By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence Not that manufacturing has avoided talking about international issues in the past, but there have been new developments that have been pushing these issues to the forefront – especially for the plastics industry. There is an old adage that asserts, “When elephants fight it is the mice that suffer.” The US and … [Read more...] about A Collision of the Global Supply Chain: Politics, Inflation and Alternative Sources
Economy
Plastics Executives Report Encouraging Outlook for Automation
By Andrew Carlsgaard, business relations manager/analytics director, MAPP Based on feedback from 86 processing executives, MAPP’s 2023 Automation Report outlook for automation in the US plastics industry generally is positive, with increasing interest in adopting automation technologies to improve productivity, efficiency and competitiveness. Like many other manufacturing … [Read more...] about Plastics Executives Report Encouraging Outlook for Automation
New Tax Law Rewards Manufacturers for Going Green
By Teri Samples, partner and CPA, Wipfli The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) gave a boost to the manufacturing industry. Specifically, the new law rewards plastics processors for various investment initiatives to either incentivize or reward taxpayers who engage in a variety of clean energy practices. Many times, these investments make good business sense, with shorter than … [Read more...] about New Tax Law Rewards Manufacturers for Going Green
Leaders Drive Success by Asking the Right Questions
By Jim LeGacy, president and CEO, Orion Performance Compounds As a commercial leader, I’ve been in a unique position, visiting hundreds of facilities and witnessing the companies that are doing everything correctly, and the companies that are not. In most cases, a lack of clear objectives and leader reinforcement is the downfall. This leads to lower productivity, low employee … [Read more...] about Leaders Drive Success by Asking the Right Questions
Recycled Resins Fill Sustainability Gaps in Plastics Processing
By Todd Waddle, director, sustainability, M. Holland Consumer preference increasingly favors sustainable products and is driving worldwide regulatory action. In 2022, McKinsey analyzed sustainable regulatory development across 30 countries. It found that an overwhelming majority – 29 of those 30 – have started to “discuss and implement” sustainable packaging regulations. … [Read more...] about Recycled Resins Fill Sustainability Gaps in Plastics Processing