Kickstart: The reaction to (proposed) action in DC

Reaction has been swift since Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., and Rep. Alan Lowenthal, D-Calif., introduced the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act of 2020, which would step up pressure on packaging and single-use plastics and resin manufacturing.

And, as shouldn't be surprising, the reactions from industry groups and environmental groups have been pretty much what was expected.

The American Chemistry Council pointed out that it has been active in seeking bipartisan solutions to help end plastic waste, and the plastics industry has been investing in plastics recycling.

"But suggestions, such as a moratorium on new plastic facilities, would limit domestic manufacturing growth, jobs, tax revenues for local communities, and other benefits," Keith Christman, managing director of ACC's plastics division, said in a written statement. "Society needs plastics to live more sustainably."

"Any effort to specifically target plastic materials — that, after life-cycle analysis, prove to be more environmentally desirable than other materials — would be misguided at best and harmful at worst," Plastics Industry Association CEO Tony Radoszewski added in a statement.

Groups such as Oceana and Greenpeace, meanwhile, said the bill was needed, calling its proposal a "game-changer."

We'll be keeping an eye on what happens next.

When is 93 percent not a big number? When it marks the first time in years that the need for a younger workforce in the mold making industry did not hit 100 percent.

In its latest survey of the tooling industry, the American Mold Builders Association said respondents noted a very slight easing in workforce issues, but of course that doesn't mean things are easy. Mold shops are still facing pressures.

As Bill Bregar reports, the survey noted that 46 percent of mold makers said generating new business is a challenge, 13 percent higher than in last year's AMBA Business Forecast Report. And maintaining profitability grew to 20 percent of respondents, after just 7 percent last year.

This week is the Medical Design & Manufacturing West show in Anaheim, Calif., which means that you can expect everyone from materials makers to molders to be rolling out their newest achievements for the medical end market.

As the show officially began, Sabic introduced a polycarbonate copolyester designed to withstand the cleaning agents required by the medical industry. Expect other news to rapidly fill your inbox during the next few days.