Don Loepp

In this week’s Material Insights, Special Projects Editor Jordan Vitick explains why recycled HDPE prices fell for a third consecutive month as weak demand and lower virgin resin prices continue to pressure the market.

RealTruck plans to close Rugged Liner’s longtime Owosso, Mich., operations in March 2027, eliminating 90 jobs at the truck accessories manufacturer.

RuffLand Performance is ramping up rotomolding capacity, adding workers and automation and considering additional U.S. and international manufacturing as demand for its one-piece dog kennels continues to outpace production.

Newell Brands is increasing U.S. production as automation and tariffs make its domestic manufacturing network more competitive and profitable.

A federal court ruling upholding Oregon’s packaging EPR law could strengthen similar programs nationwide as legal battles continue in California and other states.

American Tool & Mold’s founding family is pursuing a financing plan to keep the company intact even as Nickolas Asset Management returns as stalking horse bidder for the bankrupt mold maker and injection molder.

Société Bic SA is preparing to scale a recycling system for disposable lighters and expand the technology to pens and other plastic products.

Flex plans to put more money into healthcare after its 2027 spinoff, potentially expanding a plastics operation that includes more than 1,600 injection molding machines worldwide.

Pexco acquired Cincinnati-based Recto Molded Products and Legacy Extrusions, adding an estimated 27 injection molding presses and broadening its molding business into engineered and commodity thermoplastics.

Richmond, Ind., reached a $2.055 million settlement with My-Way Trading, Cornerstone Trading Group and owner Seth Smith over the 2023 plastics fire, while residents’ claims stemming from the blaze remain unresolved.