economics
Processing Making Slow, Steady Progress
Plastics processing activity didn’t make its way into expansion territory in March, but seems headed in that direction.
Jan Schafer
Director of Market Research
Twin-Screw Showcased in Circular Economy Demo
A KraussMaffei twin will upcycle pelletized blood vials, which will then be overmolded on another press to produce bottle openers.
Read MorePlastics Processing Pattern Prevails With an Uptick in December
Like December 2022, the December 2023 index represents increased activity following dips in November.
Read MorePlastics Processing Activity Drops in November
The drop in plastics activity appears to be driven by a return to accelerated contraction for three closely connected components — new orders, production and backlog.
Read MoreContraction in Processing Slows in October
The Gardner Business Index for plastics processing activity jumped a bit in October, though it still contracted as it has since July 2022.
Read MorePlastics Processing Activity Continues to Contract
September’s survey results mark a third month of a very similar GBI.
Read MorePlastics Processing Activity Held Steady in August
Monthly index indicates overall plastics processing activity stayed on its path of contraction.
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Processing Megatrends Drive New Product Developments at NPE2024
It’s all about sustainability and the circular economy, and it will be on display in Orlando across all the major processes. But there will be plenty to see in automation, AI and machine learning as well.
Tony Deligio
Executive Editor, Plastics Technology
Plastics Processing Business Index Contracts Further
All components dip as index hits low point of 2023.
Read MoreIndex Still Searching for Growth
But the good news is that June’s results were nearly a point above May’s.
Read MorePlastics Processing Contraction Continues
Contraction dominated the GBI index for overall plastics processing activity and almost all components, collectively suggesting a slowdown.
Read MorePlastics Processing Continued Contraction in April
Despite some index components accelerating and others leveling off, April spelled contraction for overall plastics processing activity.
Read MorePlastics Processing Contracted Again in March
Processing activity contracted for the ninth straight month, and at a faster rate.
Read MorePlastics Processing Activity Near Flat in February
The month proved to not be all dark, cold, and gloomy after all, at least when it comes to processing activity.
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February Index Dips a Tiny Bit
Index holds steady as optimism about future business conditions continues to increase among processors.
Jan Schafer
Director of Market Research
Processing Activity Contracts More Slowly in January
Despite contracting again in January, plastics processing activity rebounded a bit from a rather significant drop in December.
Read MorePlastics Processing Contraction Steadied in November
Though still contracting, November marks a break in what has been a steadily faster rate of contraction in plastics processing activity.
Read MorePlastics Processing Contracts Again
October’s reading marks four straight months of contraction.
Read MorePlastics Processing Continues to Contract
The September Index signaled a second month of declining activity for plastics processors overall, while custom processors fared even worse.
Read MorePlastics Processing Dips Again in August
August’s reading has total plastics processing contracting at about the same level and pace as July.
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NPE2024 and the Economy: What PLASTICS' Pineda Has to Say
PLASTICS Chief Economist Perc Pineda shares his thoughts on the economic conditions that will shape the industry as we head into NPE2024.
Jim Callari
Editorial Director, Plastics Technology
Plastics Processing Crosses the (Flat) Line
July’s index has plastics processing moving into contraction territory.
Read MoreProcessing Slips as Summer Simmers
Monthly index suggests slower growth in June for plastics processors overall and contraction for custom firms.
Read MorePlastics Processing Growth Slows Slightly
May reading for plastics processors is, for the most part, a continuation of what we saw in April.
Read MorePlastics Processing’s Ups and Downs
Overall index dips, but custom processors hold steady. Employment up, backlogs down.
Read MorePlastics Processors Start 2022 with Modest Boost
Expansion accelerates in new orders, production, and backlogs.
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