plastic industry

Plastic Industry Outlook 2025: Trends and Opportunities for Manufacturers

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As we move through 2025, the plastic industry continues to evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities for injection molders, thermoformers, and plastic manufacturers. Here’s a look at the current landscape and emerging trends that are shaping the future of plastics.

Market Growth and Economic Outlook

The global injection molded plastics market is experiencing steady growth, with projections indicating an increase from $335.4 billion in 2024 to $439.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.6%. This growth is driven by increasing demand across various sectors, including automotive, healthcare, and packaging.

In the United States, the plastics manufacturing industry is showing signs of recovery and growth. Revenues are projected to increase by 4.2%, with a 5.2% rise in capital expenditures. This positive trend is supported by recent Federal Reserve decisions to lower interest rates, which is expected to sustain manufacturing activity and encourage investment.

Technological Advancements

Integration of 3D Printing

One of the most exciting developments is the integration of 3D printing with traditional injection molding processes. This hybrid approach allows for faster prototyping, reduced lead times, and the ability to offer customized products without compromising production speed.

Automation and Robotics

Automation continues to revolutionize the industry, with robots now performing tasks such as part removal, assembly, and quality checks. AI-powered cameras and sensors are providing real-time defect detection, ensuring higher-quality outputs with minimal waste.

The plastic industry is poised for growth and innovation. Manufacturers who embrace new technologies, focus on sustainability, and adapt to changing market demands will be well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities ahead. Stay informed, invest wisely, and remain flexible to navigate the evolving landscape of the plastics industry.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of the plastics industry in 2025, it’s crucial for manufacturers to partner with reliable plastic scrap brokers who can help manage waste streams efficiently and provide access to recycled raw materials. Domino Plastics Company stands out as a trusted partner in this arena, offering valuable services to plastic injection molders, thermoformers, and manufacturers.

Domino Plastics Company, with over 40 years of experience in the industry, specializes in purchasing post-industrial plastic scrap from manufacturers and selling recycled raw materials. Our comprehensive services include:

  1. Competitive pricing for a wide range of plastic scrap materials, including HDPE, LDPE, PP, ABS, PVC, PET, and many more.
  2. Fast and reliable pickup services across the USA, thanks to strategically located warehouses.
  3. Expert knowledge in handling various forms of plastic scrap, from regrind and film scrap to off-grade pellets and purge.
  4. A commitment to sustainability by diverting plastic waste from landfills and supporting recycled plastic innovations.
  5. Financial stability and a long history of payment integrity, providing peace of mind to their partners.

By working with Domino Plastics Company, manufacturers can not only optimize their waste management processes but also contribute to a more sustainable plastics industry. For competitive quotes and reliable service, contact Domino Plastics at (631) 751-1995 or email Joe@domplas.com with details of your materials.

FDA Investigates Failure-Prone Plastic Syringes Made in China

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FDA Investigates Failure-Prone Plastic Syringes Made in China

Plastic industry

via Plastics Today

Agency recommends avoiding use of plastic syringes manufactured in China as it evaluates quality issues resulting in leakage and breakage.

  • FDA has received information about quality issues associated with several China-based manufacturers of syringes
  • Manufacturers made changes to syringe dimensions, affecting performance and safety
  • BD syringes not affected as almost all are made in US

Read the full story here: https://www.plasticstoday.com/medical/fda-investigates-failure-prone-plastic-syringes-made-in-china

DOE Invests $13.4 Million to Combat Plastic Waste, Reduce Plastic Industry Emissions

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via Energy.gov

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $13.4 million in funding for next generation plastics technologies that reduce the energy consumption and carbon emissions of single-use plastics. The seven selected research and development (R&D) projects — led by industry and universities — will convert plastic films into more valuable materials and design new plastics that are more recyclable and biodegradable. This investment advances  DOE’s work to address the challenges of plastic waste recycling and supports the Biden Administration’s efforts to build a clean energy economy and ensure the U.S. reaches net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. 

Read the full story here: https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-invests-134-million-combat-plastic-waste-reduce-plastic-industry-emissions

Adding enzymes to bioplastics can make them disappear

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via Popular Science

With so many different plastics entering the waterways that take hundreds of years to decompose, plastic pollution and microplastics are almost everywhere on the planet, from the air to the sea, in vast quantities. Compostable plastics, like corn-based plastic cups and straws, are sometimes touted as a viable solution, but without the infrastructure to properly turn them into compost, they can end up in a landfill. 

To keep our oceans from becoming even more plastic-filled, scientists are finding the keys to making plastics quickly decompose, and baking them into the plastic’s formula. Ting Xu, professor of materials science and engineering and chemistry at the University of California Berkeley, and her research group investigate biologically available solutions that will allow single-use plastic to biodegrade under easily attainable conditions. In a new study, they describe how they used an innovative polymer coating on enzymes that can be built-in to bioplastics to make them easier to compost at home. 

Read the full story here: https://www.popsci.com/story/environment/biodegradable-plastics-enzyme/

Advanced recycling strategies needed to clean up plastic pollution problem, says expert

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via Phys.org

Sustainability across the entire value chain—rather than advances in technology alone—is required to solve the United States’ plastic waste problems, according to a new brief from Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.

The report by Rachel Meidl, fellow in energy and environment at the Baker Institute, argues that the U.S., which is one of the largest contributors to global pollution and has among the lowest recycling rates, needs to improve the quality of its plastics and the economics of collection, sorting and waste management.

Read the full story here: https://phys.org/news/2021-02-advanced-recycling-strategies-plastic-pollution.html

Plastic Fuels: Do They Fix Waste Or Greenwash It?

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via Forbes

Marketed as a solution to the environmental and waste problems the plastic industry is currently facing, recycled carbon fuels are problematic. And they will be at odds with Wednesday’s vote from the EU Parliament backing a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

A briefing published by Zero Waste Europe shows that these fuels are produced by converting plastics back to their original fossil form. As they are burnt and carbon is released to the atmosphere, they are ultimately exacerbating climate change.

Read the full story here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/emanuelabarbiroglio/2020/10/08/the-pros-and-cons-of-plastic-to-fuels/#4508a3ce48cb

PLASTICS INDUSTRY “ESSENTIAL” AS FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE WITH PRODUCTS TO FIGHT CORONAVIRUS

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via Plastics Industry Association

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) President and CEO Tony Radoszewski issued a statement today requesting all local, state and federal governments to include plastic resin and plastic product manufacturers as ‘essential’ in order to stay open when Shelter in Place orders are issued.

“With more and more businesses being ordered to close during the pandemic crisis, it is critical that healthcare workers have access to plastic products. Single-use plastics can literally be the difference between life and death. Items such as IV bags and ventilator machines, which are of the utmost importance right now, have components made of single-use plastics. The single-use hospital gowns, gloves, and masks that protect our healthcare workers every day are also made of plastic. I would venture to say that every machine, piece of medical care equipment, hospital bed, examination scope and tool has a component made of plastic, most of which are molded to exacting tolerances, which is possible due to the resin and the machinery being used.”

Read the full story here: https://www.plasticsindustry.org/article/plastics-industry-essential-first-line-defense-products-fight-coronavirus    

Draft US law seeks to make plastic industry responsible for waste

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via Yahoo The proposed “Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act,” introduced by Democratic lawmakers, would be the most ambitious regulation the US plastics industry has ever seen.

It would require producers to collect and recycle their own waste, create a nationwide drink container refund scheme and phase out certain single-use plastic items.

Read the full story here: https://au.news.yahoo.com/draft-us-law-seeks-plastic-industry-responsible-waste-011137658–spt.html

Plastics industry unveils $500 million federal recycling legislation

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via Plastics News

Washington — Two members of Congress and a coalition of businesses and trade groups in plastics, waste management and other materials unveiled a $500 million legislative plan Nov. 15 that would allocate federal funding to beef up recycling and waste management.

The Realizing the Economic Opportunities and Values of Expanding Recycling Act, or Recover Act, would set aside $500 million in federal matching funds for states, local governments and tribes to invest in improving recycling infrastructure. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Tony Cárdenas, D-Calif., and Rep. Larry Bucshon, R-Ind.

Read the full story here: https://www.plasticsnews.com/news/plastics-industry-unveils-500-million-federal-recycling-legislation

NPE2018 Official Mobile App Now Available

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Attending NPE2018 in May? Be sure to download the official NPE2018 Mobile App.

Available in the Apple App Store and on Google Play, the app can help you enhance your experience at the event.

App users have access to:

  • floor plans,
  • exhibitor listings
  • educational conferences/sessions
  • My Show Planner
  • show info and announcements
  • social media

To download the official app visit: http://www.npe.org/mobile-app