Happy October!
This week in Plastics News we share coverage from the Injection Molding and Design Expo. Shifts in the automotive market towards electrification, sustainability and mobility are providing ample stepping-up points for the plastics industry, writes Reporter Sarah Kominek. They also wrote a story delving into the issues suppliers are dealing with amid the UAW strike, speaking with Matthew Zessin from M. Holland Co. at the North American International Auto Show last month.
Introducing Numbers Matter Shorts! If you aren't a subscriber to the long-form livestreams but still want to hear all of Economics Editor Bill Wood's market wisdoms, tune in to our inaugural video explaining the latest data and what to expect for Q4.
The prospect of a national bottle bill is hitting headlines again as Oregon Democrat Jeff Merkley is trying to craft framework legislation for a bill that would set performance targets for recycling but leave implementation up to the states.
Also on the cover: FRX Innovations Inc. is reviewing strategic options including a possible sale of the company that makes flame retardant technology.
Upcoming: Fakuma international trade fair is right around the corner on Oct. 17-21. Sustainability is again taking the lead and we have several preview stories in this week's issue and over on our sister publication Sustainable Plastics.
Elsewhere in this issue:
- Nova Chemicals has announced force majeure supply limits on polyethylene resin production at Nova's St. Clair River site in Corunna, Calif.
- PS resin prices rose in September.
- Braskem America has stopped production on a major polypropylene line in Marcus Hook, Pa., which was also featured in this week's Material Insights.
- Ohio PET jar maker Rez-Tech Corp. has closed and the facility's equipment is now up for sale.
- Editor Don Loepp opines on the recent plastics manufacturing battle taking place in Lockport, N.Y.
- Superior Die Set Corp. is seeking a sale of the company and may be forced to close.
- Two U.S. plastics industry groups are expanding their voluntary Operation Clean Sweep pellet spill containment program by adding more rigorous third-party auditing.
- The head of the U.N. agency organizing the plastics treaty talks is warning countries that the agreement needs firm targets and control measures, or it risks repeating mistakes that have weakened climate pacts like the Paris Agreement.
Coming up: Sign up for Steve Toloken's next Plastics in Politics Live, next Tuesday at 2 p.m. Eastern.