From technology and operations to leadership and market insight, these articles reflect where the plastics industry focused its attention in 2025. Together, they highlight the topics, challenges and innovations that resonated most with our readers throughout the year. As we move forward with the first issue of 2026, we’re taking a moment to look back at the Plastics Business articles that captured the most interest in 2025 – offering a snapshot of the conversations and priorities that shaped the year and continue to influence the road ahead.
- Mold Cleaning Technologies Save Time, Money and Aggravation
This article details how ultrasonic cleaning, CO2 dry ice blasting and plastic media blasting each work, including their impact on residues, rust removal and surface finishes. Pros, limitations and key selection considerations are provided for each method, from tank design and detergent choice to safety, portability and media hardness. Readers come away with practical guidance to justify investment in automated cleaning technologies that reduce downtime, extend mold life and make repair technicians more productive. - What’s in a Machine Rate?
This article explains why there is no universal formula for setting machine rates in injection molding and breaks down the many variables that drive hourly costs and markups. Drawing on data from MAPP’s 2019 Plastics Industry Machine Rate Report, the article shows how tonnage, labor/burden rates, industry served, manufacturing environment and markups shape machine rates ranging from about $20 to more than $300 per hour. It details how companies handle SG&A, scrap, assembly, packaging and specialty processes, and how cleanroom requirements and end markets like medical or consumer goods shift pricing. Readers are encouraged to regularly review and benchmark their own rates to remain both competitive and profitable. - Training Matrix: The Roadmap for Employee Advancement
This article examines how Engineered Profiles and Makuta Technics use structured training matrices to provide employees with clear, visible career paths while strengthening plant performance. Engineered Profiles formalized a step-by-step curriculum, pay progression and dedicated hands-on trainer to standardize learning, boost retention and remove subjectivity from advancement decisions. Makuta’s pay-for-knowledge system ties wage growth to continuous cross-training and re-certification, rewarding both learners and mentors as skills expand across the small, lights-out operation. Together, the case studies show that when training is transparent, tracked and people-focused, processors can build a true win-win for employees and the company. - Robots in the Manufacturing Space: 10 Tried-and-True or New-and-Noteworthy Automatons
This article surveys the rapidly evolving robotics landscape, from classic top-entry molding robots to next-generation humanoids now being tested on factory floors. It outlines core applications in plastics – including molding, material removal, sorting, assembly and intralogistics – and shows how today’s systems improve consistency, safety and uptime while easing labor constraints. Profiles of suppliers such as Absolute Robot, FANUC, Universal, Kuka and Yushin sit alongside humanoid platforms from Apptronik, Figure and Tesla, highlighting real manufacturing trials and emerging use cases. - Metro Plastics Makes an Impact with Inventory System
This article shares how Metro Plastics Technologies implemented a structured EOAT and components inventory system that significantly reduced downtime and improved changeover efficiency. The company organized tools by press tonnage, labeled components in trays and used QR codes and spreadsheets to track and manage inventory. This approach reduced downtime by 85% and now is serving as a model for other MAPP members seeking to improve their inventory processes.
For more information and additional Plastics Business articles to read, visit www.plasticsbusinessmag.com.