When SencorpWhite departed the thermoforming market last year, other OEMs saw opportunity. BMG, Illig and Kiefel are now offering solutions to SencorpWhite users that allow them to keep their tooling and in some cases even improve upon their performance. Senior reporter Bruce Geiselman discusses the three companies' efforts in this episode of our P…

Conair president Jason Ganim talks about the changing role of auxiliary equipment manufacturers, the new collaborative relationship processors expect and responding to needs for specialized solutions. New technology, including artificial technology in auxiliary equipment, is helping processors deal with labor and skill shortages as well as improve …

Senior Reporter Bruce Geiselman shares some of the top stories on our website this month, including innovations in extrusion equipment and news regarding a major thermoforming machinery manufacturer.By Endeavor Business Media

Robert Schad, founder of Husky and Athena Automation/Niigon, left an indelible mark on the plastics industry and a legacy of philanthropy. He died July 11 at age 95. Editor Ron Shinn looks back on his encounters with Schad over the years, his colorful personality and his drive for perfection.By Endeavor Business Media

Artificial intelligence, process monitoring and other digital technologies were a major theme at NPE2024. Senior reporter Bruce Geiselman talked with three extruder makers -- Colines, Reifenhäuser and Collin -- to learn about the benefits of their Industry 4.0 technologies.By Endeavor Business Media

If you want to know the state of the plastics machinery business, don't look to pundits or economists; ask a salesperson. Good ones listen closely to their customers and often defy conventional wisdom, says Editor Ron Shinn, and we are wise to listen to what they had to say recently.By Endeavor Business Media

Editor Ron Shinn rounds up five top stories from Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing, including a look at Industry 4.0 technology in injection molding, comments from OEMs on the state of the economy and their businesses, and equipment debuts from Dri-Air, Conair and Athena.By Endeavor Business Media

Join us for an insightful discussion with Judson Armentrout, a seasoned Retail Packaging Consultant with a long history at one of the countries largest grocers, as we dive into key topics such as: 🔹 Career Journey: From Case Ready Coordinator at Kroger to his current role, Judson shares his wealth of experience in the retail packaging industry. 🔹 P…

Artificial intelligence can be hard to define, but it's coming to plastics processing. Doug Anger, engineering manager for training provider RJG Inc., says processors should look beyond the headlines and buzzwords and start viewing AI as another innovation to add to their toolboxes. Part quality, efficiency and profit margins can be improved by tec…

From trimming cycle times to optimizing the use of recycled materials, the ability to collect data and tweak production based on it offers molders many benefits, said representatives of injection molding machine makers — and molders are beginning to embrace Industry 4.0. In this episode of PMM Insight, Senior Reporter Karen Hanna shares what she le…

PMM Managing Editor Lynne Sherwin attended NPE2024 as a first-timer. Editor Ron Shinn talks with her about her experiences, what she and other PMM staffers heard from participants, and what it might foretell for plastics machinery makers and processors.By Endeavor Business Media

When we think of the factory of the future, we often picture a fully automated facility with few workers. But manufacturing gurus are beginning to talk about Industry 5.0, a human-centric, sustainable and resilient approach, in which robots and humans do what they do best in tandem, rather than having machines replace people. PMM Editor Ron Shinn e…

Can you effectively make packaging decisions that add value to your organization? In this episode of Wrappy Hour, we sit down with Jessica Schwartz, a seasoned packaging consultant who began her career at General Mills until launching her own business, Strategic Packaging Partners, in 2019. In this exciting episode, we discuss the correlation betwe…

The recently concluded fourth round of UN talks on a global plastics treaty made some progress in narrowing down the issues still facing delegates, according to Stewart Harris, senior director for global plastics policy in the plastics division of the American Chemistry Council. But there is still crucial work to be done before the fifth and final …

Processors who reject smart manufacturing technologies are putting their future at risk, says industry expert Alaa Elwany of Texas A&M. The government is mulling ways to help manufacturers unlock Industry 4.0 innovations, while surveys indicate growing interest among manufacturers. Senior reporter Bruce Geiselman looks at the state of smart manufac…

Manufacturing technologies are evolving quickly, and those who don’t implement Industry 4.0 risk being left behind. Start small, but in a way that allows your company to scale up, says Editor Ron Shinn.By Endeavor Business Media

A survey of more than 300 manufacturers found that 99 percent say they plan to increase spending in technology and Industry 4.0 in 2024. At the same time, the cost of sensors, hardware and computing services are coming down. In this episode of PMM Insight, Mo Abuali, digital director for manufacturing, retail and distribution at Wipfli LLP, told Ed…

PMM Editor Ron Shinn has been to every NPE since 1991. In this episode of PMM Insight, he chooses 10 of the 111 Product Innovations featured in our April show preview issue that he's most excited to see.By Endeavor Business Media

Editor Ron Shinn, a veteran of dozens of plastics trade shows, looks forward to NPE2024 in May. It's been six years since the last one, and at the rate technology is advancing, there'll be many revelations to enjoy on the show floor.By Endeavor Business Media

Auxiliary plastics processing equipment such as blenders, dryers and feeders can now collect and analyze data, make production adjustments on the fly, predict maintenance and more. These intelligent upgrades also help processors manage the lack of skilled labor in their plants. Senior reporter Bruce Geiselman spoke with representatives of several m…

The need to address the plastics pollution problem is universally acknowledged, but progress has been slow and parties are often working at cross-purposes. PMM Editor Ron Shinn gives his perspective on the struggle to find common ground for the sake of the earth.By Endeavor Business Media

In this episode, we delve into the world of Canadian packaging with Peter Chapman. With a rich background at Canada's largest retailer and years of experience navigating the packaging landscape, Peter brings unparalleled insights into the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the Canadian packaging industry. From regional dynamics to cross-bo…

Private equity investors are having an impact on the plastics industry. The results are bigger, more sophisticated plastics companies with deeper pockets that are willing to invest in technology to accelerate growth. John Hart, managing director of P&M Corporate Finance, speaks with PMM Editor Ron Shinn about the trend.…

Inflation, high interest rates and supply chain disruptions have created uncertainty throughout the economy, but whatever the short-term outlook, one constant is clear: Finding workers will remain a challenge. Senior reporter Karen Hanna looks at the employment outlook for the plastics industry in this episode of PMM Perspective.…

Your manufacturing data is a valuable asset. Find out how to use this information to increase productivity and serve your customers better.By Endeavor Business Media

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. Edit…

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 se…

In this episode of Wrappy Hour, we sit down with Jake Hall, the Manufacturing Millennial and a key influencer in the packaging industry. As a graduate in Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering, Jake brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. We break down the trends you should be on the lookout for to achieve success in 2024. L…

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 f…

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.By Endeavor Business Media

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 l…

Join us for a festive edition of Wrappy Hour as we unwrap the secrets to a waste-free holiday season with the brilliant Mikey Pasciuto, the innovative mind behind Scrapp, the smart waste app that's reshaping sustainability. In this holiday special, Mikey dives deep into his journey of creating Scrapp, and the benefits of connecting consumers with p…

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 illuminating episode of Wrappy Hour, we sit down with Chris O'Clair, who brings a rich background in packaging and a wealth of experience with vertical farming. As the Packaging Engineering Manager at Sun-Maid Growers of California, Chris brings a unique perspective to the table. We embark on a journey through Chris's career, from his early…

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 impro…

Join us on this enlightening episode of Wrappy Hour as we dive deep into the world of sustainable packaging with Cory Connors, Director of Sustainable Packaging at Orora Packaging Solutions. With over 25 years of experience and a keen eye for innovative solutions, Cory brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Discover the journey of a packaging p…

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 Che…

In this Halloween-themed episode, we welcome back the bakery and candy connoisseur himself, Josh Becker. We uncover the enchanting world of confectionery packaging as we unwrap the magic behind this mesmerizing industry. Josh returns for a deep dive into the packaging dynamics that bring your favorite Halloween treats to life. Join us as we explore…

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 tail…

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.By Endeavor Business Media

Every plastics processor should take the threat of cybercrime seriously. Senior Staff Reporter Bruce Geiselman details steps you can take to make sure your data is safe, your employees are aware and your company has a plan if the worst happens. Read more stories from our report, about cyber insurance and about ransomware.…

Consultants, company leaders and employees tout lean manufacturing as an approach that empowers employees while helping companies run more productively. Senior Staff Reporter Karen Hanna relates how two processors, Comco and Mercury Plastics, have improved their operations. Read more from our series on lean manufacturing here.…

In this episode of Wrappy Hour, we dive into the sizzling world of meat packaging with meat expert Blake Coates. Join us as we explore the secrets behind efficiently delivering delicious cuts of meat to your table, all thanks to the incredible innovations in packaging. In this juicy conversation, we unravel the critical challenges and opportunities…

From Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing and plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com, we bring you our podcast! Each month we will provide interviews with plastics industry professionals; these episodes are referred to as PMM in Person. Each month we also deliver an audio article, referred to as PMM Perspective.…

In this enlightening episode of Wrappy Hour, we welcome a true trailblazer in the world of packaging sustainability, Adam Peek. With a wealth of experience and influence, Adam has dedicated his career to driving positive change in the packaging industry and beyond. Packaging is more than just a means to deliver products; it's a powerful vehicle for…

In this special episode of Wrappy Hour, we dive deep into the world of packaging automation with not one but two experts at the forefront of the industry. This episode was recorded LIVE at Pack Expo in Las Vegas - right on the show floor! Join us as we welcome returning guests John Weddleton, specializing in automated solutions, and Justin Garski, …

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of tray sealing with Carlo Bergonzi, our very own Tray Sealing aficionado. Get ready for an adventure as we unwrap the secrets behind this staple of the packaging world. Carlo takes us on a journey through the tray sealing landscape, sharing insights on how this technology is not just efficient bu…

In our very special tenth episode of Wrappy Hour, we were blessed to get some facetime with Jonathan Quinn, VP of Marketing and Sustainability at Accredo Packaging. He brings a lifetime of experience in the packaging world to our conversation - join us as we uncover some of the sustainability's biggest misconceptions, legislative obstacles, consume…

In this episode of Wrappy Hour, we sit down with Ken Forziati, Thermoforming Product Manager at Harpak-ULMA, to gather insights from his 2+ decades in the packaging world. Ken provides a comprehensive breakdown of the trends were seeing in thermoforming, sustainability, and the packaging space as a whole. Between his membership to the Society of Pl…

In this episode of Wrappy Hour, we dive into the intricate world of medical packaging with Nick Kirichkow, Medical Product Manager at Harpak-ULMA. Join us as we explore the critical considerations that drive the medical packaging industry, from cost-effectiveness to compliance and innovation. New episodes of Wrappy Hour release the first Thursday o…