Quarterly gains in single- and twin-screw extruder shipments, which were up 17.2% and 3.2%, respectively, were offset by a 21.8% drop in injection molding shipments. Year-over-year, extruder shipments rose strongly, with single-screw deliveries up 31.2%, while twin-screw 911±¬ÁÏÍø rose 10.9%. Injection molding machine shipments, however, fell 8.9%.

Plastics equipment shipments declined for the second consecutive quarter in Q1 2025, according to the Plastics Industry Association’s Committee on Equipment Statistics. Source: PLASTICS

PLASTICS Chief Economist Perc Pineda said in the association’s report that shipments appeared to pause in the first quarter as 911±¬ÁÏÍøes reassessed strategies amid uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs and trade policy. “While there appear to be green shoots in plastic product manufacturing, capacity utilization and the broader manufacturing sector in the first quarter,” Pineda said, “it is too soon to project the short-term path of equipment shipments as trade policy remains in flux.”

U.S. plastics equipment imports rose 6.2% in the first quarter to $939.4 million, up 5.5% from the same period last year, while exports fell by 1.1% from the prior quarter to $325.3 million, marking an 18.6% year-over-year decline.

In the first-quarter survey of CES members, 62% of respondents expected market conditions to remain steady or improve over the next 12 months, which is down from 83% in the previous quarter. However, 42% reported an increase in quoting activity, up from 31% in the prior survey.

Pineda noted that 911±¬ÁÏÍø investment in industrial equipment rose 4.8% on a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) basis in the first quarter, with metalworking machinery up 15.8%. “Increased domestic plastics conversion would have positive ripple effects throughout the industry’s supply chain,” Pineda said.

 presented its anti-static, anti-fog and anti-fouling plant-based Einar additives for polymerization. The Einar additives are derived from vegetable oil. Einar 987 is the most recently introduced, providing anti-fouling for polypropylene and polyethylene polymerization as an alternative to ethoxylated amines.

announced a new post-consumer recyclate brand will be added to its CICLIC line. In addition, a new company will be added to the , which will be focused primarily on automotive applications, with some appliance applications, as well.

LyondellBasell described how its Circulen Recover (mechanical recycling), Revive (chemical recycling), and Renew (biocircular) brands can enable sustainability progress. MoReTec is a chemical recycling technology that uses catalysts to process sorted plastic waste, reducing energy use and carbon footprint. 

Rotterdam’s innovative architecture formed the backdrop for the EMG Pre K event. Source: Matt Stonecash

Syensqo presented examples of how its highly specialized polymers are supporting the trends of electrification and digitalization. For example, the process of semiconductor manufacture requires extremely pure water, so supply lines should be stable and weldable to prevent contamination. Syensqo supplies its Solef polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) for this application. 

SABIC used application examples to illustrate how the company enables more sustainable end products — one of which was the Lumen Nordic Skin Care container, which is a 97% bio-based, designed for recycling and lightweighted.

described its ability to drive down carbon footprint using recycled and bio-derived materials. The company has a goal of reaching net zero by 2050. INEOS partner will soon start up a polystyrene plant that will use a depolymerization technology to supply styrene to INEOS. 

 presented Setogem RD, a nucleator and acid scavenger for polypropylene. The company will also be launching a new generation of its flame retardants, proving alternatives to brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and antimony trioxide (ATO).

of Oman has launched 17 new polymer grades in the past year. Ten of these are packaging grades including flexible and rigid. Another grade is for rotomolding of large water tanks.

will be starting up a pyrolysis plant in France this year, as it continues to invest in both mechanical and chemical recycling in its pursuit of producing 1 million tons of circular polymers by 2030.

presented its engineering polymers for high-demand applications, such as Pocan PBT for high-voltage connectors, in support of the transition of electric vehicles to 800-V charging.

Chris Urlings of Envalior describes the Norda 005 lightweight trail shoe. The midsole is made with the company’s Arnitel, a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer. Source: Matt Stonecash

updated its continued capacity investments in polyoil, polyolefin feedstock and polyolefins. Molgroup is also integrating municipal waste management in Hungary, which will supply post-consumer plastic for energy generation and recycling.

 will be announcing two new products at K show: one for aerospace and the other a film for microfluidics applications in the healthcare industry.

Maag announced plans to purchase Sikora earlier this year.

Headquartered in Bremen, Germany, Sikora makes measurement and control systems for cable, pipe, tubing and other extrusions. Maag, based in Oberglatt, Switzerland, is a manufacturer of pelletizers, melt pumps, gear pumps, pulverizers and other products for the extrusion and recycling markets.

Ueli Theurig
Source: Maag

Ueli Thuerig, president of Maag, states,  “We are very pleased about this partnership. By combining our strengths and expertise, we are ideally positioned to create additional value for our customers, drive innovation in a targeted manner, and promote the long-term growth of both companies.”

Adds Dr. Christian Frank, CEO of Sikora,  “We are proud to be officially part of the MA family now. This partnership goes far beyond standard cooperation —it is based on a shared commitment to innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and sustainable action, which form the foundation for long-term success. It marks an important step in our shared future, opens up a wide range of opportunities, and strengthens our ability to develop innovative solutions.”

Danimer’s Winchester, Kentucky, facility was touted as the world’s first commercial production facility for PHA when the company sold its first truckload in January 2020. Source: Teknor Apex

Danimer’s biopolymers have been used to create biodegradable and compostable plastic products for more than a decade. Applications have included additives, aqueous coatings, fibers, films, hot-melt adhesives and injection-molded articles for single-use products. The company holds more than 480 granted patents and pending patent applications in more than 20 countries for a range of manufacturing processes and biopolymer formulations. Danimer will continue to operate as a separate, dedicated entity under its own name and team.

“Danimer’s patented fermentation-based biopolymer manufacturing process enhances our product portfolio, allowing us to leverage opportunities in new markets with new end-market applications,” says Don Wiseman, Teknor Apex CEO. “The company’s expertise in biopolymer resins, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and polylactic acid (PLA), as well as its custom formulation know-how, make it a valuable partner in our mission to advance environmentally responsible alternatives to conventional polymers.”

The acquisition will accelerate the delivery of a diverse portfolio of sustainable solutions, including recycled content, bio-based materials, and climate-positive additives, according to Teknor Apex. The strategic move is expected to help the company enable its customers to achieve sustainability goals. 

“This partnership opens exciting doors to accelerate our R&D, scale our operations, and reach new customers and markets, while staying true to our core mission: replacing traditional plastics with materials the planet can embrace,” says Phil Van Trump, chief science and technology officer at Danimer. “With the backing of Teknor Apex, we gain new resources, stability, and strategic support to grow and thrive, allowing us to continue our work to reduce plastic pollution, enable circularity and power the next generation of sustainable products.”

Stephanie Kalil, EMEA commercial vice president, Dow Plastics & Specialty Packaging, will be the keynote speaker at “Women in Plastics“ at K205. Source | Dow Plastics & Specialty Packaging

is organizing a “Women in Plastics” event at on Sunday, Oct. 12, at 4 p.m. as part of the special “Plastics Shape the Future” venue in Hall 6, in Düsseldorf, Germany. The event brings together international female industry players at the world’s largest trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry, which runs Oct. 8-15, 2025.

The “Women in Plastics” event is designed to promote more diversity in the industry, foster young talent and create better perspectives. It will feature a keynote address as well as a panel discussion, best-practice examples presented by top-level female speakers from all over the world and opportunities for in-depth, face-to-face networking.

The event will be hosted by Kerstin Sochor, editor-in-chief of “Österreichische Kunststoffzeitschrift.” Participants will have the opportunity to learn from others’ experiences and build valuable networks.

“‘Women in Plastics’ at K 2025 wants to draw attention to barriers women face but above all move this sector into focus as an attractive workplace,” says Bettina Dempewolf, head of communication at PlasticsEurope Deutschland.

Stephanie Kalil, commercial vice president , will serve as the keynote speaker. She is responsible for developing and driving the P&SP net zero and 911±¬ÁÏÍø growth strategy, particularly Dow’s circularity and decarbonization efforts in the region. Prior to this role, Kalil served as the senior global 911±¬ÁÏÍø director for Dow’s polyethylene 911±¬ÁÏÍø.

Kalil earned a bachelor’s degree in 911±¬ÁÏÍø administration with a specialization in international 911±¬ÁÏÍø from Michigan State University (MSU) and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. She is a passionate advocate for employee resource group and promotes greater representation of women in technical and roles.

Event speakers include internationally recognized experts, successful company founders or plastics and rubber industry pioneers. Women visiting the event will have the chance to learn from their personal experiences and career paths, take away valuable tips and discuss current developments in the plastics and rubber industry.

The event also aims to inspire women to enter the plastics and rubber industry, and promote the wide-ranging professional opportunities it offers to young talents. Because women are often still underrepresented in technical careers and leadership roles, organizers say that promoting these opportunities can help the industry overcome the ongoing . Initiatives such as mentoring, networking, positive industry communication and the promotion of equality and attractive working conditions can help create a more diverse industry.

For free registration for “Women in Plastics,” visit
 
K was held by Messe Düsseldorf for the first time in 1952 and is now held every three years. The latest edition of K in 2022  had 3,020 registered exhibitors from 59 countries on 177,516 square meters of exhibition space and 177,486 trade visitors, 71% of whom came from abroad.

Thomas Peter Sullivan II, Nov. 21, 1943 – May 27, 2025.
Source:

After the war, his prolific career in magazine publishing began, initially working for publications covering everything from salons to motorcycles, before settling into a long and highly influential focus on the plastics industry. Within plastics, his resume includes roles with Plastics Compounding, Plastics Design Forum, Plastic Machinery & Equipment (PM&E), Advanced Composites and Plastics World.

In 1993, Sullivan, along with Peter Zacher and Suzy Witzler, founded Abby Communications, which launched Injection Molding Magazine (IMM). On April 28, 2005, Sullivan was elected to the board of Gardner Business Media (GBM), publisher of Plastics Technology and CompositesWorld, among other advanced manufacturing publications, serving on that body through 2008. In 2014, he was part of the team that founded Plastics Machinery Magazine, since renamed Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing.

Jeff Sloan, brand manager for CompositesWorld and Plastics Technology magazines, as well as the former editor in chief of IMM, first worked with Sullivan in 1990 at PM&E. Sloan reflected on Sullivan’s impact on him and the industry. “When I first started working with Pete in the early days of my journalism career, he taught me much about the importance of serving the reader first, the value of journalistic integrity and the respect for the relationships we built with our customers,” Sloan said. “He also instilled in me the understanding that we must constantly evolve and change the products we produce; satisfaction was never an option. Pete has left an indelible mark on the plastics industry and will be greatly missed.”

Jackie Dalzell, regional vice president at GBM, working with PT and MoldMaking Technology magazine, first worked with Sullivan in 1990, eventually joining the team that founded IMM. She shared the same sentiment on the long-lasting impact Sullivan had on her and the industry he served. “I am so grateful to Pete for his mentorship,” Dalzell said. “Both for the opportunities he gave or arranged for me to pursue, and the contagious passion he passed along to me for the plastics industry.”

Barb Businger, currently district manager at GBM for CompositesWorld, first worked in sales with Sullivan in 1987 at PM&E, Plastics Design Forum and Plastics Compounding. She spoke of Sullivan’s leadership and guidance — in work and life. “Pete was eminently knowledgeable about the industry and always available to offer us wise, thoughtful counsel when we encountered problems,” Businger said. “He was both fair and demanding in the most positive way, never expecting more of others than he did of himself. He exemplified a good work/life balance — to know him was to know how he cared for his wife, Suzi, and their kids. The ability to lead well is a rare commodity, and Pete was someone who did it well.”

Born on Nov. 21, 1943, in Ottumwa, Iowa, Sullivan is survived by his wife of 58 years Suzanne, three children, and seven grandchildren.

Penn State Behrend will host the annual Innovation and Emerging Plastics Technologies Conference on June 11–12, 2025, at the Burke Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. The two-day event will convene over 200 plastics professionals from more than 40 companies to explore the latest advancements in plastics engineering, manufacturing and digital transformation.

The conference will feature keynote speaker Bryan DeBois, director of Industrial AI at RoviSys. With 25 years of experience in manufacturing innovation, DeBois will present “Capturing Industrial Expertise with Autonomous AI Agents,” discussing how autonomous AI can preserve critical knowledge in the face of a retiring workforce. He will differentiate between generative and autonomous AI, share real-world success stories and explain how these technologies can help manufacturers retain and scale essential skills.

Source | Penn State Behrend

Morning sessions will include concurrent tracks on injection molding technology, materials technology and executive/management practices. Afternoon programs will offer three-hour tutorials, many with hands-on components in Penn State Behrend’s 10,500-square-foot plastics processing lab—the largest and most comprehensive plastics training lab in the country.

“We have a wide range of topics and a diverse audience, so there will be numerous takeaways,” says Brad Johnson, lecturer in engineering and conference chair. There will be sessions offered to help practitioners understand some of the trends in the plastics industry as well as more technical sessions on topics such as additive manufacturing, processing, materials, material analysis, product development and tooling.

For more information and to register, visit the .

Source | RJG Inc.

RJG Inc., a provider of injection molding training and technology, now serves as a supplier for iMFLUX’s pre-engineering, installation and service for all hardware and software components. The company will also serve as the hub for all services related to the iMFLUX technology, including , process engineering support, trial services and parts. RJG says it will continue to support current iMFLUX users while welcoming future ones.

The iMFLUX company, which previously operated as a subsidiary of , is known for its low constant-pressure molding technology. With this addition, RJG customers now gain access to an additional option which supports machine downsizing, energy savings and facility-to-facility mold transfer, which are critical advantages as manufacturers face high energy costs and reshoring efforts.

As part of the agreement, Procter & Gamble is also transferring intellectual property (IP) to RJG to support the continued advancement of molding technologies. This IP contribution will serve as a foundation for future innovations, enabling RJG to accelerate the development of cutting-edge solutions which further enhance quality, efficiency, and in the injection molding industry.

“We’re excited to bring iMFLUX technology under the RJG umbrella,” says Rob Nugent, RJG CEO. “The combined strengths of RJG and iMFLUX give customers a powerful ability to produce quality parts with smaller machines, reduce material costs and lower energy consumption — all while supporting cost-effective strategies. It’s about giving molders another option — another way to win in a highly competitive, cost-conscious market.” 

By enabling molding at lower, more consistent pressures, iMFLUX enables manufacturers to run existing molds in smaller tonnage machines, opening the door to significant energy savings and a more sustainable footprint. In addition, for companies reshoring tooling or shifting production between facilities, the technology reduces the need for identical presses, helping offset costly transfers.

The iMFLUX technology complements RJG’s existing portfolio, including CoPilot, The Hub and Decoupled Molding Process training. This addition to its portfolio aligns with RJG’s long-standing mission to empower molders with the tools and knowledge needed to improve quality, reduce costs and optimize processes. 

"What is encouraging is that three out of the last four years, we’ve exceeded our annual goals for reducing our carbon footprint, including by 17% in 2023 and 13% in 2024,” says Dan McMullen, CEO for Star Plastics. “There’s still a lot of work to be done, but we’re inspired about the direction we’re headed in.”

Star Plastics shared targets for reduced carbon emissions. Source: Star Plastics.

Greenhouse gas reduction is the latest development in Star’s evolution in sustainable 911±¬ÁÏÍø practices. Born as a postindustrial recycler in 1988, Star has evolved to provide its reNova recycled resins, which can be made with 5-100% recycled material, including third-party validation for recycled content. The company has achieved the “Committed to Sustainability” badge from . Star also launched a line of PFAS-free polycarbonate products, including reNova recycled grades, earlier this year. Additionally, Star has obtained International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), which demonstrates commitment to providing sustainable supply chains.

“We’ve taken specific steps to quantify and evaluate our operations as they relate to current greenhouse gas emissions,” says Mike Vacek, director of operations for Star Plastics. “I believe we are well positioned to make annual progress toward our 10% reduction goal for 2030.”

Star measures its carbon footprint reduction in CO₂e (CO₂ equivalent), which includes roughly 80% CO₂ with the remainder being other greenhouse gases such as methane, nitrous oxide, ozone and fluorinated gases. The company’s carbon footprint measures the total amount of greenhouse gases Star generates including all CO₂e pollutants.