Don Loepp

Engineered thermoplastic extrusions specialist Intek Plastics LLC is adding injection molding and prototyping with the acquisition of Eau Claire, Wis.-based Five Star Plastics LLC.

Minnesota, US – Engineered thermoplastic extrusions specialist Intek Plastics is adding injection moulding and prototyping with the acquisition Five Star Plastics, based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Intek Plastics LLC, Plastic Molding Manufacturing Co. and Redline Plastics LLC are finalists for the 2024 Plastics News Processor of the Year award.

Polypropylene resin prices have dropped over the last four months due to slower demand across consumer, packaging and construction applications, according to senior reporter Frank Esposito.

North American PET bottle resin prices fell an average of 1 cent per pound in December, marking the fifth consecutive month of decreases.

Court TV could have switched to all-plastics programming in 2024, and that's not a good thing.

Courtroom showdowns are shaping the narrative for the plastics industry as lawsuits over recycling deception gain traction. I highlighted plastics industry court battles in the latest Plastic Globes column , noting that "Some of the year's top plastics stories happened inside courtrooms."

Polyethylene prices remained flat in December despite attempts to raise prices due to falling demand. Senior reporter Frank Esposito said he expects minimal impact from the winter weather event along the Gulf Coast that shut down production in some areas. He also explains a nonmarket correction

As we start 2025, the plastics industry is navigating significant economic challenges including inflation , rising energy costs, and evolving market demands.

Three North American commodity resin prices are showing increases in January, including a 3-cent-per-pound hike for polystyrene.