NEWS Unemployment rising in US plastics


Unemployment in the US plastics industry is rising, says the Plastics Industry Association. Quoting the Bureau of Labor


Statistics (BLS), it says unemployment in the sector rose to 5.7% in May, equivalent to 1,700 jobs – the third consecutive monthly slump in employment numbers. The association says that, histori-


cally, the sector has seen unemploy- ment rates above 5% even in periods of rising production and capacity utilisation.


However, it said that a 5.7% unemployment rate was “concerning” – especially when compared to an overall unemployment rate of 4.2% and manufacturing rate of 3.6%. It also pointed to a shift in demo-


graphics. The share of workers aged 16–24 rose from 8.5% in 2023 to 10.3% in 2024, while that of workers aged 55 and older fell slightly, from 28.9% to 28.0%. “Assuming this older cohort retires


at the full retirement age of 67, an estimated 84,000 new job openings


are expected to emerge in plastics product manufacturing over the next 2-12 years,” said the association. Several roles are also expected to be in high demand over the next decade, including engineers (up 13.6% from 2023 to 2033, reaching 25,100 jobs) and industrial machinery mechanics (up 22% to 22,200 jobs). While growth in production occupa- tions is expected to slow to 3.6%, this will remain the industry’s largest group by 2033 – with 368,000 jobs. � www.plasticsindustry.org


Aimplas research assesses microwave packaging safety


Aimplas of Spain is leading a project that will evaluate the risks associated with reusable plastic food packaging when exposed to high tempera- tures in microwaves and dishwashers. The project, called


SafeReuse, aims to establish a methodology that guaran- tees food safety and consumer health protection, while providing a system to support compliance with regulatory requirements. Through in vitro bioassays, SafeReuse will analyse NIAS (non-intentionally added substances) and MPs (microplastics) that may be


released from reusable plastic materials. “These short-term bioassays also play an increasingly important role in identifying toxicological risks,” said Carmen Moreno, researcher at the Food Contact and Packaging Laboratory at Aimplas. One main challenge in


the project is a lack of standardised procedures to assess these risks. By developing one, Aimplas says the project will help to build trust in the safety of plastic products. “This could help shift


negative perceptions and


promote a more realistic and balanced view of plastics, their health impacts and environmental foot- print,” said Moreno. The project will also give companies a competitive edge in the field of food safety. It is carried out in collaboration with Pohuer Creative Injection and Great Plastic, which manufacture and develop plastic materials. “Providing personalised,


data-driven recommenda- tions will enable users to make informed decisions,” said Moreno. � www.aimplas.es


Cavitation for MDO packaging


Thanh Phu Packaging of Vietnam is using VO+ cavitation masterbatch from Void Technologies to develop a new generation of machine-direction oriented (MDO) polyethyl-


8


ene (PE) films. The films will be used for pet food laminates, frozen food packaging and hygiene applications. This collaboration combines Thanh Phu’s


FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION | July/August 2025


manufacturing and MDO expertise with Void’s material technology to produce pearlescent white packaging that uses less plastic. � www.voidtechnologies.com


Additive improves packaging


Nexam Chemical says it has secured the largest customer so far for its Reactive Recycling additive technology. The customer makes


packaging based on recycled plastic – and uses Nexam’s additives to enhance its properties. Combining mechanical


recycling with the correct additives allows an increase in the use of recycled material – even when feedstock quality is lower, says Nexam. “This is confirmation that


our Reactive Recycling technology works in real-world, large-scale applications,” said Henrik Bernquist, business manager at Nexam. “We forecast sales in this segment to be higher in Q2 than in previous quarters.” Several similar projects


are also progressing. � www.nexamchemical.com


www.filmandsheet.com


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