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Unemployment in US plastics rises for third month in a row


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 monthly slump in a row. 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 67, an estimated 84,000 new job openings are expected to emerge in


plastics product manufacturing over the next 2-12 years,” it said. 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 assesses microwave safety of plastic packaging


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


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JSP grows injection moulding


Foam specialist JSP has fully acquired Ghepi of Italy and Happ of Germany to strengthen its position in Europe’s injection moulding sector. In July, it bought the


SafeReuse will evaluate the safety of reusable plastic food packaging exposed to high temperatures


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


INJECTION WORLD | July/August 2025


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. �www.aimplas.es


remaining stakes in Ghepi (65%) and Happ (30%) that it did not already own. It had previously bought into them in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Ghepi produces parts designed for metal replacement and is expanding into markets where JSP is not operating. Happ has automated production lines and in-house facilities for mould making.


JSP says the synergy between injection moulding and foamed products will enhance its competitiveness. �www.jsp.com


www.injectionworld.com


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