with a view of plastic recycling as a manufacturing process from those who do it.

NPE2024 Registration Opens

After what will be a 6-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, registration is open for the triennial show, which will take place May 6-10, 2023, in Orlando, Florida.

Plastics Machinery Shipments Decline

PLASTICS’ initial estimate for the second quarter showed a shipment value of $331.6 million, down 4.1% compared to the previous quarter and off 19.8% year over year.

Plastics Machinery Shipments Rose in 2022’s Final Quarter

The Plastics Industry Association’s (PLASTICS) Committee on Equipment Statistics (CES) reported that injection molding and extrusion machinery shipments totaled $432.7 million in Q4.

North American Plastics Machinery Shipments Slow

The Plastics Industry Assn. (PLASTICS) reported lower shipment levels compared to the previous quarter, but higher year-over-year results.

Plastics Industry Association and Vinyl Sustainability Council Partner on Unique Conference Experience

Plans are for the collocation of two important industry conferences to make it easier for participating companies and attendees alike.

PLASTICS Announces New Leadership

The Plastics Industry Association has hired from within, elevating Matt Seaholm to CEO and Glenn Anderson to COO.

Almost exactly two years since the first pandemic shutdown and not quite three years removed from the last version of this event, Mexico and Latin America’s plastics industry reunited in person—and in masks—at Plastimagen 2022 in Mexico City.

North American Plastics Machinery Shipments Grew in the Third Quarter

The Plastics Industry Association says shipments of primary plastics machinery totaled $333.8 million in the third quarter, up 4.0% from the previous quarter and 8.8% year over year.

Machinery Shipments Contract in the Second Quarter

The Plastics Industry Association reported that shipments of primary plastics machinery in North America decreased for the second consecutive quarter.

16 New Inductees Named to Plastics Hall of Fame

Long-time leaders hailing from the U.S., Japan, Germany and Austria and across the entire supply chain, from machinery and materials to training and moldmaking, will be inducted.

North American Plastics Equipment Shipments Contract in First Quarter

More indicative of a seasonal slow down than a market shift, the shipments value was down 11.1% from the final quarter of 2020 after three straight quarters of growth.

U.S. Department of Energy Plans to Provide $14.5 Million to Advance Recycling

Through this funding opportunity, DOE will support a range of projects to develop economically viable solutions for converting plastic films to more valuable materials and design new plastics that are more recyclable and biodegradable.

New Safety Requirements for Granulators, Strand Pelletizers and Dicers

PLASTICS’ Machinery Safety Standards Committee has released a new ANSI/PLASTICS B151.11 standard.

New Industry Guidelines for Recycle Content in Food Packaging

PLASTICS has published the highly-anticipated guidance document.

PLASTICS Releases New Safety Standard for Robotics and Injection Molding

New standard establishes guidelines for the design, implementation, set-up, operation, maintenance and modification of robots in use with injection molding machine systems.

North American Plastics Machinery Shipments Rise Again

Injection molding and extrusion machine shipments rose by double digits in the fourth quarter of 2020, marking their third straight quarter of growth.

NPE2021 Canceled

The Plastics Industry Association said the “in-person components” of NPE2021 (May 17-21; Orlando) have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

PLASTICS Reports Double-Digit Growth in Machinery Shipments in Third Quarter

Third quarter plastics shipments were up compared to the second quarter and on a year-over-year basis, rising 15.8% and 4.6%, respectively, as supplier sentiment and the trade deficit were also on the rise.

Plastic Mold Buyers Guide to Be Updated

After nearly 25 years, the plastic industry’s guide for buying molds—Customs and Practices of the Moldmaking Industry—is being updated by the the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), in conjunction with the moldmaking sector.

U.S. Senators to Speak at GPS Online October 21–23

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and IHS Markit are pleased to announce the addition of Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) to the world-class speaker line-up at this year’s Global Plastics Summit (GPS).

The Future on Full Display

NPE® provides a global platform for technological ingenuity and innovation in the plastics industry—automation, robots, cobots, end-of-arm tooling, three- and four-dimensional printing, mold components, industrial polymers, and anything else you can imagine. Register today at NPE.org and discover the future of plastics.

NPE2021 is On!

The industry’s most important show will bring the plastics community together May 17–21, 2021 in Orlando, Fla. to discover the latest technologies, materials, and processes that are revolutionizing healthcare, packaging, consumer products, transportation, and sustainable manufacturing.

2020 Size & Impact Report: Growth in the Plastics Industry

The 2020 Size & Impact Report indicates that the U.S. plastics industry not only remains one of the economy’s largest sectors, but also that it continued to grow in 2019. According to the report, the U.S. plastics industry accounted for an estimated $432 billion in shipments and 1,003,000 jobs last year.

Re|focus Webinar Episode 5: New Solutions for Untapped Feedstocks

As the industry seeks to advance the circularity of its products, the limitations of mechanical recycling are becoming increasingly clear. While some products are perfectly suited for mechanical recycling, others are not. Register today for the fifth episode in the Re|focus Sustainability & Recycling Summit Webinar Series on October 18 and explore how advanced recycling technologies are building new pathways to ensure all plastics can be managed as valuable resources for manufacturing.

NPE2021 Update and Message From Tony Radoszewski

Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) President and CEO, Tony Radoszewski, addresses the industry’s strength and resiliency during COVID-19 and the technological innovations that will transform tomorrow at NPE2021.

Reports from PLASTICS, VDMA and Haitian Show Mixed Machinery Results

Second quarter North America sales grow, while over the first half of 2020, domestic sales were flat for Haitian in China, as German machinery makers saw sales fall 20% over same time.

Plastics Industry Association’s (PLASTICS) Sixth Annual Bioplastics Week—August 24–28

Expert presentations, educational resource release, social media conversations, announcement of the 2020 Bioplastics Award, and more planned for Bioplastics Week.

Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) Members Lead Years of Industry Collaboration to Create First-Ever Global Machine Safety Standard

Experts from Zeiger Industries, Milacron, Arburg, and the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) played an integral role in developing the first international safety standard for plastics and rubber machinery. After years of collaboration, 40 industry experts from 13 countries developed this new global industry standard.

Pandemic’s Impact on U.S. Plastics Appears Weaker Than Originally Forecast

A second quarter economic report from the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) reveals the possibility of a less severe coronavirus slowdown in the plastics industry than previously expected.

Harmonization of Injection Molding Safety—PLASTICS’ Perspective

Stan Glover, U.S. TAG Chairman for the development of the new ISO injection molding machine standard, shares his views on the new global guideline seven years in the making.

NPE2021 to Transform Tomorrow as Registration Opens in July

Now, as we head into summer, our businesses and events continue to pivot, addressing this ever-changing landscape of the ‘new normal’. NPE2021 will be the place to not only celebrate our contributions to the world’s recovery, but also to see what’s coming from companies across the industry.

PLASTICS President and CEO Tony Radoszewski Pens Letter to Congress

PLASTICS President and CEO Tony Radoszewski recently wrote a letter to all members of the United States Congress in both the House and Senate underscoring the amazing efforts our industry has undertaken during these unprecedented times.

New Global Standard Aims to Harmonize Injection Molding Machine Safety

ISO 20430—the first international safety standard for plastics and rubber machinery—was published after more than seven years of collaboration by roughly 40 experts from machine makers, associations, and health and safety organizations hailing from 13 countries.

The Purpose of Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastic products are used in the medical industry to prevent the spread of infection. READ

NPE Network Video: Polyurethane Technology in Shoes

Susan Jackson of BASF Corporation discusses power of plastic materials in athletic shoes. WATCH

Consumer Goods and Benefits Come Through Plastics

New report investigates the intersection of consumers and plastics in every day goods from appliances and toys to personal care and electronics.

NPE2021: COVID-19 Update

PLASTICS addresses COVID-19 and NPE2021 and provides resources for the NPE community.

PLASTICS, NAM Push for Extension to 'Essential' Companies Definition

Trade groups push for more companies in the manufacturing supply chain to receive “essential” designation.

Recycling in the Healthcare Industry

Robert Render of Ravago Recycling Group (Skokie, Ill.) discusses how the Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC) is helping to find end-of-life solutions for the 14 million tons of plastic generated annually at healthcare institutions.

Why Is Medical Packaging So Essential?

Healthcare workers can be exposed to viruses and deadly diseases every day. Because of this potential exposure, it is important to protect healthcare workers and their patients.

COVID-19, the Fed Funds Rate and the U.S. Plastics Industry

Is the economy experiencing a financial meltdown necessitating drastic action from the Fed? The answer is a resounding no – the U.S. is not in a financial crisis.

Plastics Machinery Shipments Finish 2019 Down Compared to 2018

A surge in the final quarter of 2019 could not salvage a weaker overall performance for North American plastics machinery and equipment sales compared to 2018.

Coronavirus and the U.S. Plastics Industry Supply Chain

While we cannot confirm today that the coronavirus has already impacted the U.S. plastics industry supply chain, it is reasonable to expect that if the coronavirus crisis in China continues and escalates, it will negatively impact the U.S. plastics industry. For business continuity reasons, U.S. plastics companies need to look at their current supply chain involving China and—as a precautionary measure—examine alternative supply sources.

NPE Network Video: Plastic Bag Myths Debunked

There are numerous misconceptions about plastic bags out there today. ARPBA Executive Director Matt Seaholm helps separate myth from fact. Plastic bags make up less than 1 percent of litter and less than one-half of 1 percent of the waste stream, but they draw outsized attention from environmental groups; why?

Take Action for Plastics

You can easily be a part of a positive change for the plastics industry.

Check Out the Game-Changing Technologies Recognized by the Re|focus Sustainability Innovation Awards

Learn about the award-winning material, design and end-of-life technologies from Vartega, Accredo Packaging and Eastman, respectively.

Chinaplas Changes Dates, Venues Starting in 2021

Instead of May and Guangzhou, Chinaplas organizer Adsale has moved the 2021 event to April and Shenzhen.

USMCA Moves Forward

Unencumbered trade flows between the U.S., Canada and Mexico are vital to the health and vibrancy of North America's plastics sector.

Creating a Workforce That Works

At NPE 2018, workforce development was a key topic for attendees, exhibitors and the Plastics Industry Association.

New Year; New Look and New Resources

The Plastics Industry Association's advocacy platform—This Is Plastics—has been redesigned and revamped in 2020.

There’s Still Time to Request Space for NPE2021

Complete and return a space application with your deposit now, and you can still participate in the NPE2021 Space Draw taking place between January 21 – April 10, 2020.

Support the RECOVER Act

On America Recycles Day the Realizing the Economic Opportunities and Value of Expanding Recycling (RECOVER) Act is introduced.

Space Requests for NPE2021 Have Already Broken Records

But what if you missed the October 31 NPE2021 space draw deadline? Now what?

Pacific Northwest Recycling Project Releases Results From Pilot Program

The project made use of a portable Secondary Material Recovery Facility (Secondary MRF) that operated for 60 days in Portland, receiving, sorting and measuring the possible recovery from two types of material streams from four MRFs located in Oregon and Washington.

Brush Up on Recycling in Honor of America Recycles Day

Plastics are an extremely important part of our daily lives—and their proper disposal is extremely important as well. Recycling is the key to saving energy and keeping plastics out of oceans and landfills. In honor of America Recycles Day, check out Recycling 101 on This Is Plastics to brush up on the basics, and go beyond to see how the industry is innovating to recycle more plastics or turn these resources into energy.

GM Exits PLASTICS, Greenpeace Lauds Move

The environmental organization, teaming with others, seems to have adopted a new tact of pressuring OEMs and brandowners to end their association with the Plastics Industry Association, but to what end?

Radoszewski Takes PLASTICS Reins at Pivotal Moment

When a new leader assumes control over an organization, it is typical to ask, “What’s your vision for Association X, Y, Z..?”. Tony Radoszewski, new president and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), thinks the premise behind that question is all wrong.

Although It's Shrinking, U.S. Maintains Trade Surplus

This year’s edition of PLASTICS’ Global Trends report boasts a solid $129.1-billion U.S. plastics industry trade volume in 2018. That’s a 9.7% increase in trade volume from the previous year. Exports rose 7.3% and imports increased 12.1% from 2017.

People Have Questions. This Is Plastics Has Answers.

The plastics industry needs to be open and transparent when it addresses the public’s concerns and confusion about materials and products. This Is Plastics is an online resource that can help you have a conversation.

PLASTICS Welcomes New Board Chair and Officers

BASF's Phillip E. Wilson has been elected board chair at the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), taking the reins from Davis-Standard's Wylie Royce.

PLASTICS Has a New President & CEO—Tony Radoszewski

Industry veteran Radoszewski comes to PLASTICS from the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI). Has also worked for resin and processing concerns.

Some Key Takeaways from GPS 2019

Sustainability dominated panel discussion at GPS 2019 and IHS Markit pros provided five-year forecasts on volume resins.

A Look at the Re|focus Sustainability & Recycling Summit

Highlights from the summit include discussing PCR in packaging; Materials Recovery for the Future project and healthcare plastics recycling.

Lead the Conversation, Change the Conversation

Coverage of single-use plastics can be both misleading and demoralizing. Here are 10 tips for changing the perception of the plastics industry at your company and in your community.

Plastics: Lead the Conversation, Change the Conversation

Perhaps more than any time in its history, plastics as a material is under greater scrutiny than ever before. How will the industry that uses it as its primary raw material respond?

Re|focus Sustainability & Recycling Summit is Back this May

The 2019 Re|focus Sustainability & Recycling Summit brings the full manufacturing supply chain together to discuss how the industry can advance recycling and sustainability goals for plastics.

U.S. Plastics Industry Expands in 2017, Outpacing Manufacturing in General

U.S. employment in plastics and plastics industry shipments both expanded in 2017, rising 2.4% and 6.9%, respectively.

Chinaplas Looks Within & Without China to Further Growth

China’s plastics industry and its largest trade show are increasingly looking inland within the country and to Southeast Asia outside the country for future growth. U.S-China trade remained strong in 2018 despite disputes.

Bill Carteaux Passes Away

Early on the morning of December 10, Bill Carteaux, president and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) passed away due to complications from acute myeloid leukemia (AML). He was 59.

NPE2018 Auxiliaries: A Path to Industry 4.0 Emerges

Industry 4.0 dominated the news in auxiliary equipment at the show, but many questions remain for both suppliers and processors.

Step Up and Support Manufacturing Day 2018

Host an event and start to change the misconceptions still lingering about manufacturing—and plastics.

Biodegradable Plastics Volume to Increase More than 50 percent

Western Europe now leads as the largest market with regulation as the most significant driver.

Tooling: Why Ejector Pins Break...and How to Prevent It, Part 1

In part one of this four-part series, we focus on the molding machine and the ejection system as culprits.

New PLASTICS Project Finds New Value in Recycled Plastic Bags and Wraps

The findings of the report suggest there are further opportunities to extract value from these streams of mixed polyethylene (PE) films—like plastic bags and wraps—that can be recycled efficiently, cost effectively, and used in numerous applications.

G7 Summit: Leaders Agree to Ocean Plastics Charter

Five countries of the G7 group—excluding the U.S. and Japan—endorsed a plastics charter on ocean pollution.

Let's Talk About the Safety of Plastics

PLASTICS’ informational campaign and website arms industry with the know-how to speak truthfully and allay unfounded fears about phthalates and BPA.

Let’s Talk About the Economy

Despite what many people think, a ban on plastic bags would do more harm than good. A new initiative from the Plastics Industry Association highlights these and other economic impacts—aiming to change the conversation around plastics.

Let's Talk About the Environment

PLASTICS introduces This Is Plastics, an informational campaign designed to empower plastics employees with resources to answer consumer questions.

Let’s Talk About Innovation

Plastics make cars safer, keep food fresh longer, replace limbs and even enable people to hear. A new initiative from the Plastics Industry Association highlights these and other innovations—aiming to change the conversation around plastics.

Walmart V.P. of Merchandising Execution & U.S. Manufacturing Featured Speaker at the Show's Plastics Market Briefing

Marsiglio addressed Walmart's policy roadmap to renew U.S. manufacturing, including policy recommendations that support the plastics industry at IHS Markit/PLASTICS briefing.

Explore The Biz Side of Plastics At The Plastics Leadership Summit

NPE2018 has set aside the mornings of Tuesday to Thursday, May 8 – 10 for a conference designed to provide cutting edge business insights to C-suite executives.

Bottles and Blow Molding? You Bet!

Dedicated 65,000-nsf zone in the South Hall features manufacturers and suppliers to the bottle blow molding industry, as well technical forums and networking opportunities.

IHS Markit Briefing: What Lies Ahead for the Plastics Industry?

Market pros provide insights on the economy, energy, feedstocks and polymers.

Get into the Zone: Bottles

Do you make bottles? At NPE2018’s new Bottle Zone, hear technical presentations, view a wide range of technology for bottle processing—and enjoy a biergarten!

Highlights From The Earth Day Twitter Chat

Last week, Plastics Technology participated in a pre-Earth Day Twitter chat with Jeff Wooster of Dow Chemical, Kim Holmes of PLASTICS, Envision Plastics and the Sustainable Packaging Coalition.

Get into the Zone: Thermoforming

The Thermoforming Zone is back for NPE2018 as the place for thermoformers and suppliers to showcase the latest trends in the field. According to Glenn Anderson, NPE2018 chairman, one of the benefits of the zone is that it is so industry-specific. “Thermoforming is one specific way to process a plastic part,” he says, “so it’s really valuable to have all of the exhibits and suppliers in the same place for our attendees.”

Skills Gap Statistics Paint Alarming Picture

Many attendees in Orlando in a couple of weeks, walking the aisles and seeking out new equipment, materials and services will be taking a break from another very important search that consumes them back at their facilities: the search for people.

NPE Trend Watch: Education - NPE Targets "C Suite" with New Educational Program

“Leadership Summit” program focuses on the business of plastics, designed to give tips to execs to improve the bottom line.

Get into the Zone: Flexible Vinyl

The Flexible Vinyl Zone showcases the latest trends in vinyl across industries, including the medical, automotive, construction, packaging and consumer products industries.

Get into the Zone: Business and Finance

NPE2018’s Business and Finance Zone showcases the business side of manufacturing, including representatives from insurance, publishing, monitoring technology, finance and more.

Recycling/Scrap Reclaim at NPE2018: Technology Focuses on Boosting Regrind Consistency, Pellet Quality

There will be no shortage of new technology and highlights of the latest trends in recycling and sustainability at NPE2018.

Get into the Zone: International Pavilions

Eighteen international pavilions spread out around the show floors bring plastics manufacturing professionals together from around the globe for NPE2018.

Get into the Zone: Material Science

The Material Science Zone is “innovation alley” for attendees at NPE2018, showcasing material science innovations in durability, cost-efficiency and more.

Don't Miss The Re|focus Sustainability & Recycling Summit

The 2018 Re|focus Sustainability & Recycling Summit (Tuesday, May 8 – Thursday, May 10) is co-located with the expanded Re|focus Zone. New this year: The Sustainability Lounge.

The Then and Now of NPE

Matt Naitove, executive editor of Plastics Technology, shares the experiences and insights he’s gained from attending 15 NPEs since 1973.

Get into the Zone: Medical Parts Processing

The Medical Parts Processing Zone is a new specialized exhibit area at NPE2018, driven by the fast-growing field of medical devices. “There are a lot of single-use medical devices being made from plastic right now,” says NPE2018 Chairman Glenn Anderson. “Think of devices like syringes and inhalers. Given the aging population, medical device manufacturing is expected to rise 3% each year until 2023.”

Get into the Zone: 3D/4D Printing

Expect to see exhibitors representing three countries and a range of industries, from automotive to healthcare and everything in between, all putting on display the wide variety of uses for 3D/4D printing in today’s rapidly digitalizing world. Here visitors will see the technologies enabling many companies to produce prototypes, mold components, and even finished parts directly from digital files.

Get into the Zone: Moldmaking

One of the largest zones at NPE2018, the Moldmaking Zone features the latest technology in moldmaking and brings together professionals from across the field of manufacturing. According to Glenn Anderson, Chairman of NPE2018 and V.P., Strategic Account Development for Milacron, attendees and exhibitors should expect to see a little of everything in this zone.

Examining the Big Themes at NPE2018

Check out the publication that was poly-bagged with this issue to get a big picture view of what’s coming up at the giant show in May. Here’s a preview.

Get into the Zone: Re|focus

At NPE2018, the new Re|focus Zone displays the latest trends in sustainable solutions and green manufacturing. Something new to look for in the Re|focus Zone is the Sustainability Lounge, a space to learn about PLASTICS and how companies can get involved in the sustainable initiatives they offer.

Get into the Zone: Processors

The Processors Zone returns for NPE2018 to showcase what’s new and noteworthy this year in the world of plastics processing. “The Processors Zone is the place to go to find applications, processes, and technologies that turn raw materials into plastic parts,” according to Glenn Anderson, NPE2018 Chairman and v.p., Strategic Account Development for Milacron.

Plastic Materials, Recycling Should Play Part in Infrastructure Plan

Nation’s recycling facilities should be targeted in planned infrastructure upgrades.

Next Generation Plastics Workforce

After years of closely monitoring an increasingly worrisome labor shortage, the Plastics Industry Association’s warnings about the widening gap between the sector’s need for skilled workers and the supply of such employees have shifted to full alarm. The association calls for “collaborative response across all levels of government and all manufacturing sectors” to tackle this critical issue.

Packaging: Safe, Smart, Sustainable

In packaging, most of the innovations in materials, recycling, recyclability, lightweight and renewable resources are oriented toward sustainability. But there are many paths. Processors, material suppliers, and industry leaders weigh in on their approaches.

The Global Economy: 'Growth Momentum' Poised to Continue

Plastics Industry Association economist Perc Pineda says low energy prices, technology advances, and mechanization/automation are keys to manufacturing growth.

Full Supply-Chain Involvement Needed to Drive Recycling Growth

China, new global regulations, and consumer brands’ demand … the U.S. recycling industry is very much in a period of transition. But the potential is massive.

U.S. Plastics Industry Well-Positioned for Continued Growth

Interesting highlights of PLASTICS’ 2017 Size & Impact Report, including employment and shipments data.

Resin Supply/Demand & Sustainability Were Key Themes at Global Plastics Summit

Speakers at fifth annual summit deem sustainability crucial to growth in packaging while forecasting trends in key materials.

NPE2018 Selected to Participate in Commerce Department’s 2018 International Buyer Program

As one of only 21 participating shows next year, NPE2018 will have access to a global network of U.S. Department of Commerce trade professionals in more than 75 countries who will recruit international buyers, representatives and distributors to Orlando.

U.S. Plastics Industry Maintains its Trade Surplus

PLASTICS’ chief economist says this speaks to the U.S. plastics industry’s continued impact on the international market.

Highlights from Global Plastics Summit 2017

Sustainability, resin supply/demand and pricing among highlights for the fifth GPS event.

Processors Partake In Manufacturing Day Festivities

Some 2800 manufacturers across all industries participated, including more than 200 in plastics, up from 149 in 2016.

PLASTICS’ Carteaux Challenges NY Times Editorial on Plastic Bags

A pro-plastic bag ban editorial from the New York Times did not sit well with the plastics industry.

PLASTICS' Chief Economist Weighs In on Harvey Impact

In 2016, Texas ranked third in the U.S. for plastics employment and first in plastics industry shipments.

Recap of Refocus Sustainability & Recycling Summit

Sustainable materials must meet or exceed the performance of their traditional competitors; could ocean plastic be coming to cars; and more.

Plastics Personnel Moves: OCTEX, SPE, PLASTICS, battenfeld-cincinnati, and Engel

New president at OCTEX; new CEO at SPE; new chief economist at PLASTICS; recognition for employee at Engel and more.

NAFTA Modernization Supported by North American Plastics Industry

Three major trade groups announce list of priorities for plastics in upcoming negotiations.

Canadian, Mexican and U.S. Plastics Organizations Meet to Modernize NAFTA

The heads of PLASTICS, CPIA and ANIPAC met this week in Mexico City to reexamine the trade deal 24 years after it passed and before President Trump focuses on it.

Know Any Plastics Icons? Nominate Them to the Plastics Hall of Fame

Go to plasticshof.org and start the process.

Petrakis to Lead Plastics Ind Association Equipment Council

Equipment council described as 'at the core' of the industry.

Bottled Water Bests Soft Drinks in U.S. Sales for First Time

PLASTICS' new report focuses on plastic bottle innovation.

Can Trump, GOP Usher in New “Golden Era” of Mfg in U.S.?

The Plastics Industry Association believes the potential good (business friendly tax policy + relaxed regulation) of the pending Trump administration will outweigh any potential bad (new checks on trade).

11th Hour Extension to Proposed Lockout/Tagout Rule Changes

Deadline extended from Jan. 1 to Jan. 4, 2017 as stakeholders weigh the potential impact on injection machine maintenance and mold changes.

Key Takeways from IHS Markit Pros on PE, PP Outlooks

The polyolefins presentations at GPS 2016 signal better times for processors in terms of pricing leverage, options.

Pilot Program Aims to Start Automotive PP, TPO Recycling

The goal of the ELV Recycling Demonstration Project is to develop collection and recovery methods for PP and TPO that are technically and economically feasible.

North American Plastics Machinery Business Rises in Second Quarter

Second quarter 2016 shipments were up year over year but down on a quarterly basis for the second straight month.

Panel of Pros to Discuss Automotive Design Trends at GPS 2016

Analysts, industry leaders and plastics manufacturers will address expanding use of plastics and composites at this year’s IHS Markit and SPI event.

SPI Bioplastics’ Inaugural Bioplastics Week

The first ever such event featured educational information, including infographics, reports and blog posts.

The Minco Group Becomes SPI’s First Zero Net Waste Company

The company is projecting a revenue increase of approximately $20,000 for 2017 based on recycling efforts.

N.A. Plastics Machinery Shipments On the Rise in Q1

Shipments of primary plastics equipment in the first quarter were up 13.5% from the year-ago quarter.

Plastics Machinery Business Finishes Strong in 2015

A robust fourth quarter helped push North American shipments of plastics machinery to their sixth straight year of growth.

Plastics Growth in Building & Construction Driven by Innovation, Market Demand

SPI’s new report analyzes the key factors impacting the plastic industry in the building and construction sector.

The Role Demographics Play in Plastic Packaging

Plastics continue to be the material of choice for the packaging market, according to a new report by SPI.

Plastics Equipment Shipments Hold Steady in Third Quarter

Shipments of primary plastics equipment in the third quarter were flat compared to the previous quarter and down 4.6% year over year.

The State of the U.S. Plastics Industry Is Strong

Shale gas, reshoring and trade helped the U.S. plastics industry outpace the broader manufacturing sector over the last year.

Takeaway from IHS Presentation on PE Outlook

IHS expects flat prices to end the year, followed by one increase in Q1 2016, and lower prices in Q2 and Q3.

SPI Talks Plastics Packaging Trends at Pack Expo

Pack Expo Last Vegas returned to Sin City where members of the entire packaging supply chain got their fill of both vitamin D and all things packaging.

Can the U.S., European Plastics Machinery Sectors Dodge a Falling BRIC?

After BRIC countries largely built up their markets during the Great Recession, developed economies today seek continued growth despite emerging market maladies.

Impact of New Forces on the Global Plastics Industry: GPS2015

Both new threats and opportunities for end markets such as packaging and automotive to be addressed at SPI/IHS Global Plastics Summit.

Plastics Machinery Growth Streak Still Alive In North America

Each quarter for the last 22 quarters going back to 2010, North American plastics machinery shipments have risen on a year-over-year basis.

U.S. Plastics Equipment Sector Weathers Another Rough Winter

U.S. shipments of plastics equipment dipped in the first three months of 2015 compared to the 2014’s final quarter but were higher when contrasted with year-ago levels.

Compatibilizers Aim to Boost Plastics Recycling Profits

The new paper on compatibilizers from SPI's Recycling Committee is a tool for increasing profitability of plastics recycling.

SPI: Time To Refocus Plastics Recycling Efforts

Only about 9% of plastic waste was recycled from the municipal solid waste stream in 2012, according to the latest figures available from the U.S.

Study Finds Jam Bars Redundant: U.S. and European IM Suppliers Move Closer Towards Harmonization

Ruled redundant, could jam bars be going the way of plungers on new injection molding machines sold into the U.S.?

Five Straight Years of Plastics Equipment Shipments Growth

One week before the sector’s biggest show, the U.S. plastics industry reported a surge in equipment shipments for the full year and final quarter of 2014, with solid momentum maintained heading into 2015.

MATERIALS AND ADDITIVES AT NPE: Spotlight on Performance, Economy, and Sustainability

Lots of news in engineering thermoplastic compounds, TPEs, and purging agents, plus a wide range of colorants and additives.

Walmart Executive Tasked With Insourcing to Speak at NPE2015

Walmart’s VP of U.S. manufacturing will present at NPE2015 breakfast event.

Manufacturing’s State of the Union Was…Mixed

Whether you feel it represents the basest form of political theater or the heights of patriotic rhetoric, the State of the Union Address is with us for good (barring an amendment to the Constitution).

"Vinyl Saves Lives" Booth And Demo At NPE2015

SPI and affiliate Flexible Vinyl Alliance to demonstrate how PVC saves lives.

Nominations For SPE's 'Plastics For Life' Global Parts Competition Extended

SPE extends nomination deadline for its second-annual 'Plastics For Life' competition by two weeks.

SPI Launches Sustainability Benchmarking Tool

With the launch of its Sustainability Benchmarking Tool this month, SPI will host a webinar. "Zero Waste Zone" at NPE 2015 further supports effort.

U.S. Plastics Sector Stars in Lackluster Global Economy

The U.S. plastics industry in 2014 succeeded despite a near-worldwide malaise, but how long can we thrive while our global partners falter?

Record-Breaking Auxiliary Orders Propel North American Plastics Equipment Shipments

Shipments of primary plastics equipment were up 6 percent for the quarter and the year, while new bookings of auxiliary equipment totaled a record-breaking $108.2 million dollars in the third quarter.

Steering Clear of Culture Clashes in International Business

Often times when companies seek to expand their business overseas they think in terms of geographic proximity but what about cultural proximity?

Don’t Let Your New Strategy Succumb to Your Old Culture

A well-conceived strategy can help your company overcome many external challenges but there is one adversary it will fall to every time—an internal culture at cross purposes.

Expanded NPE3D Pavilion Announced By SPI

Eighteen companies are already planning to exhibit in the newly-expanded NPE3D pavillion at NPE2015.

Will NPE2015 Challenge NPE2000 In Size?

With a little over five months until the show opens, NPE2015 is inching closer to matching the year 2000 edition—the largest ever NPE in terms of exhibit space.

What Are the Most Important Issues Facing Processors?

Find out what the top issues facing processors are (hint: quality, energy use and the skills gap are involved), plus see reader suggestions on how to improve NPE.

Out of Chaos, Collaboration

Real collaboration not only shares risks, it shares rewards.

U.S. plastics machinery shipments on the rise

Deliveries of plastics machinery and equipment in the U.S. climbed 11% in the first quarter, a show of strength in a weakening global market.

K vs. Chinaplas vs. NPE

By various metrics, all three shows are growing, but which one is the biggest?

Molder signs up to sell Chinese injection molding machines

Injection molders primarily sell machine time, with some dabbling in part sales via proprietary products, but how about molders selling molding machines?

Double-digit gains for North American plastics equipment

Shipment of plastics equipment in the third quarter of 2013 jumped 20%, according to SPI data, reflecting gains seen the world over.

SPI and ACC partner on rigid plastics packaging, thermoforming

Can polyethylene terephthalate (PET) thermoforms enjoy the same recycling rates as their bottle brethren? Increasing thermoformed packaging reclaim, and that of other rigid plastics, will likely just be one goal of a new collaboration between SPI and ACC.

Plastics Industry Association

IS THIS YOUR COMPANY?

As Seen On Plastics Technology

Plastics Industry Association Supplies the Following Products

Editorial, News, and Products