President’sMessage

fter returning from another successful IAPD Leadership Development Conference (LDC) in beautiful Columbus, OH, USA, I can’t help but reflect on the people, progress and possibilities of IAPD.

Many thanks to PLASKOLITE for hosting IAPD in its hometown and opening their awesome, thought-provoking corporate headquarters for a reception and tours. They really went above and beyond with all the great activities they sponsored to make our time in Columbus memorable.

The LDC committee meetings were successful and the keynote speakers were enjoyable. The association volunteer leaders brought an energy and excitement to the week that is indescribable.

n the dynamic and competitive world of business, companies need to explore every avenue available to gain a competitive edge. One powerful strategy that often goes underutilized is joining a trade association and actively participating in industry conventions. These platforms offer a plethora of benefits that can significantly impact a company’s growth and success.

While paying industry association membership dues is a necessary financial commitment, it should not be seen as the sole requirement to reap the full benefits of association membership. Active engagement with industry associations is crucial for businesses to unlock the true value they offer.

Performance plastics companies should not only join to retain membership in IAPD, but engage in the association. At a bare minimum, attend the conventions and leverage the opportunities they offer.

Articles reporting on plastic products are prepared from information furnished by members of the IAPD and non-member magazine advertisers. The information provided is deemed reliable but is not verified. It should not be assumed that the publisher has reviewed or tested any of the products. For more information, contact companies by visiting their websites.

International Space Station Expedition 42 Commander Barry “Butch” Willmore shows off a ratchet wrench made with a 3D printer on the International Space Station.

Redwire Space, NASA advance in-space manufacturing for journeys to the moon, mars and beyond

ACRYLITE^® Resist multi-skin was used to create giant illuminated letters for the focal point of the stage design for Giacomo Puccini’s opera, “Tosca” at the Halle Opera House in Halle, Germany. The letters spell out “ART” as a stylistic device selected by the opera’s stage designers to put a contemporary perspective on the 1899 opera.

“Normally, Giacomo Puccini’s ‘Tosca’ is a stringently written detective story which takes place at the beginning of the 19th century in Rome,” explained Stage Designer Wolf Gutjahr. “In Halle, we wanted to put the spotlight on the inner states of the people above all else.”

The original settings, which include the interior of a church, a police station and the Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome, were not suited for this purpose. “The main figures are artists who have become caught up in the political system. So, the stage design is intended to display the conflict between politics and art and how we deal with it,” explains Gutjahr.

DEI+BCorner

ecruiting top talent is an essential priority for many organizations. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles in the hiring process. To recruit qualified and diverse talent using DEI principles, organizations can begin by identifying and addressing any biases or barriers in their recruitment process that may prevent underrepresented groups (defined as racially or ethnically minoritized populations such as Black, African American, Hispanic, Latino or Indigenous, as well as other realms such as gender minorities including women, nonbinary and neurodivergent populations) from applying or being considered for positions. By actively practicing or embodying DEI principles in their recruiting process, organizations can attract a larger pool of talented candidates and build a more diverse and inclusive workplace.

Prerecruitment efforts

The first step in DEI implementation begins before recruiting starts. Revisiting job descriptions to ensure they are inclusive and free of discriminatory language is essential when recruiting diverse talent. Without intending to, job descriptions can exclude different groups of people based on the words or phrases used. While most know not to use gendered pronouns in job descriptions, gender-coded words can make candidates assume the role is meant for the opposite gender, even if they meet the listed qualifications. For example, some female gender-coded words are “sensitive, support, collaborate, nurture and trust.” Some male gender-coded words are “aggressive, driven, assertive, outspoken and independent.” Other descriptions, such as “fast-paced environments” or “varying work schedules,” might be perceived as a barrier for individuals who are also caregivers and have family commitments.

ave you heard about ESG in the news, from investors or at work? Maybe customers are asking you to disclose environmental, sustainability and social data. So, what is all this stuff anyway?

In this article we will explore:

• What is ESG and its three pillars?
• Where did the ESG concept originate?
• What are the potential impacts to my business?
• Lastly, we will touch on five steps for you to explore and get started on your ESG journey.