PlasticsToday

01/22/2025

There is always some controversy over , such as who is responsible for it and what to do about it, but everyone agrees that doesn’t belong in the ocean.

Or do they?

One researcher opposes ocean cleanup efforts because they have the potential to destroy an “entire ecosystem that we do not understand and that we may never be able to restore.”

01/21/2025

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆!
With over 150 Systems in the market, the patented Reifenhäuser 𝗣𝗔𝗠 (𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲, 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘀, 𝗺𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰) solution has proven itself in every respect. Achieve a faster start of film production, a higher output, and consume significantly less energy thanks to high-precision motorized actuators.
✔️ 𝗢𝗘𝗘 improves significantly
✔️ Completely contactless for maximum 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆
✔️ Consistent 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 at the touch of a button
Learn more: https://reifenhauser.com/en/lines-components/pam

01/15/2025

Husky Technologies is the recipient of the 2024 Fedil Innovation Award in the Process category for its Plate Line Automation project. Its Plate Line Automation project combines advanced robotics and digital technology to streamline processes. https://www.utm.io/uhWZy

Husky is recognized for its Plate Line Automation project.

01/13/2025

Plastic encapsulated windows, first used in 1978 by General Motors, have been named the 2024 SPE Automotive Hall of Fame winner by the Automotive Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers. Read the full story here: https://www.utm.io/uhWev

Plastic encapsulated windows, which were first used in 1978 by GM, have been named the 2024 Hall of Fame winner by the Automotive Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers.

01/07/2025

The US outlook is promising — a stark contrast with Europe — but don’t pop the bubbly just yet... https://bit.ly/4a906Ow

The US outlook is promising — a stark contrast with Europe — but don’t pop the bubbly just yet.

01/06/2025

Talent Talk: Why I’m Optimistic About US Manufacturing in 2025

Read the latest insights from Paul Sturgeon here: https://www.utm.io/uhUbw

Consider this leading indicator: New factory construction has tripled in the last three to four years.

01/03/2025

With 2024 behind us, plastics professionals would do well to assess the state of their molding operation and strategically plan for 2025. What were our strengths? How do we move away from the weaknesses in our production systems? Are we on track to be a world-class facility, or are we falling short?

This article will outline the common weaknesses faced in plastic injection and discuss best practice approaches for implementing improvements in the new year. https://www.utm.io/uhTX5

Start the year by identifying weaknesses in your production processes and resolving to adopt best practices and achieve excellence.

01/02/2025

On-demand additive manufacturing continues to gain traction as affordable 3D printers proliferate, but the business side of the industry is where the real action will be in 2025. https://www.utm.io/uhTlY

On-demand additive manufacturing continues to gain traction as affordable 3D printers proliferate, but the business side of the industry is where the real action will be in 2025.

12/23/2024

Year in Review: -assisted material selection, innovations in energy-efficient carbon-fiber production, and advances in the safety and range of are among the -related milestones of 2024.

Here's the full list:

AI-assisted material selection, innovations in energy-efficient carbon-fiber production, and advances in the safety and range of EV batteries are among the plastics-related milestones of 2024.

12/21/2024

This article reviews the top 10 injection molding problems affecting production efficiencies, downtime, and scrap, along with some solutions to avoid those problems in 2025. https://www.utm.io/uhRzM

These common errors drag down production efficiency while increasing downtime and scrap.

12/20/2024

California's Senate Bill 45 introduces new measures, requiring plastic bottle caps to be tethered to containers under three liters by 2027.

The bill aligns with a 2018 EU directive phasing out loose caps by 2024. Read the full story here:

Following the EU’s lead, the bill would require plastic bottles under three liters to integrate a tethered cap by 2027.

12/18/2024

Did you throw yours out? That might have been premature. A peer-reviewed journal paper stated that spatulas and other black plastic items could shed flame retardants, but the researchers made a mathematical error.

Read the latest insights from PlasticsToday Editor-in-Chief Norbert Sparrow:

Did you throw yours out? That might have been premature.

12/16/2024

Resin Price Report: More Markdowns Ahead of Expected Rebound in the New Year

Producers intend to reverse the downward pricing cycle in January, backed by large $0.05 to 0.07/lb increases.

Producers appear intent to reverse the downward pricing cycle come January, backed by large $0.05 to 0.07/lb increases.

12/13/2024

From stocking stuffers, like strips of bubble wrap newly packaged in a stress-relief formula, to a top-shelf Buzz Lightyear robot that stands ready for your commands, here are some gift ideas for your plastic fantastic other that fit every taste and budget. https://www.utm.io/uhPbO

From strips of bubble wrap newly packaged in a stress-relief formula to a top-shelf Buzz Lightyear robot that is at your command, here are some gift ideas that fit every taste and budget for your plastic fantastic other.

12/09/2024

Vinyl got its groove back over a decade ago. Now, record manufacturers are looking at new materials and production processes to keep the party going.

Read the latest insights from PlasticsToday's Editor-in-Chief Norbert Sparrow:

Vinyl got its groove back over a decade ago. Now, record manufacturers are looking at new materials and production processes to keep the party going.

12/02/2024

Unlocking Profitability in Plastic Waste Management: A Review of Economic Models

By aligning environmental responsibility with economic incentives, we can drive meaningful progress without the burden of excessive regulation.

Read the full story here:

By aligning environmental responsibility with economic incentives, we can drive meaningful progress without the burden of excessive regulation.

11/25/2024

Switzerland’s Amcor and Indiana’s Berry Global, Inc. are combining into a global packaging juggernaut in an $8.4-billion deal.

The all-stock acquisition of Berry by Amcor, targeted to close in mid-2025, is expected to bring $650 million in annual cost benefits and other synergies in three years.

The $8.4-billion merger will create a global packaging juggernaut.

11/19/2024

Resin Price Report: Rare Price Drop for PE Contracts

The three-cent reduction in October was the first official decrease of the year. There is a three-cent increase on the table for November, but implementation seems unlikely. https://www.utm.io/uhJwD

The three-cent reduction in October was the first official decrease of the year. There is a three-cent increase on the table for November, but implementation seems unlikely.