PLASTICS AND INJECTION MOULDING MGS TECHNICAL PLASTICS
Trends in moulding technical plastic components
How do you currently see the global plastics sector performing, and what are the main market forces shaping demand for engineered plastics today?
By Judson Smythe, Managing Director, MGS Technical Plastics T
here are all sorts of trends currently driving the market for engineered plastics. These are predominantly categorised as
enhanced product safety, lightweighting of components, sustainability of materials and production and the constant adjustment to supply chain dynamics. Ireland is well positioned to respond to these challenges, especially given its strong commercial and supply chain logistics infrastructure providing reciprocal reach into the UK, Europe and North America. The plastics eco-system in Ireland is equally conducive to leveraging pioneering approaches that supports the circular economy, particularly driving the use of recycled materials in processing. As a business, MGS used to be predominantly
focused on the automotive market. This industry has encountered major challenges. It has meant that processors need to be more adaptable. The geopolitical issues and trade tariff uncertainties continue to have a profound impact on market overreliance on any one sector. For example, in the last 18 months MGS has transitioned from 60 per cent automotive reliance to new sectors accounting for 38 per cent of upcoming projects. vulnerabilities. in product and consumer/user safety requirements especially the adoption of new high performance materials. Recent innovations, such as working with intumescent compounds to support future building safety standards is among some of the most exciting developments. These types of innovations set a precedence for future safety-focused designs that others can emulate. expect to have the biggest impact on the plastics industry (e.g., circular economy, bioplastics, recycling technologies, chemical recycling, reshoring)? How should companies prepare? one element, but multiple factors including the convergence of environmental, regulatory and ever-changing demands of OEMs driven by consumers.
Right now, the industry is at a crossroads balancing high performance with sustainability. We are anticipating greater ESG scrutiny and processors must evolve in order to transition to the next generation of engineering plastics. This all requires joined up thinking and policy convergence. items but also ensuring a genuine commitment to recycling strategies. The fragmentation right now just creates lots of confusion and continues to offer little in terms of full circularity and symmetry. The one thing that UK and Irish processors and OEMs can do is continue supporting this culture of compliance, accountability and transparency. All of which circles back to alignment in our industry purpose.
Technical Plastics making now to respond to those trends, for example in sustainable materials, manufacturing?
In response to industry challenges and the
advanced manufacturing, MGS introduced a 3-tier strategic model in early 2025. Developed by the board, founding partners and external consultants, our strategy supports sustainable growth in UK plastics manufacturing through targeted investment in factory modernisation and workforce development. Internally the business has made numerous
investments. This includes consolidating operations improving our logistics by opening a second site for real-time deliveries. Additionally, we replaced 16 per cent of the machine park with electric toolroom, upskilled the operations team in process optimisation and implemented InTouch monitoring for machine performance tracking. With regard to material innovations, MGS
pioneers the use of recycled and biodegradable materials such as gum-tec, contributing to sustainability projects like reusable deodorant, vertical planters and lightweight automotive sustainability credentials resulted in securing a multi-million-pound contract with a renewable energy client. Since 2021, the business has also
32 November/December 2025 Irish Manufacturing
in domestic and industrial properties is equally very exciting. It is indicative of the opportunities that can unfold when processors explore working with advanced materials. faced (technical, commercial, regulatory or supply- related) and how the team resolved it? What lessons did you take from that experience? It has been a learning curve adapting our processes for working with intumescent materials as they needed to handle the heat-reactive expansion properties without compromising the performance of the component. This has involved designing custom moulds to manage introduced tightly controlled injection parameters around pressure, speed and temperature to included enhancing our in-house safety protocols, suppression systems. The main takeaway from cutting edge projects using unique materials that have never been moulded at scale before is recognising the importance of cross-functional collaboration. Early engagement and seeking input from numerous experts when attempting to launch breakthrough innovations is essential. How does MGS balance customer requirements
for performance and cost with increasing pressure to improve environmental credentials? Are there championing?
In lots of plastics processing there is rarely a
universal approach to every project. There are usually several competing priorities at least. Our job is to listen to customers and draw upon our Early engagement is best as it enables us to
provide technical insight. This kind of partnership leads to better-engineered, more compliant and more commercially viable products.
https://mgsplastics.co.uk/ www.irish-manufacturing.com
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