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The global plastics treaty will have a big impact on the industry’s future, and in our June 13 Plastics in Politics Live, Steve Toloken talked in detail about the recent talks in Paris. There was consensus on the need to reduce waste, and that policy changes are needed to improve circularity. 

Companies in the plastics supply chain are putting a lot of effort into calculating their carbon footprints and coming up with strategies to become carbon neutral. Sustainable Plastics Editor Karen Laird explains what’s driving the issue and why it will be a major talking point for exhibitors at the K 2022 trade show in October. She also recaps the Plastics Recycling Show Europe, including highlights from the annual recycling awards.

Why major brand owners and retailers support phasing out some single-use packaging; plus January changes for PET, polypropylene and PVC resin pricing.

What keeps Doug Ritchie of Star Plastics Inc. up at night? "A company our size has to be very strategic about which opportunity we chase ... Do we have the right relationships? Can we adjust to the culture ... and grow our customers?"

AdvanSix Inc. is ending nylon film production at its site in Pottsville, Pa., Royal DSM and Origin form additive manufacturing partnership, and Canadian General-Tower completed the first phase of a research project on biodegradable plasticizers.

Milacron Holdings Corp. sold its blow molding machine business, U.S. and Chinese tariff escalations include finished plastics products and Taiwanese machine builders hope to take advantage of the tariff fight.

The American Chemistry Council warns against trade escalations, ExxonMobil plans capacity expansions for elastomers and specialty olefins, and an United Nations meeting decided to include plastic waste in a treaty governing trade in hazardous waste.

The University of Maine brings in additive manufacturing, Ineos backs a marathon breakthrough attempt and designer Zac Posen uses 3D printing for gowns at the Met Gala.