Plastics’ Wild Wave of Negative News

The amount of negative plastic news that drew reader attention throughout July was unusually large. That’s saying something for an industry beset by bad press that resonates with the public in general; for example, microplastics, ocean and beach litter, bans, and human health risks, among others.

If July was personified, it would be Debbie Downer.

Reports from the past four weeks included a supplier’s faltering chemical recycling project, a high-profile assassination attempt, the passing of an industry icon, a thermoformer’s layoffs, and more.

Counterbalancing that pessimism were encouraging polylactic acid (PLA) developments, a compilation of global recycling champions, a “plastics killer” unmasked, and a real-life hero with a direct plastics connection.

PlasticsToday’s newsy diversity features the top three-read items in the slideshow and the balance listed below in reverse-countdown order.

10. Liquid Death May ‘Murder Your Thirst,’ but It Won’t Kill Plastic, No Matter What the Ads Say

The brand’s #deathtoplastic hashtag has been a successful marketing tool, but the company doesn’t exactly practice what it preaches.

9. Who Are the Plastic Recycling Champions?

The countries, companies, and influencers leading the pack in plastic packaging recycling and sustainability around the world.

8. Engineering Salaries in Plastic Products Manufacturing

How does your salary stack up against those of your engineering peers in plastic products manufacturing?

7. Shell Walks Back Chemical Recycling Project

In its sustainability report, Shell called its goal of turning one million tons of plastic waste into pyrolysis oil annually by 2025 “unfeasible.”

6. Obituary: Husky Founder and Plastics Pioneer Robert Schad

Schad passed away in Toronto on July 11 at the age of 95.

5.  Category-busting Detergents Lose the Plastic Bottle

A new generation of detergent strips, tiles, and sheets from big brands and start-ups is disrupting plastic packaging in the laundry aisle.

4. Thermoforming Systems Supplier Illig to Lay Off Almost Half of Workforce as Part of Takeover

Cash infusion from Munich-based investment group comes with a price.