Manufacturing technologies are evolving quickly, and those who don’t implement Industry 4.0 risk being left behind. Start small, but in a way that allows your company to scale up, says Editor Ron Shinn.

A survey of more than 300 manufacturers found that 99 percent say they plan to increase spending in technology and Industry 4.0 in 2024. At the same time, the cost of sensors, hardware and computing services are coming down.

In this episode of PMM Insight, Mo Abuali, digital director for manufacturing, retail and distribution at Wipfli LLP, told Editor Ron Shinn that these two trends have the potential to significantly improve manufacturing.  

PMM Editor Ron Shinn has been to every NPE since 1991. In this episode of PMM Insight, he chooses 10 of the 111 Product Innovations featured in our April show preview issue that he's most excited to see. 

Editor Ron Shinn, a veteran of dozens of plastics trade shows, looks forward to NPE2024 in May. It's been six years since the last one, and at the rate technology is advancing, there'll be many revelations to enjoy on the show floor. 

Auxiliary plastics processing equipment such as blenders, dryers and feeders can now collect and analyze data, make production adjustments on the fly, predict maintenance and more. These intelligent upgrades also help processors manage the lack of skilled labor in their plants. Senior reporter Bruce Geiselman spoke with representatives of several major equipment manufacturers to find out how smart technology can help you.

The need to address the plastics pollution problem is universally acknowledged, but progress has been slow and parties are often working at cross-purposes. PMM Editor Ron Shinn gives his perspective on the struggle to find common ground for the sake of the earth.

Private equity investors are having an impact on the plastics industry. The results are bigger, more sophisticated plastics companies with deeper pockets that are willing to invest in technology to accelerate growth.

John Hart, managing director of P&M Corporate Finance, speaks with PMM Editor Ron Shinn about the trend.

Inflation, high interest rates and supply chain disruptions have created uncertainty throughout the economy, but whatever the short-term outlook, one constant is clear: Finding workers will remain a challenge. Senior reporter Karen Hanna looks at the employment outlook for the plastics industry in this episode of PMM Perspective.

Your manufacturing data is a valuable asset. Find out how to use this information to increase productivity and serve your customers better.

Every recycler has horror stories about contaminated bales of recyclable materials, and knowing what's in a bale is essential to meet standards for recycled pellets or flake. Transparency in the marketplace would benefit everyone, but there are problems with the model that might actually discourage use of PCR, according to one industry expert. Editor Ron Shinn details the issues in this episode of PMM Insight.