PMM Insight: A Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing Podcast

Do we need standards for recyclable bales? PMM Commentary

Every recycler has horror stories about contaminated bales of recyclable materials, and knowing what's in a bale is essential to meet standards for recycled pellets or flake. Transparency in the marketplace would benefit everyone, but there are problems with the model that might actually discourage use of PCR, according to one industry expert. Editor Ron Shinn details the issues in this episode of PMM Insight.

Processors and equipment OEMs look ahead to 2024: PMM Perspective

Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing recently conducted its fifth annual survey of machinery investment plans for the upcoming year. The results, and follow-up interviews with processors, equipment OEMs and plastics industry experts, make the case for "cautious optimism" in 2024. In this episode of PMM Perspective, we look into the crystal ball to see what the year ahead holds for the plastics machinery market.

Plastics plant leaders must embrace sustainability: PMM Commentary

Emissions that come from the manufacturing and transport of plastic parts can and should be controlled. When plastics processors commitment to greener practices, it benefits the environment, customers, workers and the business. Explore the use of digital technology to monitor processes, and sustainable energy sources. 
Hear more in this commentary from PMM Editor Ron Shinn.

Arlene Davis on educational opportunities at NPE2024: PMM In Person

Arlene Davis, director of NPE content and experience for the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), talks with Editor Ron Shinn about the extensive conference and educational programs that will be available at NPE2024 in May, significantly enhancing the NPE experience. 

Growing leaders from within your workforce: PMM Insight

How companies handle promotions and professional development can go a long way toward easing challenges they might otherwise face filling job openings.  
While employers might have once been able to rely on trade schools and a deep labor pool to fill roles ranging from entry-level to supervisory positions, human-resources (HR) experts say that’s no longer the case. In many instances, they have to grow their own. 
Senior Staff Reporter Karen Hanna reports on success stories and tips for finding and nurturing leaders among your workforce.
Read more.

Laurie Harbour, manufacturing consultant, Harbour Results: PMM In Person

Wages and other costs for the new contract won by the United Auto Workers will trickle down to Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 auto suppliers, including plastics processors, according to industry analyst Laurie Harbour. The automotive supply chain was already vulnerable before the UAW strike because of COVID, labor shortages and lower automotive volumes.
In this episode of PMM Insight: PMM In Person, Harbour also shares thoughts with Editor Ron Shinn about recovery for slow machinery sales and concerns about the North American mold making industry.
Read more about Harbour and her career.

How artificial intelligence can help plastics processors: PMM Perspective

From plant design to part quality, artificial intelligence offers manufacturers efficiency advantages. Jimmy Asher, managing director and Smart Factory CTO, Deloitte Consulting LLP, detailed the ways AI is applicable to the plastics industry in this article by Bruce Geiselman. 
 
Read more about AI:
IMM makers integrate artificial intelligence to improve production.
Use AI to leverage your manufacturing data.

Tim Shestek and Robert Simon, American Chemistry Council: PMM In Person

Representatives from the American Chemistry Council discuss two issues of growing importance to plastics processors — extended producer responsibility programs, commonly referred to as EPR programs, and polyfluorinated substances, or PFAS. Tim Shestek, senior director for state affairs in the Western Region, and Robert Simon, vice president for Chemical Products and Technology, speak with PMM Editor Ron Shinn.

Training your workforce for the future: PMM Perspective

Plastics processors are facing challenges in their workforces as experienced operators retire and new employees need to level up their skills. Senior Staff Reporter Karen Hanna details the efforts of OEMs, training programs and companies to educate their staffs and prepare them for the future. Read more from our package, on how training can be tailored to individual needs, and how one company is helping its workers shine.

Matt Seaholm, Plastics Industry Association: PMM In Person

PMM Editor Ron Shinn speaks with Matt Seaholm, CEO of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), about the global effort to solve the problem of plastics in the environment, and the organization's role in those initiatives.