PlasticsToday

11/05/2025

There are many ifs, ands, or buts — not the least of which is the impact of tariffs, which have increased the cost of imported inputs and equipment — but the shift of current fiscal and monetary policies toward expansion could establish a runway for sustained and extended growth of the manufacturing sector over the long term, according to analysis from Plastics Industry Association Chief Economist Perc Pineda. https://bit.ly/43SADqw

11/04/2025

In our latest Talent Talk article, Paul Sturgeon explores how the principles of "measure twice, cut once" apply to workforce recruitment. From identifying the right skills to fostering long-term success, this piece dives into strategies that ensure you get it right the first time.

💡 Key takeaway: A thoughtful hiring process can save time, resources, and set your team up for sustainable growth.

Read the full article below.

Study shows 73% of manufacturing recruiters feel pressure to hire quickly, resulting in mistakes while the process paradoxically takes longer than before.

11/03/2025

Financial technology firm CompoSecure, led by former Honeywell International CEO David Cote, is set to acquire injection molding equipment company Husky Technologies in $5 billion deal.

Transaction is expected to close in Q1 2026, according to the financial technology firm led by former Honeywell International CEO.

10/28/2025

A shooting at an injection molding facility in Tennessee has left three dead, including the shooter

Company vice president among fatalities at Tennessee-based custom injection molding facility.

10/27/2025

Recent tariff policies are beginning to affect plastic industry trade flows despite stable supply chains, with economists warning of potential price increases for consumers.

Higher tariffs imposed this spring show measurable effects on plastic materials, resins, and manufacturing equipment imports nationwide.

10/21/2025

Lisa McTigue Pierce, editor of sister brand Packaging Digest, is on the hunt at MD&M Midwest for new developments in packaging, including plastic packaging. We will share her discoveries on PlasticsToday. Stay tuned!

10/21/2025

What happens in California doesn’t stay in California. That’s one of the perks of being an economic powerhouse: The Golden State would be the fourth or fifth largest economy in the world, depending on which metrics you use, if it were a sovereign nation. That came to mind recently as a couple of events affecting the plastics industry hit the news: Gov. Gavin Newsom’s veto of a bill that would have phased out the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), aka “forever chemicals,” in cookware and food packaging and state Attorney General Rob Bonta filing a lawsuit against three companies for allegedly producing non-recyclable plastic bags and marketing them as recyclable. Continue reading:

The governor vetoes a bill that would ban forever chemicals in cookware while the state attorney general pursues rogue plastic bag producers.

10/20/2025

K 2025 is history, but you can relive some moments from the international trade show for the plastics and rubber industries in this short video.

10/17/2025

Ryan Frederick, principal at Transform Labs, emphasizes the urgency for manufacturers to embrace AI, automation, and robotics to stay competitive and drive economic vitality. “If you’re not going to get on the train, you get left standing at the station,” he warns.

Frederick will present “Navigating the Macro Impacts of AI, Automation, and Robotics” at MD&M Trade Shows Midwest, sharing insights on how AI can revolutionize workflows, boost productivity, and help organizations overcome fear with leadership courage.

📍 Don’t miss his talk on Tuesday, October 21, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Engineering Theater!

Ryan Frederick explains why manufacturers must implement AI. He explains how to start at MD&M Midwest conference in Minneapolis.

10/16/2025

K - The World’s No. I Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber concluded after eight dynamic days in Düsseldorf, Germany, surpassing expectations despite challenging economic conditions. Senior Editor David Hutton highlights how the world’s premier plastics and rubber exhibition showcased an industry that is increasingly innovative, international, and sustainability-focused.

With 3,275 exhibitors from 66 nations and over 175,000 trade visitors from 160 countries, K 2025 reinforced its position as the most global platform for the industry. Under the theme 'The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible', the event spotlighted cutting-edge technologies and solutions driving progress in plastics and rubber.

Read David Hutton’s article for a closer look at the exceptional results and key takeaways from this year’s event.

Global plastics exhibition K 2025 in Düsseldorf attracted 175,000+ visitors and showcased sustainability innovations despite economic challenges

10/14/2025

At TestXpo on the campus of testing equipment manufacturer ZwickRoell in Ulm, Germany, Pharmaceutical and Medical Manager for North America James Ritchey provides a brief overview of an insulin pen testing system. The system conducts tests on all the plastic components without having to use the expensive medication. Ritchey describes it as a cost-effective way to test new designs and even new products.

10/13/2025

ExxonMobil brought its customer-centric Signature Polymers program to the K show in Düsseldorf, Germany, for the first time this year. Monomaterial PE-based packaging designed for recyclability, cast stretch films and bags that incorporate post-consumer recycled content, and a virtual reality-based tour of Exxtend technology for advanced recycling are among the featured technologies.

In this brief video, ExxonMobil’s Charles Oke talks about fully recyclable cheese packaging that was developed within the Signature Polymers program. K 2025 runs through Oct. 15 at Messe Düsseldorf.