The Dec. 13, 2021 issue of Plastics News is available for subscribers to read here. This edition features some significant and surprising changes to PP and PET resins; a plea for loosening the tariffs with China; and a plastics company faces pressure over environmental impacts.
Associations representing plastic pipe manufacturers in the United States and Europe are stepping up their messaging on the sustainability of plastic pipes and their potential contribution to infrastructure improvement projects. The Plastics Pipe Institute Inc. (PPI) issued a statement this week in support of the trillion-dollar Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). “With the landmark [legislation] now signed into law, our nation will soon see a concentration of forces at…
Raleigh, NC–based Veranex has added another arrow to its quiver of contract medtech services with the acquisition this week of Worrell, a global design firm specialized in healthcare products. The Minneapolis-based firm joins Ximedica, Quartesian, Boston Healthcare Associates, Experien Group, and IMM Recherche in the Veranex portfolio, backed by investment firm Summit Partners. “The addition of Worrell strengthens Veranex’s offerings as the leading global provider in the medical device and…
From our plastics make it possible file — introducing the unisex condom. A gynecologist in Malaysia has created a condom that can be worn by males and females. It is made from 0.03-mm-thick polyurethane, which is typically used to make transparent wound dressings. John Tang Ing Chinh, a gynecologist at medical supplies firm Twin Catalyst, invented the Wondaleaf Unisex Condom. The motivation, he told Reuters, was finding a way to…
New data shows many companies that have set ambitious sustainability goals on plastics packaging will need to take significant action to achieve them.
More than two-thirds of respondents to a new manufacturing survey said recruitment is their biggest concern going into 2022. Another 40 percent were concerned about workforce training, and about 34 percent were worried about retirements. Health care costs were also a concern for 37 percent of respondents, and 31 percent had their eyes on higher taxes. Still, despite challenges, 77 percent of respondents said they were optimistic about the coming…
Yuma Labs sunglasses are made from recycled materials, including ocean plastics. Photo Credit: Yuma Labs. Belgian sustainable sunglass maker Yuma Labs is truly focused on a circular economy as the company’s specs are made from plastic reclaimed from the ocean—old bottles and nets, specifically. Yuma Labs Sebastiaan De Neubourg founded the company in 2016 after he left his previous job as a consultant specializing in the circular economy. “I was doing a lot of workshops with companies, startups,…
PET prices took a surprising turn in November, following such feedstocks as paraxylene and purified terephthalic acid.
Continuous innovation at all stages of the food and beverage packaging supply chain have improved packaging efficiency, safety, and sustainability over the past decade, with closures playing a key role. During the next 10 years, closure innovations will continue, with a stronger focus on sustainability. Lightweighting, recyclability, and incorporation of post-consumer resin (PCR) will be three key areas of focus as industry stakeholders continue the work of making closures and…
On-demand manufacturing provider Xometry today announced the acquisition of Thomas, a leader in product sourcing, supplier selection, and digital marketing solutions. The cash and stock transaction, valued at $300 million, is expected to close this week. The acquisition of Thomas is expected to rapidly expand Xometry’s buyer and seller base, significantly enhancing its global digital marketplace for manufacturers. Xometry said that it also expects to leverage Thomas’ marketing and data…