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
Supply Chain
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
Plastics Processors Indicate Slower Than Expected Q4 2022, Temper Expectations for 2023
By Andrew Carlsgaard, business relations manager/analytics director, MAPP Over the past year, there has been a significant fluctuation in the global economy in the prices of goods, services, and labor across all sectors due to the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, supply chain issues, labor shortages, oil prices, war and government intervention only have … [Read more...] about Plastics Processors Indicate Slower Than Expected Q4 2022, Temper Expectations for 2023
Looking Ahead to 2023: Markets, Staffing and Investments
By Maggie Taylor, writer, Plastics Business Coming off three very unpredictable years, the plastics industry is gearing up to enter 2023. Many manufacturers report coexisting sentiments of optimism and realism as they navigate the uncertain waters of economic change, supply chain issues and more. “The past two years have been tough, and I don’t see it getting any easier,” … [Read more...] about Looking Ahead to 2023: Markets, Staffing and Investments