According to the British Plastics Federation, 69% of all plastics-related British trade is completed within the European Union (EU). Failure to secure a trade deal with the EU would see a dramatic increase to both the cost of imports and exports.
Growing adoption of automation and increased consumer spending on a range of processed and ready-to-go food and beverage products are driving growth in the packaging equipment market.
USDA researchers find adding processed almond shells to plastic masterbatches to create containers for packaging proves to be a fruitful idea that improves performance.
Equipment is a minor expense compared with materials, as articulated in the 6-1-2-1 rule of cost distribution: 60% materials, 10% equipment, 20% direct labor and 10% everything else, including power, packaging and insurance.
Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the plastics industry has been consistently strong for the past three years, with about 100 deals a quarter, according to advisory firm Stout.
