by Ian Gjertson, analytics director, MAPP The past two years featured numerous challenges and controversy as the world has tried (and continues to try) to adapt to and overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, according to the 195 plastics processing companies that participated in MAPP’s 22nd annual State of the Plastics Industry Report, which benchmarks 2021 performance … [Read more...] about Adapting to and Overcoming New and Recurring Challenges in 2022
Articles
What is Going On, and Why?
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence The consumer is seeing all manner of inflation lately – as seen in the media. That tends to obscure the kind of inflation the manufacturing sector is experiencing. The Producer Price Index jumped by more than 10% in 2021, and that is a surge not seen in years. Much of that can be attributed to oil and energy … [Read more...] about What is Going On, and Why?
Booklist: New Year, New Me – and Maybe New You
by Nicole Mitchell, editor, Plastics Business Happy new year! It’s finally 2022, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve had your new year’s resolutions written down since mid-December – or maybe they are still somewhere floating in your head. Either way, one thing is clear: A “new year, new me” mindset is popular for a reason. We, as humans, crave change. Deciding what parts … [Read more...] about Booklist: New Year, New Me – and Maybe New You
Tools for Improving Inventory Monitoring and Tracking, and Supply Chain Management
by Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business Planning as far out as possible, having resin alternatives available for substitutions and being ready to jump on spot opportunities are good tactics, but the trio of experts had more advice for managing resin inventories, and for anticipating and planning how to weather future supply chain disruptions. “Given the current tight resin … [Read more...] about Tools for Improving Inventory Monitoring and Tracking, and Supply Chain Management
The View from 30 Feet: Going Green is Good for Business at PMT
By Nicole Mitchell, writer, Plastics Business At Plastic Molding Technology (PMT), El Paso, Texas, sustainability is a top priority. The corporate sustainability initiatives, focused on environmental impact, began as a side emphasis for the leadership team several years ago, and today the company reaps the benefits through cost savings, team safety and price … [Read more...] about The View from 30 Feet: Going Green is Good for Business at PMT