Table
of
Contents
Cover design by Mackenzie Diekmann,
IAPD Senior Multimedia & Design Manager.
Special Focus:
Agriculture
Performance Plastics: A Publication of The International Association of Plastics Distribution is published bimonthly by the International Association of Plastics Distribution® (IAPD), 6734 W. 121st Street, Overland Park, KS 66209 USA. IAPD members receive this bimonthly magazine as part of their membership dues. Subscription for non-members is $90. Third class postage paid at Shawnee Mission, Kansas, additional mailing offices and foreign mailing in accordance with Publications Agreement No. 40683057. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to IAPD, 6734 W. 121st Street, Overland Park, KS 66209 USA.
This is the official publication of the International Association of Plastics Distribution and carries news and announcements concerning the IAPD. The association and Performance Plastics: A Publication of The International Association of Plastics Distribution are not responsible for content or opinions other than those relating to association activities.
® Registered, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, by the International Association of Plastics Distribution. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in any form whatsoever is forbidden without express permission of registered trademark owner.
Performance Plastics: A Publication of The International Association of Plastics Distribution is printed on paper with 10 percent post-consumer recycled content.
IAPD • phone (913) 345-1005 • fax (913) 345-1006 • www.iapd.org
President’sMessage
IAPD President
f you’ve attended IAPD events, chances are you are a highly engaged IAPD member. You understand the value of attending the in-person events, you probably have enjoyed building relationships with the people you see year-after-year and, most importantly, chances are good that you have achieved a level of success that you otherwise would not have. It’s thanks to those connections that you make with your partners and peers at IAPD events that you know whom to call when you need something, or you may be the person getting a call when one of your colleagues is in need.
It’s easy for those of us who are already involved to see the value of our IAPD involvement. We love the connections we’ve made. We like taking off our “company hat” and putting on our “IAPD hat” to tackle tough issues together, but it’s trickier to try to tell others why they should get involved. Any parent who has been asked “Why?” a million times by their child (often before that first cup of coffee!) will sometimes gravitate to the same response: “Because it’s important.” Well, that’s a great response for many of the “whys?” that pertain to IAPD.
IAPD CEO
arly in August, IAPD President Deborah Ragsdale, Vice President Peter DelGado and I sent letters to IAPD member company leaders, key contacts and convention exhibitors communicating the process of contracting with hotels for large events, the legal and financial risks the association takes, the benefits of staying in the room block and how they can help. I am now sharing this message with you.
The great benefits of staying in IAPD’s hotel room blocks remain the same.
IAPD works hard to give our convention attendees an excellent experience at the IAPD Annual Convention. Each year, we commit to a certain number of room nights when contracting with the hotel. Doing so, ensures you and your team have ample time to secure your room reservations before those rooms become available for sale to the public at the current going rates.
ECO-FIL-A-GEHR Wood consists of recycled wood fibers mixed with biodegradable biopolymers. The eco-filament gives the printed objects the natural look and feel of wood. It can be used to print both extremely robust and stable parts as well as light, highly detailed objects. The natural wood in the filament even gives products a subtle, natural scent. The material has high dimensional stability and elastic properties for 3D printing and filament extrusion. www.gehrplastics.com
The smart choice for
many high abuse
application
Available in colors: Black and White
The smart choice for many high abuse application
Available in colors: Black and White
ACRYLITE® is used in a wide variety of commercial, military and rotary wing applications in monolithic or laminated form.
Roehm America LLC presented large stretched ACRYLITE® sheets and other aviation materials at the 54th Paris Air Show.
“Glazing for aircraft was one of the first applications for cast acrylic glass sheets once ACRYLITE® was registered as a brand 60 years ago,” says Florian Laub, head of the transportation market segment at Roehm America LLC. “Since then, we have developed a high-performance portfolio of special products for the aviation industry; all of which meet the stringent requirements of the respective applications.”
Cast and stretched polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in the ACRYLITE® brand has been used for cabin windows and cockpit windshields in airplanes and helicopters for many decades now because of its excellent optical quality, low weight and tight thickness tolerances. On top of this, Roehm America LLC also presented an innovation at the Paris Air Show: A special feature for aviation materials that does not require coloring, yet still absorbs ultraviolet and infrared light. This provides aircraft passengers with a higher level of protection and reduces heat accumulation in the cabin, which, in turn, conserves the energy required for air conditioning.
DEI+B JOURNEY
Article three in the DEI+B series by the IAPD Diversity Equity and Inclusion Task Force
he manufacturing and distribution industries are facing new challenges. Younger generations are arriving to the workforce expecting that companies align to their personal values, design equitable pathways for professional development and prioritize the elevation of minority voices in a way previous generations have not required. The plastics industry is beginning to experience a boom in establishing things like a supplier diversity strategy, environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments and mentorship opportunities focused on historically underrepresented groups in leadership roles. Candidates, clients and even financial institutions are beginning to request information on organizations’ diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEI+B) efforts when deciding whether to invest in a company.
It’s not always clear how to effectively roll out DEI+B initiatives in a professional setting. There can be considerable ambiguity and, at times, even some tense reception to the conversation among both employees and external business partners. But successful organizations understand this work is essential to improving their talent brand, delivering on their commitments and cultivating a positive company culture, which is proven to impact the rate at which they attract and retain top talent (Parker, 2023).
So where does a business interested in exploring DEI+B begin the journey?
POLYCARBONATE SHEET USES IN AGRICULTURE BUILDINGS
griculture presents many opportunities for selling polycarbonate (PC) sheets. Polycarbonate has many desirable characteristics that make it an excellent choice to be used as coverings on roofs and sidewalls; for flower and vegetation growth as well as livestock coverings and stalls. It has outstanding light transmission, high impact strength, excellent UV protection and flame resistance. It is also lightweight, virtually unbreakable and available in a variety of colors, opacity and diffusion options.
Before the advent of polycarbonate in the United States, greenhouses and other agricultural buildings relied on glass and polyethylene film for coverings; both of which came with a downside. Glass was heavy, expensive and subject to breakage from hail and wind-borne debris, while polyethylene (PE) film was not rigid enough and required replacement every two to three years. Polycarbonate sheets resolved all these issues and are available in multiwall, corrugated and solid sheets.
Engineering Plastics… Feeding the World
id you realize the world’s eight billion people are challenging the global food supply like never before? Projections show that we will need to produce more food over the next 50 years than we produced over the last 10,000 years.
The increased need for food will lead to an increased need for equipment and tools to produce the food. While it seems natural to classify all heavy equipment into one category that we label as construction and heavy equipment (CHE), the segment used by the agriculture market is so significant it should be looked at independently.
John Deere is the largest agriculture equipment producer in the world today, but many other very large original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) operate both globally and regionally. Many offer broad product lines covering the main agriculture equipment segments while others produce unique pieces of equipment serving a highly specialized niche. Regardless of machine type, larger, smarter and faster machines enable farmers to plant, care for and harvest crops more efficiently than in the past. Today agriculture equipment sales exceed US$300 billion annually with a forecasted compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 6% through 2030. Engineering plastics play a significant role and are forecasted to contribute even more in the future.
Exploring Key Features of PVC Panel Liner
orrugated and flat polyvinyl chloride (PVC) liner panels are strong, rust-proof panels that naturally resist chemicals. Non-flammable and impact resistant, these panels are perfect for use on the most demanding agricultural, industrial and commercial applications. PVC liner panels are commonly used in agricultural applications as they offer several advantages in terms of durability, ease of installation and resistance to various environmental factors. The following are key features and applications of PVC liner panels in agriculture:
Chemical Resistance
Fabrication Services Showcase contains paid listings of companies with fabrication services, products and machinery that cater to the performance plastics distribution industry. IAPD does not endorse nor make recommendations in regard to the companies supplying their services. For details and pricing information to include your company in this Fabrication Services Showcase, contact Dave Blackhurst, IAPD’s Sales Executive, at (913) 345-1005 or email dblackhurst@iapd.org.
LETTER
Hello Performance Plastics Industry Leader,
Here are the highlights planned for this year:
- Two exciting keynote presentations: Hear from Dr. Chris DeArmitt as he reveals the scientific facts countering common plastics misconceptions. The second keynote speaker, Super Bowl XVII winner Joe Theismann, will share his strategies for handling unforeseen change. You won’t want to miss them!
CONVENTION
IAPD connecX
IAPD brings the performance plastics distribution supply chain together, making this event the most cost-effective marketing and relationship-building opportunity for your company. Imagine having a full year’s worth of sales meetings with your most valuable customers all in one week!
EXCITING SPEAKERS
The Women in Plastics Committee will host a session on closing the generational gap in the workplace, led by Isaac Wambua of Dynamo Methods. Educational sessions will feature principals from Ogilvy Government Relations, IAPD’s new government relations firm and a Modern Marketing Mixer.
October 23
Plastics have been under attack for several years. We hear new stories and accusations every day, but how can we be sure whether they are true? We need sound information in order to make wise choices. Chris DeArmitt read 3,000 scientific articles and life cycle analyses to fact-check what we have all been told. It is probably the only independent review of all the interrelated topics spanning material use, waste, litter, ocean plastics, degradation, microplastics, potential effects on marine wildlife and more. So, do we eat a credit card’s worth of microplastics per week? Science says no. Will there be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050? Again, science says no. It turns out that almost everything we have been told is disproven by peer-reviewed science. In this talk, you will find out the facts, who misled us and why.
About Joe Theismann
Joe Theismann is an entrepreneur and the former star quarterback for the Washington Redskins. Most recently, he spent the last two decades working for ESPN and the NFL Network as an NFL analyst.
A 12-year NFL veteran, Theismann played in 163 consecutive games from 1974-1985 for the Washington Redskins and holds Redskin records for passing yardage, completions and attempts. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and Pro Bowl MVP and lead the Washington Redskins to a 27-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII. In 1982, Theismann was selected as the NFL’s Man of the Year for his community service and dedication to the health and welfare of children. In 1983, he won the league’s Most Valuable Player Award, leading the Redskins to a second consecutive Super Bowl appearance.
With every chapter of his life, Theismann evolved from athlete to the ultimate businessman. An Emmy award winning analyst, entrepreneur and athlete, he utilizes his gifts, talent and high energy to share his strategies for handling unforeseen change.
One Team, Many Voices: How to Build a Culture of Understanding Across Generations
Join Isaac as he speaks on:
- Impact of Generational Diversity in the Workplace
- Benefits of Embracing Generational Diversity
- Challenges in a Multi-Generational Workforce
- Effective Communication Strategies Across Generations
- How to Overcome Generational Bias
Together, let’s discover how One Team, Many Voices can reshape the landscape of modern work and elevate it to new heights of prosperity and collective achievement.
SHOWCASE
EXHIBITORS
Listings
Booth 10
AGRU America, Inc.
Booth 38
42100 Klang, Selangor Malaysia
T: +60.332.910414
www.asiapoly.com.my
If you are in town and looking to have a drink or meet up with fellow convention delegates, you’re welcome to meet at Quinn’s Shorehouse in the lobby of the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina for a casual evening. Drinks will not be hosted by IAPD.
Thank you
to our
Sponsors
The sponsors listed are as of August 1, 2023.
SILVER Sponsors
Places
Edwina Merin Johns
Zagrodny’s role will manage, support and develop sales and client relationships for the company’s fabricated products portfolio. He will work closely with the sales management, business development and technical services teams to ensure company goals and objectives related to fabrication are aligned.
Zagrodny comes to Asahi/America, Inc. with more than 15 years of industrial sales experience specializing in thermoplastic piping products.
Zagrodny is based out of Connecticut, USA.
Johns will be responsible for maintaining all product documentation and technical sales tools for the company’s portfolio of valve and actuation products. She will be working closely with the company’s sales team to support customers’ industrial valve and actuation applications.
Johns previously worked as a process engineer and quality supervisor where she gained experience with electrical assembly and manufacturing. Additionally, Johns holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Mahatma Gandhi University in India and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in industrial engineering from Lawrence Technological University in Michigan.
2022 IAPD Charitable Scholarship Recipients
Caudill
Chitturi
Alro Plastics • Jackson, MI, USA
Curbell Plastics, Inc. • Orchard Park, NY, USA
Interstate Advanced Materials • Sacramento, CA, USA
Piedmont Plastics • Charlotte, NC, USA
Polymershapes – Service Center • Charlotte, NC, USA
Vycom • Scranton, PA, USA
PLASKOLITE • Columbus, OH, USA
Primex Corporation • Richmond, IN, USA
Roechling Industrial Gastonia • Dallas, NC, USA
SIMONA AMERICA Group • Marietta, GA, USA
AdvertisersIndex
BoardofDirectors
AdvertisersIndex
BoardofDirectors
Karen Brock-Amoah • SIMONA Boltaron • Newcomerstown, Ohio, USA
Jeff Burke • Curbell Plastics, Inc. • Orchard Park, New York, USA
Chris Corona • CariterWilson LLC • Solon, Ohio, USA
Peter DelGado, Vice President • Curbell Plastics, Inc. • Orchard Park, New York, USA
Dale Delmage • Redwood Plastics and Rubber • Langley, BC, Canada
Stephen Garmon • Primex Plastics Corporation • Richmond, Indiana, USA
Hayden Hess • Industrial Plastic Supply, Inc. • Anaheim, California, USA
Jeremy Kietzke • Professional Plastics, Inc. • Dallas, Texas, USA
Mike McKenna • Interstate Advanced Materials • Sacramento, California, USA
Richard Miller • Braskem • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Deborah Ragsdale, President • Polymer Industries • Henagar, Alabama, USA
Jim Richards, Executive Committee • PLASKOLITE • Columbus, Ohio, USA
Drew Schwartz, Executive Committee • Colorado Plastic Products • Louisville, Colorado, USA
Ken Schwartz • Covestro LLC – Specialty Films • South Deerfield, Massachusetts, USA
Publishing
Headquarters
Headquarters Staff
Editorial Committee
The International Association of Plastics Distribution
6734 W. 121st Street
Overland Park, Kansas 66209 USA
Susan E. Avery, CAE
savery@iapd.org
Advertising Sales
Dave Blackhurst
dblackhurst@iapd.org
Senior Design & Multimedia Manager
Mackenzie Diekmann
mdiekmann@iapd.org
Junior Copywriter & Editor
Sara Marquardt
smarquardt@iapd.org
Vice Chair • Tony Martin • Palram Americas, Inc. • Kutztown, Pennsylvania, USA
Board Liaison • Ken Schwartz • Covestro LLC – Specialty Films • South Deerfield, Massachusetts, USA
Trisha Beeman • Professional Plastics, Inc. • Bellingham, WA, USA
Peter Daumeyer • CartierWilson LLC • Tampa, Florida, USA
Michael Fabbri • King Plastic Corporation • North Port, Florida, USA
Jeff Mikitka • Mitsubishi Chemical Group – Engineered Shapes & Solutions • Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
Bryan Olin • Polymer Industries • Tacoma, Washington, USA
Beth Summers • Curbell Plastics, Inc. • Orchard Park, New York, USA
Ed Townsend • Braskem • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Amy Woodard • Piedmont Plastics • Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Publishing
Headquarters
The International Association of Plastics Distribution
6734 W. 121st Street
Overland Park, Kansas 66209 USA
Headquarters Staff
Publisher
Susan E. Avery, CAE
savery@iapd.org
Editor in Chief
Kailee Canty
kcanty@iapd.org
Advertising Sales
Dave Blackhurst
dblackhurst@iapd.org
Senior Design & Multimedia Manager
Mackenzie Diekmann
mdiekmann@iapd.org
Junior Copywriter & Editor
Sara Marquardt
smarquardt@iapd.org
Editorial Committee
Chair • Courtney Kincaid • Polymershapes • Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Vice Chair • Tony Martin • Palram Americas, Inc. • Kutztown, Pennsylvania, USA
Board Liaison • Ken Schwartz • Covestro LLC – Specialty Films • South Deerfield, Massachusetts, USA
Trisha Beeman • Professional Plastics, Inc. • Bellingham, WA, USA
Peter Daumeyer • CartierWilson LLC • Tampa, Florida, USA
Michael Fabbri • King Plastic Corporation • North Port, Florida, USA
Jeff Mikitka • Mitsubishi Chemical Group – Engineered Shapes & Solutions • Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
Bryan Olin • Polymer Industries • Tacoma, Washington, USA
Beth Summers • Curbell Plastics, Inc. • Orchard Park, New York, USA
Ed Townsend • Braskem • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Amy Woodard • Piedmont Plastics • Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Thanks for reading our August/September 2023 issue!