Page 26 - Plastics News May 2018

FeAtures

industries, including aerospace, airline and automotive. that use less petroleum than conventional polymers,
Material strategies, including the use of automotive which helps reduce carbon dioxide even further.
composites, will be critical for taking weight out of 5. Changing role of product design
vehicles. The promise of lightweighting vehicles will
The gradually changing role of engineering service
be fully realized only if automakers adopt innovative
providers from being third-party vendors to gradually
manufacturing and engineering tools and processes that
becoming key stakeholders in product development is
enable them to take full advantage of mixed materials,
driving the industry’s growth substantially. Previously,
including composites. Finally, carbon fiber, typically
outsourced design services were limited to a lower
reserved for high-end products, is gaining increased
degree of complexity, such as CAD drawing and
acceptance because the material is nearly 50 percent
designing. However, growing client confidence in
cheaper than before. Manufacturers are expected to
plastics processors has led to the increasing complexity
take advantage of this strong, lightweight material
of outsourced activities, including the delivery of end-
more frequently.
to-end solutions for a product.
4. Environmental sustainability
Plastics processors that have the technology and
Today’s manufacturers need to have a strategy capability to support product design have a competitive
throughout the company’s ecosystem for environmental
advantage and oftentimes provide a more cost-
sustainability. The best plastics processors are looking competitive solution.
at every aspect of the business to determine how
things can be done in a more efficient and sustainable Outside of these five trends, one of the top challenges
way.The global recycled plastics market reached plastics processors face – and will continue to face – is
a value of $37 billion in 2017. Increasing prices of the skilled trades gap. This is a real issue affecting
conventional plastics, along with the growing concern the entire manufacturing industry, not just plastic
for the environment, represent key factors driving processors. Shop leadership must proactively address
the market. Recycling plastics reduces the amount of this issue and develop a strategy to secure talent.
energy and natural resources needed to create virgin Linking the labor shortage to automating the right
plastic. Therefore, shifting focus toward sustainability processes and ensuring that the entire value stream
is boosting the demand for recycled plastics across the is connected are critical moves. Shops that approach
globe. In fact, the recycled plastics market is expected talent retention with innovation at the forefront will
to reach a value of $51 billion by 2022. be more effective in presenting manufacturing as an
attractive career for the next generation – an efficient
Specifically, greater sustainability is a primary focus strategy in this competitive environment.
of the automotive industry. Plastics processors are
committed to developing materials that are renewably Last year was a strong year for plastics processors and,
sourced. For instance, Sorona® EP thermoplastic in the near-term, the industry will likely continue to be
polymer contains 20 to 37 percent renewably sourced extremely busy – heavily influenced by the automotive
material (by weight) derived from non-food, plant- industry. However, the North American economy is
based material. Another high-performance solution is predicted to experience a slight dip, so it’s critical that
Hytrel® RS renewably sourced thermoplastic polyester plastics processors focus on making smart investments
elastomer, which contains 35 to 65 percent renewably in technology, implementing a strategic plan and
sourced material derived from non-food, plant developing a workforce to remain competitive during
feedstocks. Many processors are developing polymers the dip.

Plastics News May 2018 26