Kickstart: The first rule of K is to be kind to your feet

Whether you're ready or not, K 2022 starts three weeks from today.

The event in Düsseldorf, Germany, is billed as the most important plastics trade show in the world, drawing global companies showing the latest updates in materials, molding technology, products and — especially this year — their sustainable practices.

If you've been to past shows, you should already know to pace yourself for a marathon of events from Oct. 19-26.

Extrusion equipment maker Davis-Standard LLC — with a booth in Hall 16 — has updated what it terms "The Ultimate K Show Tool Kit" to help you make it through the event. And much like a running marathon, where the mantra is "nothing new on race day," the Connecticut-based company says: "Do not, under any circumstances, save new shoes for the exhibition. Blister city! You should be breaking in a new pair … now."

A lot of the tips focus on remembering that the show is long, so attendees should give themselves a few nights without any scheduled events so they can catch up on rest. But also remember that the food and drinks are plentiful, so bring a sewing kit in case you need to sew on a popped button if you have a little too much schweinshaxe. (If you don't know what  schweinshaxe is, you will by the end of K.)

Also, remember that you'll have limited luggage space to bring home souvenirs from the show.

"You will be tempted by Darth Vader masks, plastic chair parts and other partly or fully built home components. We suggest traveling light and being selective with the cool samples."

Your babies may not care what materials are used to make their beloved pacifier, but for environmentally conscious parents, an Austrian consumer products company is offering ones that are carbon neutral.

MAM Original Pure Soother uses polypropylene from Borealis' Bornewables portfolio of materials sourced from Neste's renewable feedstock derived from bio-based and waste streams. The pacifier packaging, which functions as a sterilizer box, also is produced from Bornewables. The material can be dropped into existing production.

Borealis introduced the Bornewables line in 2020.

The pacifiers are the "next milestone in our sustainability efforts," Peter Röhrig, CEO and founder of MAM, said in a news release.

Borealis will show the Pure Soothers at its stand at K 2022 in Düsseldorf, Germany, next month.

Injection molder Natech Plastics Inc. has been named one of the top workplaces for New York's Long Island in a new ranking from the Long Island Press and Dan's Papers.

The contract manufacturer with a focus on medical, diagnostics and consumer goods industries in Ronkonkoma, N.Y., landed at No. 6 for companies with 50-149 employees. Natech has 75 employees.

"The dedicated team at Natech lives our three core values of accountability, continual improvement and connection each and every day," the company said in its submission for the ranking. "Because of their commitment to excellence, we are able to supply high-quality, life-critical parts to our customers and do our part to make the world a safer and healthier place."

The company has been growing, adding three presses earlier this year and two in 2021.