Good morning! Plastics industry professionals, as well as sustainability advocates and environmentalists, are looking for a way forward after the latest talks on the Global Plastics Treaty collapsed last week without consensus. They’ll resume at some point, but until then, check in on what participants think of the process so far.

We also hear about a rise in machinery shipments, and LS Mtron marks another milestone toward its goal of cornering 20 percent of the North American market, even as Peter Gardner, president of the U.S. affiliate, announces his retirement.

Two companies are bringing out new products: Maya HTT, with its cloud-based Simform simulation software, and Hasco, with a water fountain to cool the mold core. Finally, sister publication Processing examines Rockwell Automation’s “State of Smart Manufacturing Report,” which finds both potential and risks in AI and other cyber technologies. 

Karen Hanna, senior staff reporter