Editorial Livestreams

In this month's Plastics in politics, states are debating extended producer responsibility, and in Colorado, experts are estimating the impact on the cost of plastic products. Also, a study looks at how strict measures globally could slow growth of virgin resin consumption and boost demand for recycled plastics. Finally Steve Toloken also recaps shareholder resolutions related to plastics, and discusses the need for container deposits.

To achieve ambitious sustainability goals, the plastics industry will need both mechanical and chemical recycling, Karen Laird said in the May Sustainable Plastics Live webinar. Laird, the editor of Sustainable Plastics magazine, argued that plastics recycling is not a myth, thanks to improved technology. But improvements to collection infrastructure, and extended producer responsibility, are needed.

Despite high inflation and talk about a slowing economy, Plastics News Economics Editor Bill Wood says he doesn’t “see a flashing red light” warning of trouble in the North American plastics supply chain. He does see a yellow light, warning of slower growth. In the April 2022 Numbers that Matter Live, he says managers should keep an eye on interest rates – if the Fed tries to raise them too much, too quickly – and on the value of the U.S. dollar.

In our April Plastics in Politics Live, Steve Toloken talks about polling data from Shelton Group that shows that plastics are a bigger concern for the public than climate change, and that there’s growing skepticism about whether plastics recycling works.

In the April Sustainable Plastics Live, we talk about product design, with a focus on packaging. How is the shift to tethered caps taking place? Also, the European plastics system needs significant change within 5 years to meet long-term circularity and net zero emissions goals. What will happen if it fails to meet those goals?

Higher interest rates are coming in an effort to combat inflation. Which plastic end markets are vulnerable, and how can the plastics supply chain adapt? Plastics News Economics Editor Bill Wood also discusses supply chain issues and the impact of high energy costs. And should we be worried that a “soft landing” could become a recession?

Energy and feedstock prices have been volatile in the past month, as a result of higher demand, inflation and the Ukraine crisis. Resin buyers are dealing with material shortages, higher shipping costs and fragile supply chains. Senior Reporter Frank Esposito talks how these issues may prompt higher prices, plus the impact of new capacity and an update on recycled resin supply and pricing.

Does the Ukraine crisis put plastics sustainability on hold, or will it accelerate progress toward a circular plastics industry that's not as dependent on fossil fuels for feedstock and energy?

Will conflict in Europe add to turmoil for North American plastics processors? In the February Numbers that Matter Live, Economics Editor Bill Wood also covers dealing with inflation, higher interest rates, rising energy prices, supply-chain issues, tariffs and the shift to a more circular economy. It won’t be easy, but there are “tremendous opportunities” for innovative companies, according to Wood, who has tracked the plastics industry for more than 30 years.