Industry Trends

EU Plastics Converters Sound Alarm over Resin Shortages and Soaring Prices

Apr 13, 2021

More than 90% of plastics converters polled in Europe said that they are affected by the supply crisis, with many of them reducing production and turning away new customers to honor existing agreements.

Plastic Possibilities: Resin Production Meets the Perfect Storm

Apr 12, 2021

Supply chain expert Ambrose Conroy, founder and CEO of business consultancy Seraph, shares insights on the forces buffeting the plastics resin market today and what we can expect to see in the weeks and months ahead.

Robotics Supplier to Plastics Processors Breaks Ground on Larger Facility

Apr 12, 2021

Business is booming for Robotic Automation Systems, as injection molders and other plastics processors seek remedies for the persistent skilled labor shortage.

Lexus Kicks Off Electrified Vehicle Product Blitz with Swoopy Concept Car

Apr 07, 2021

The Lexus LF-Z Electrified promises to be just the first of more than 10 electrified products to be introduced in the next five years.

Autonomous EV Showcases Polycarbonate Glazing, Doors

Mar 31, 2021

Teijin and Applied Electric Vehicles have teamed up to develop an energy-efficient, low-speed EV that consumes roughly the same amount of energy as a pedestrian.

Talent Talk: Manufacturing and the New Roaring Twenties

Mar 30, 2021

The manufacturing sector is poised to experience a tremendous post-pandemic rebound, but a shortage of skilled labor could throw a spanner in the works.

EVs and ICE Vehicles Will Need to Share the Road for a Long Time

Mar 30, 2021

A total switchover to electric cars is a long way off. One of the many challenges for manufacturers is profitability, pure and simple.

Business Is Booming in China . . . Again

Mar 30, 2021

China saw 2.1% growth in 2020, an amazing accomplishment given that the economy was shut down for nearly six months. And this year, the World Bank projects 7.9% growth for the "world’s factory."

Environmentalists Focus on ‘Toxic’ Plastics, But Who Speaks for the Trees?

Mar 29, 2021

Making plastics from wood is trending, pushed by the desire to create biodegradable plastic with the mechanical strength of fossil-based plastics. But is it wise to harvest trees that take decades to grow and serve as carbon sinks?

Skepticism Mounts over Utility of Biodegradable Plastics

Mar 26, 2021

Yes, these materials will degrade over time. But how long will it take? And under what environmental conditions?

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