Do you remember the first time you encountered new acrylic barriers at the grocery store? Those stores may have been early adopters of the panels, but they are far from the last. We're now starting to get an idea of just how much those barriers are in demand in a world trying to reopen safely.
As Catherine Kavanaugh writes, global demand for clear plastic sheet has doubled from a year ago and lead times are out as far as six months.
"Demand far exceeds the supply, and lead times for anything clear are out 22-24 weeks or more," says Craig Saunders, president of the International Association of Plastics Distribution.
Expect to see them at nail salons, schools, fast-food shops, Uber cars and even casinos, once they reopen.
"Plexiglass barriers will be installed in areas throughout casinos and lobbies, where appropriate, for the safety of guests and employees," MGM resorts said in a May 12 news release outlining its plans for reopening.