hen I think about where our industry is headed, one word comes to mind: opportunity. The opportunity to come together, shape our future and lead on one of the most important topics of our time — sustainability. It’s a conversation that continues to evolve, and at IAPD, we are making sure we’re not just part of the dialogue, but at the forefront of it.

As President of IAPD, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand how passionate and engaged our member companies are when it comes to sustainability. It’s clear that the performance plastics industry has a compelling story to tell. We make products that are designed to last, enable critical applications and contribute to circular economies in ways that aren’t always obvious at first glance. Now it’s time we make that story known.

ustainability in the performance plastics industry isn’t just about what we make — it’s about the laws and policies that shape how we make it, recycle it and reuse it. IAPD’s 2025 Legislative Agenda is driving that change, ensuring performance plastics remain an essential part of a circular economy.

Public policy is the foundation of a successful sustainability strategy. IAPD’s Government Relations Committee is working to ensure that performance plastics are properly represented in legislative discussions. From securing funding for advanced and mechanical recycling to ensuring clear regulatory frameworks, IAPD’s advocacy is helping to create an environment where innovation thrives, and sustainability goals become realities.

Cope Plastics worked closely with Visual Presentations Hawaii to understand their vision and specific design needs: eye-catching, durable materials that align with the fashion house’s iconic branding and entice customers to the store. Aesthetic versatility was a top priority for Visual Presentations, making acrylic an ideal choice. After reviewing multiple color options, they selected 2424 blue acrylic and mirrored acrylic.

Acrylic is a top choice in retail environments, being lightweight and shatter-resistant makes it safer and easier to install in high-traffic retail environments. Additionally, acrylic is highly customizable and can be custom-shaped to fit any brand’s retail display specifications.

Verified according to EN 45545-2:2020 (R1), FAR 25.853 and UL94V-0 standards, TECAFIL PC FRT GF10 black is characterized by its excellent flame retardant properties and easy processing properties, making the filament an effective option in demanding railway applications.

According to Ensinger, 3D printing with TECAFIL PC FRT GF10 black enables resource-efficient production of prototypes, low-volume parts and spares, easing supply chain challenges. Additionally it allows lightweight parts to maintain high mechanical, chemical and thermal properties, reducing carbon emissions. www.ensingerplastics.com/en/

ecent studies have confirmed that PVC water mains are not responsible for benzene contamination in municipal water systems following wildfire events, according to a technical brief published by the Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association.

The brief addresses misconceptions that emerged after benzene was detected in drinking water following devastating forest fires in Santa Rosa and Paradise, California in 2017 and 2018. Some media reports incorrectly suggested PVC water mains as the source of contamination.

“This is not possible since both communities confirmed that no PVC water transmission or distribution mains were affected by the fires and remained in service throughout the events,” the report states.

he University of Akron has secured nearly US$5.5 million in federal funding to advance innovative technologies in plastics recycling and energy transmission efficiency, positioning the institution at the forefront of sustainable materials development.

The grants, awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), target the development of “disruptive and ambitious technologies that advance America’s energy future,” according to a recent report in Plastics News.

n 2004, the World Bank and United Nations Global Compact published a report entitled Who Cares Wins, which is now known as the origin of ESG, a framework that focuses on environmental, social and governance considerations in financial markets. Since then, ESG has become a key component of corporate strategy, influencing all economic sectors and industries globally.

A: There have been some significant developments in recycling technology that look to have great promise to reduce plastic waste and provide clean feedstock for new recycled products that preform like virgin inputs.

n today’s rapidly changing market, businesses must prioritize sustainability, particularly in industries such as plastics manufacturing and distribution. With increasing pressure from consumers, regulators and stakeholders to adopt environmentally responsible practices, businesses must adapt in order to remain competitive and compliant. The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC+) system is a powerful tool for demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. This certification validates sustainable practices, opens up new market opportunities, improves brand reputation and ensures compliance with global standards. ISCC+ certification is no longer an option for plastics manufacturers and distributors; it has become a strategic necessity.

rowing up in a world increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, I surprisingly found myself working at a plastics manufacturing company straight out of college. Working at Ensinger was not something I originally envisioned, but I quickly realized that the negative perspectives surrounding the plastics industry were misconceptions. After my first year in the industry, I was able to see the immense impact that plastics have on society, and for good reason.

Given the often-negative reputation associated with plastics, it is crucial that we, as an industry, are stringent with environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies to promote well-rounded, sustainable companies. As a member of Gen Z, I recognize the deep importance of ESG, especially regarding environmental and social factors.

peration Clean Sweep (OCS) is a global plastics industry initiative with a clear mission – to eliminate the loss of plastic pellets, powders and flakes into the environment.

This program provides a framework for companies to implement pellet containment practices in pursuit of zero pellet loss. Resin loss prevention is essential for protecting the environment and water quality, reducing safety hazards in factories and avoiding regulatory penalties.

By embracing OCS, Primex Corporation proactively addresses these risks while also enhancing the safety of our workers, improving operational efficiency and preserving our reputation as responsible environmental stewards.

More than 5,000 companies worldwide have signed onto Operation Clean Sweep, recognizing that preventing resin loss is both an environmental imperative and a smart business strategy.

LASKOLITE has provided innovative and sustainable performance plastics for 75 years. Since its founding in 1950, we have been committed to putting our people first, and this focus has remained consistent throughout our history. With our eyes always to the future, PLASKOLITE identified the need for a robust ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) program and increased sustainability efforts. While our company had embraced these initiatives informally for decades, we understood that an official program was integral for business growth and development, transparency, and continuity.

To get started, PLASKOLITE established an ESG core committee. As we considered the structure, we decided there should be no more than seven team members. This included an executive sponsor, chairperson and vice chair. If your company is considering something similar, it’s important to involve a diverse cross-section of departments in the membership of the committee. This could include environmental, human resources, marketing, safety, finance, operations, technology, engineering and others as appropriate.

ustainability has quickly become a driving topic across our society. Some organizations have rebranded as “green,” but is that what sustainability is about? On the surface, it may be helpful to promote going green (and easier to communicate), but sustainability is so much more. It’s a mindset that requires a different way of thinking — looking at the world as a system and considering how our involvement affects that system. Gaining this mindset is essential if organizations hope to do more than just greenwash.

A sustainability mindset can benefit many parts of a business. As a marketer, I use this mindset to communicate AGRU America’s role in achieving our customers’ long-term goals. Society has shaped those goals to seek long-term, low-impact and efficient solutions — core tenets of sustainability. This article explores how AGRU America is developing a sustainability mindset through education, engagement and practice, and my journey so far.

n today’s hyper-connected world, where emails ding at all hours and work notifications chase us like overenthusiastic puppies, achieving work-life balance can feel as elusive as a Wi-Fi signal on an airplane. Employees often struggle to fully disconnect, leading to burnout, stress and the deep desire to throw their phones into the nearest body of water. But here’s the good news: companies have the power to create healthier boundaries and promote balance in ways that don’t involve just slapping a “wellness” label on yet another Zoom meeting.

Vortex Tool Company, Inc. designs and manufactures a wide variety of standard and custom high-performance router and insert cutting tools for the woodworking and plastics industries, and provides retipping and sharpening services for all makes and models. www.vortextool.com, phone (800) 355-7708.