PLASTICS AND INJECTION MOULDING  FANUC


Keeping plastics manufacturing competitive in a changing world


Plastics manufacturing sits at the heart of some of the world’s most advanced sectors, from healthcare to automotive and packaging to electronics. With product sales projected to reach €2.1 billion by 2028, the plastics industry is vital to the Irish economy


By Sam Carr, ROBOSHOT Sales Manager for FANUC


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ince 2013, the Irish plastics market has averaged 2.3 per cent growth per year, while Irish plastics exports are also


expected to increase, up from $2bn in 2023 to $2.2bn by 2028. In 2020, the plastics industry was essential  masks, testing kits and more being produced locally in huge volumes at extremely short notice. However, despite their proven ability to innovate  in terms of public perception around sustainability, global competition and advancements in digitalisation. Here, Sam outlines the four key challenges  that can be taken to ensure your plastics business remains competitive in a rapidly changing world.


ENERGY COSTS This is by far the biggest crisis facing moulding  away. Irish plastics processors have faced volatile and rising energy prices since 2021,  countries in Europe for industrial electricity prices. A combination of high network charges, a geographically constrained grid and reliance on  moulders to be competitive on an international scale; not just when quoting against other  Moulders must accept this and place energy  considering investing in equipment, look for   moulding machine.


30 November/December 2025 Irish Manufacturing


RESHORING  for a few years now, with many moulders bringing  to shorten the supply chain and close the loop.  discussions, reshoring has not made the positive impact on their business that they had hoped    reshoring, the advice is to do your research thoroughly and speak to companies who have already followed this path, forewarned is forearmed.


PEOPLE The negative connotations surrounding plastics in terms of its green credentials means we are


www.irish-manufacturing.com


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