Recycling innovations, finding opportunity in chaos: April 2025 in review
Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing focused on recycling in April, bringing you reports on new technologies from the K show floor. We also looked at a company that sees promise in the market for its recycled materials as the price of virgin resin climbs.
Blow molding was in the spotlight with the publication of the spring issue of The Journal of Blow Molding, and we learned how Shuman Plastics evolved from Ken Shuman's immigrant grandfather's scrap-picking business.
Innovations in recycling technology
Circularity was one of the major themes of K 2025, and Editor Ron Shinn found plenty of innovations on the show floor.
Some companies teamed up to present integrated solutions, including NGR and Leistritz, Nordson and Fimic, and Lindner and Procter & Gamble.
Other introductions included a degassing technique from Erema, process optimizing technology from PureLoop, an updated line from Starlinger and a pair of new pelletizers from Maag.
We’ve got more recycling coverage coming in May and June.
Ken Shuman: ‘Our words and values matter’
Ken Shuman is the second-generation president of two very different businesses: Shuman Plastics, a plastics recycler and compounder, and Dyna-Purge, a line of purging compounds. They grew from the humble roots of his immigrant grandfather, who picked up scrap to support his family.
For our “In Other Words” Q&A, Shuman talked about the challenges and rewards of a family business, the status of recycling in the U.S., and the joy he finds in giving back to his community.
Finding opportunity in disruptive times
The tariff whipsaw and the war in Iran have buffeted the plastics industry, and shop owners could be forgiven if all they want to do is bury their heads in a vat of resin and wait for the storms to pass.
But a big disruption could be just what you need to re-examine the way you do business and find new opportunities, writes senior reporter Karen Hanna in this month’s Talking Points column.
Sustainable Resins is one company doing just that, promoting cost-effective, environmentally friendly recycled materials that can help companies meet sustainability and operational goals while avoiding the price hikes on virgin resin caused by the war.
The latest in blow molding
In the spring issue of The Journal of Blow Molding, we looked at how ST BlowMoulding is helping producers of large drums reduce emissions, improve process efficiency and generate substantial cost savings through lightweighting and modern technologies.
Readers also met Gerry Hobson, a pioneer in the design and manufacturing of tooling for blow molding. Check out the full issue, which also includes columns from the councilor and the chairman, and a look at the Blow Molding Division's student mentorship project.
If you're in the market for a new blow molding machine, we rounded up all of our K coverage of the segment in one convenient overview.
In the news
- Wittmann Group announced a restructuring that will consolidate its injection molding, auxiliary and automation divisions.
- Lindner Washtech added a second managing director.
- Tomra Recycling opened a testing and training facility in North Carolina.
- Husky promoted two employees to executive VP positions.
- Xaloy acquired Maxi Melt, which makes plasticizing components.
- Scott Hudson was promoted to CEO of BinMaster.
- Uniloy named Chuck Flammer VP of machine sales.
About the Author
Lynne Sherwin
Managing Editor
Managing editor Lynne Sherwin handles day-to-day operations and coordinates production of Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing’s print magazine, website and social media presence, as well as Plastics Recycling and The Journal of Blow Molding. She also writes features, including the annual machinery buying survey. She has more than 30 years of experience in daily and magazine journalism.