As Plastics News marks its 25th year of publication, we take a year-by-year look back at some of the events, people and curious coincidences that have shown up its its pages. Check back through the end of the year (not including holidays) to follow along. This year: 2001.
January
California's electrical system woes with rolling blackouts and other shortages is hitting processors hard. Molders UPM and Poly-Tainer both said they lost power for at least 14 hours on three or four separate days during January, which lost UPM a sizable order.
APC leader Ron Yocum stepping down from the trade agency. His tenure was marked by worsening relations with SPI.
February
Where does a former politician go after he leaves office? How about plastics? Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich signs on as a “communication and management consulting services” supplier with Las Vegas biodegradeable plastic company Millennium Plastics Corp. Gingrich won't be lobbying, the company says, but will help with long-term strategies.
“If we could use some new blend of peanut butter and bananas that would perform, we'd use that.” Former DaimlerChrysler technology exec Tom Moore on the automaker's investigation into the potential of thermoforming for plastic body panels.
March