Kickstart: Saluting the 'Rapid Responders'

This week's print issue of Plastics News is devoted to one subject: The "Rapid Responders" of the plastics industry who stepped up to fill the supply chain as the coronavirus pandemic spread globally.

This issue was a good chance for PN reporters and editors (along with the editorial staff from our sister publications) to dive more deeply into how different sectors of the industry responded early in the pandemic and check back in with people we spoke to in the spring.

Frank Esposito spoke with three Braskem workers who isolated themselves on site for 28 days to ensure polypropylene production continued without interruption. Steve Toloken talked to one of the companies involved with a cooperative project in Ohio to make personal protective equipment and how it is now looking at ways to upgrade that equipment with digital sensors.

Erin Sloan updates the effort from packaging specialists, while Catherine Kavanaugh reports on how the machinery industry sped up deliveries to essential customers. And Sarah Kominek touches base with custom molders who found themselves diverting production to all new industries.

I'll think you'll find a lot to brag about in the industry as you read these stories.

Also on the medical molders front, Plastics News' virtual edition of Plastics in Health Care starts today and runs through Oct. 30.

The medical industry is worth nearly $200 billion, and a conversion to plastics for medical devices from metal and glass parts has been a big driver for growth. Add to that the new business from pandemic spending and reshoring, and there is a lot of news and information to follow.

Speakers will cover the industry from the perspective of materials and machinery suppliers as well as molders.

Let's assume you're pretty good about remembering to bring your own bags to the grocery store.

But will you remember to bring your own reusable packaging to Burger King the next time you order a Whopper?

Starting in 2021, Burger King sandwiches and drinks will be available in reusable containers or beverage cups in selected Burger King restaurants in New York, Portland and Tokyo, the fast-food company announced Oct. 21.

The packaging will be collected and sanitized by TerraCycle's Loop program.

It won't be free, though.

"Those who opt for the reusable packaging are charged a deposit at the time of purchase, and when the packaging is returned, they receive a refund," our sister paper Sustainable Plastics writes.