A recent article published by Advertising Age, a sister publication of Plastics News, highlighted a Ford Motor Co. report that looked at the consumer trends to watch in 2022. In the article, Sheryl Connelly, Ford corporate futurist, said 31 percent of millennial (born between 1981 and 1996) and Generation Z (those born since 1997) respondents said today's kids will not need to learn how to drive.
"And when asked about owning or sharing a vehicle, one in four among that age group said they'd rather use some sort of car-sharing option in the future, instead of owning a car — assuming cost neutrality," Ad Age wrote.
I'm always fascinated by the outlooks of different generations. Their views and opinions can influence behaviors, set precedence, and change the way companies run and the products they produce.
According to that same 2022 Ford trends report, 41 percent of millennials and Gen Z believe it is environmentally irresponsible to eat meat. Or how about 24 percent of millennials and Gen Z who do not currently have children do not want to have or raise children of their own someday? Those views impact society and the future of the world.
Nearly one-third of millennials and Gen Z respondents of a Deloitte survey for 2021 said they have taken time off work due to stress and anxiety since the start of the pandemic, and nearly four in 10 do not believe their employers have taken action to support their mental well-being. Nearly 50 percent of Gen Z and millennials said they have made choices over the type of work they do and the companies they want to work for based on personal values. These beliefs can affect the way businesses operate.
PN wants to hear from those voices and recognize the next generation of engineers, designers, operators, scientists, human resources professionals and sustainability directors for our ninth year of Rising Stars, which will be published in the Feb. 28, 2022, issue.
We'd like to know about your education, how you got into the industry, current challenges, views on diversity and inclusion, and more:
• Industry and public service. Are you involved in plastics or community groups?
• Leadership potential. How are you showing that you have some?
• Career advancement. Are you taking on responsibility, learning skills and advancing technology?
• Diversity and inclusion. What should the plastics industry do to expand its efforts in diversity and inclusion?
• Sustainability. What is your philosophy related to plastics and sustainability? What steps have you taken to improve plastics' sustainability, whether in your work, your community or your personal life?
If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else in the industry, visit plasticsnews.com/risingstars to fill out the survey. (If you are nominating someone else, you can have them fill out the information, or you can just fill out the information you know.) Nominees must be 35 years old or younger. Submissions must be received by Monday, Jan. 17, 2022.
To read profiles on past Rising Stars honorees, visit www.plasticsnews.com/topic/rising-stars.
Jordan Vitick is the special projects editor of Plastics News.