M. Holland gazes into the future to plan for trends

Before we get too far into 2022, let's check in with leading materials distributor M. Holland Co., where its market experts have offered predictions for the year.

"We expect another healthy year for the plastics industry in 2022, with moderating but robust economic growth, along with improvement in resin availability and continuing materials inflation," Corporate Development Executive Vice President Dwight Morgan said on the website of Northbrook, Ill.-based M. Holland.

"Supply chain congestion will ease, but manufacturers should expect spot disruptions and elevated costs at least through the first half of the year, he added. "We expect improved resin availability to boost exports, but high transportation costs will impact resin imports, particularly from Asia."

M. Holland is one of North America's largest resin distributors, selling more than $1 billion in materials to more than 4,000 customers annually. Company execs offered the following expectations for 2022 in specific end markets:

Minimally invasive surgery, especially robotics, electronic patient monitoring and novel vaccine delivery development will drive medical plastics applications.

"In 2022, we can expect continued supply chain shortages and more reshoring for medical device OEMs in an attempt to create more security and reliability," Global Health Care Manager Josh Blackmore said. "I also expect we'll see a greater push for more sustainable materials in healthcare, particularly in packaging, and growth in areas such as chronic illness care, digitally connected patient monitoring devices and research into new vaccine delivery methods."

This year will bring opportunities for innovation on product designs that incorporate sustainable materials, address the global waste problem, climate change and support the circular economy across all market segments.

Sustainability Market Manager Debbie Prenatt said that sustainability "is no longer just a trend — it's intrinsic to the purpose and the future of our industry. … Over the course of 2021, we saw more of the plastic waste that is visible in our environment get called into question. … These conversations will continue to grow and get louder until more efficient, scalable infrastructure solutions are put into place."

The electronic vehicle market will continue to grow in 2022, so wiring, battery components and interior and exterior applications will increase.

"There will still be supply chain issues in 2022, and likely into 2023, but I hope that new capacity coming online in 2022 will help make current challenges more manageable," said Matt Zessin, automotive market manager. "2022 will be an even bigger year for [EV] development, and plastics will be a big part of creating those vehicles — everything from under-the-hood wiring and battery components to interior and exterior application development."

The 3D printing market will shift toward full-service offerings and diversify product production capabilities.

"Gone are the days when a 3D printing company can do or make just one thing," Haleyanne Freedman, 3D printing market manager, said. "There is a shift happening toward full-service offerings — everything from materials and equipment to resources."

Brands will increase focus on innovative packaging designs that play into the circular economy.

Packaging Market Manager Lindy Holland said that "in 2021, I saw brands and converters alike make strides in designing conscientious consumer packaging solutions that eliminate unnecessary packaging. … This momentum will continue to build in 2022 and I expect to see packaging brands emphasize creative solutions that contribute toward a more circular economy."

Telecommunications will continue to drive the wire and cable market in 2022, and there will be a great OEM push for sustainable materials.

"2022 will bring an even greater push by OEMs for more sustainable material options for fiber optic cables and usher in innovation and technological advancements for fiber density cables that utilize fewer materials and less energy in manufacturing," Todd Waddle, wire & cable director, said.

The need for robotic manufacturing will increase significantly in 2022 due to the continued labor shortage and reshoring.

Electrical/Electronics Market Manager Carlos Aponte said that "in 2022, I anticipate the labor shortage to continue to be a problem, as it has been for years, and as a result, the need for robotics and robotic manufacturing will increase significantly,"

Resins and additive shortages will force compounders to plan their purchases six months or more in advance. More consolidation in the compounding market will continue due to strong private equity holdings.

"Throughout 2022, I anticipate material shortages to continue, and I recommend that compounders try to plan their material needs six months in advance as a result," Scott Arnold, color and compounding market manager, said. "With the economy looking strong for the next few years, I am also anticipating 2022 will bring increased private equity activity to the color and compounding market."

The continued labor shortage and supply chain constraints will drive adoption of automation-enabled applications.

Rotational molding key account manager Bill Christian said that the labor shortage "will continue to be a trend in 2022 and will help drive an increase in automation — something the market has been talking about for years. … I hope 2022 will bring some supply chain relief … with new polyethylene resin capacity coming online from multiple U.S. producers."