Dec. 9: Machinery outlook; treaty talks fallout; resin fees

Welcome to the latest edition of Plastics News! This week, we explore key developments shaping the plastics and manufacturing industries. From global policy shifts, like the U.S. and EU's push for virgin resin fees, to groundbreaking lawsuits challenging plastic recycling claims, we cover the stories that matter. Additionally, we delve into market trends, corporate moves in sustainability and insights into machinery growth for 2025. 

Sign up now for this week's Plastics in Politics Live: Steve Toloken will cover the outcome of the latest plastics treaty talks. 

And join our Sustainable Plastics editors Dec. 12 with the latest on plastics recycling. Register here. 

Don't forget the next Polymer Points Live next week, Frank Esposito will recap 2024 resin prices and give an outlook on 2025. 

All these events are free for paid subscribers to Plastics News. 

The U.S., EU, and Japan backed a proposal for fees on virgin resin during the latest plastics treaty talks, emphasizing funding mechanisms to support recycling and waste management. Although the talks in South Korea failed to produce a final agreement, the push for resin fees could significantly impact developing nations' environmental efforts.

A class-action lawsuit from Ford County, Kansas, accuses major resin manufacturers and the American Chemistry Council of misleading consumers about plastic recyclability. Allegations include false representations that drove up plastic production while only a small percentage of plastics were recycled, raising ethical and legal concerns in the industry.

The plastics machinery industry experienced a slow 2024 but shows signs of rebound for 2025. Growth in sectors like bioplastics and automation is balancing demand drops in traditional markets. Analysts point to reshoring, sustainability, and advancements in recycling technologies as pivotal factors driving the recovery. (Check back later for links as we publish the story online)

• Automation, AI help molders deal with labor, sustainability challenges

Environmental organizations criticized Coca-Cola’s latest sustainability report, which omitted its earlier goal to achieve 25% reusable packaging by 2030. Critics argue this backtrack undermines global efforts toward a circular economy, sparking calls for greater corporate accountability in environmental practices.

At the forefront of sustainability initiatives in the plastics industry, women leaders are making a significant impact. From advocating for circular economy practices to implementing greener production processes, these trailblazers are combining innovation and environmental responsibility. Leaders like Vanessa Malena of Engel Americas and Michelle Boven of Nexeo Plastics emphasize the importance of authenticity, collaboration and resilience in achieving sustainability goals. Their efforts highlight how inclusivity in leadership is fostering new approaches to tackling the industry’s environmental challenges, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Aurora Materials Solutions acquired Lastique International, enhancing its capacity for recycling and sustainable solutions. This move aligns with Aurora’s strategy to expand its reach in environmentally friendly materials, marking its seventh acquisition since 2017 in the green innovation space.