FLIP TO THE FUTURE PREPARE YOUR NEXT GENERATION OF COMPANY LEADERS - PLASTICS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
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SPRING 2021 ISSUE
Plastic: Friend of
the Family
18
Government Affairs Is
Watching Out for You
24
Former Member Takes
Charge of Industry
Relations for PLASTICS
FLiP
32
TO THE FUTURE
Prepare your next generation
of company leaders
IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY
WILL COME.
Target the right talent with employer branding
With the Plastics Industry Career Center, building and maintaining a strong
employer brand among active and passive job seekers is simple. Our Featured
Employer Advertising and Digital Job Videos are your time to shine — providing
the perfect platform to demonstrate what sets you apart from other organizations
competing for the same talent.
jobs.plasticsindustry.org
PLASTICS
Connects
The new Plastics Industry Association mobile app
allows you to stay connected to the plastics industry
from anywhere. Download the app today and
explore!
AWESOME FEATURES
Supply Chain Member Benefits
Users can participate in interactive
forums and create their own around key
areas of interest to the plastics industry.
Get information about Discover the many
the supply chain and benefits available to
links to our groups and your company by
programs working to becoming a PLASTICS View upcoming PLASTICS events,
address the industry's member. Learn more toggle between a list view or calendar
interests. about how you can get view and manage your own schedule.
involved directly and
Learn more about our personally.
member companies Explore full profile information about all
and how they are Connect and join to get registered app users and send messages
impacting the plastics access to exclusive to other users to make connections.
industry. offers.
Link to free content reports and industry
data to support your business needs and
objectives.
P L A S T I C S I N D U S T R Y. O R G
table of contents
14 RECRUITING FOR A
NEW GENERATION
24 NAVIGATING THE
POLITICAL LANDSCAPE
COMMUNICATING THE
28 VALUE OF SINGLE-USE
PLASTIC
30 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
A FORMER MEMBER’S
32 VIEW FROM
INSIDE PLASTICS
PLASTIC UNLOCKS
8
34 THE SECRET TO A
POPULAR PUZZLE
Cover Story: FliP to the Future
PLASTICS helps to shape your company's next generation of leaders.
18 6
Guest Contributor:
Why Epsilyte is a
PLASTICS Member
Brad Crocker, CEO of Epsilyte, is
passionate about PLASTICS‘ many
benefits.
Plastic: Friend of the Family
From the very beginning of life, plastics provide
vital support.
a letter from our CEO
The Plastics Industry Association represents
the entire plastics supply chain. Editor-in-Chief
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
We advocate for innovation, jobs and Brendan Thomas
growth. We communicate the value of
plastics to the press and public. We Editorial Staff
help members to improve safety
Associate Director, Communications
and protect the environment.
Jim Moore
We and our members work hard to Senior Manager, Brand & Creative
ensure billions of people across the world Mark Winchester
continue to enjoy the benefits of the world's
most advanced material. Executive Staff
PLASTICS Magazine is where members and staff share their unique stories. President & Chief Executive Officer
Tony Radoszewski
In this issue, Brad Crocker of Epsilyte describes how PLASTICS' regulatory Chief Financial Officer
and other assistance can help small and medium-sized companies Wayne R. Popham
supplement their in-house capabilities.
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Brendan Thomas
In our cover story, you’ll learn from more members about Future Leaders in
Plastics, a networking and mentoring program helping young professionals Vice President, Tradeshows
to sharpen their skills and build valuable industry connections. Susan Krys
Vice President, Government Affairs
A skilled workforce is an important issue to PLASTICS members, one of
Matt Seaholm
many our Government Affairs team discusses with elected leaders. In this
issue, you'll discover how you too can participate in those conversations. Vice President, Industry Relations & Member
Engagement
Speaking of communication, inside you'll also find tips on how to counteract Glenn Anderson
misconceptions about plastic, including disposable products. Chief Economist
Perc Pineda
In fact, an entire universe of toys and games would be impossible without
plastic. PLASTICS Magazine features a famous example.
We hope you enjoy this Spring issue, just one of the ways PLASTICS is
spreading the good news about our industry and the people who support it.
Have a great story to tell? Share
it with us at
magazine@plasticsindustry.org
Tony Radoszewski
©2021 PLASTICS
President & Chief Executive Officer
1425 K Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington DC 20005
(202) 974–5200
plasticsindustry.org
npe.org
Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) 5 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021
guest contributor
Why Epsilyte is a
PLASTICS Member
Brad Crocker is President and CEO of Epsilyte LLC. One of his first moves after
taking the reins of the company in 2020 was to make it a PLASTICS member.
W
hy become a PLASTICS and Recover post-use plastic. cold chain packaging used to ship
member? PLASTICS is critical medical supplies and vaccines
Our company is one of North America’s
made up of dedicated worldwide. Our products are also
largest producers of expandable
individuals who are not critical in the production of building
polystyrene, primarily marketing
supporting the plastic industry out of insulation with high thermal resistance
products for packaging, construction
obligation, but rather their belief that that conserves energy and provides for
and infrastructure applications. Epsilyte
plastic technologies save lives, save comfortable work and living spaces.
products assure safe handling and
energy, enable societal progress and
delivery of perishable items in the All that said, ensuring top quartile
can fully comply with the recycling
global food supply chain, as well as Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)
hierarchy to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
cost-effective temperature control for performance is our license to operate.
6 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021 Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)
Due to our relative size and scope way to persuasively communicate the is well-positioned at both the federal and
versus other petrochemical participants, societal benefits made possible by plastic state levels to develop the right contacts
we are very dependent on our in-house products and technology. and customized messaging that advance
resources using third-party support our common agenda.
Delivering the right sustainability
to stay abreast of regulation changes,
message requires skilled, educated, As is the case for many smaller
safety best practices, environmental
dedicated and connected advocates to companies, we rely heavily on industry
reporting and control improvements,
associations to meet our advocacy needs.
and to act as a sounding board in the Epsilyte doesn’t have the resources
everchanging EHS landscape. to understand, let alone address, all
We are excited to work with the the initiatives taking place at state,
knowledgeable experts of the municipal and local levels, so we work
PLASTICS EHS+ team to augment with PLASTICS to stay abreast of the
our own capabilities and knowledge, latest trends and advocacy efforts. Over
as we constantly work to improve the past several years, prior to taking
our EHS performance. With over at Epsilyte, I’ve personally worked
PLASTICS, we expect to achieve our side-by-side with PLASTICS to defeat
number one goal of ensuring every or delay plastic bans in critical states
employee, contractor and stakeholder including Florida, Connecticut and
throughout Epsilyte is able to return Oregon.
home every day in better shape than I’ve been in the plastics industry and
when they arrived. connected with PLASTICS for almost
10 years and remain impressed with the
With sustainability having grown in
eagerness of their people to work with
importance over the last decade, we
me and my team to not only address our
greatly appreciate that PLASTICS
needs but to also find ways of adding
is making significant investments
value in the relationship. As Epsilyte
and great strides in telling the right,
works to carve out its place in the
accurate story about our industry and Brad Crocker, President and CEO of Epsilyte LLC
industry, stand up and develop into an
products. We work every day to make
independent, autonomous and profitable
sure our products and services are
company within the plastics space,
recognized as not only cost-effective, interact with both governmental and
joining PLASTICS seems like one of the
consistent and high-performance non-governmental organizations. The
easiest decisions I’ll have to make.
customer solutions, but also sustainable PLASTICS advocacy group is made up
in design, use and end-of-life. PLASTICS of individuals who are excited to interact
is committed to using scientific fact in with and persuade influencers regardless
an easily understood, commonsense of their positions and beliefs. PLASTICS
Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) 7 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021
cover story
If you’re in the plastics industry, odds are In a 2018 United Nations Foundation poll, industry,” she recalls. “Member companies
good that someone, somewhere along the 39% of young American adults listed were asked to nominate high-potential
way, has quoted The Graduate to you. You environmental issues as a top-three young professionals from their companies
know the scene. Mr. McGuire pulls Dustin concern for the U.S. government. Other to participate in an initial brainstorm. I
Hoffman’s character aside at a party, fixes research points to similar numbers was honored with a place in that group.
the newly minted graduate with eyes full worldwide, indicating that at least 4 in Since then, we have created an executive
of confident wisdom and says, “I want to 10 young job seekers has a particular board, numerous task groups and have
say just one word to you…just one word… concern for environmental matters. continued to grow.”
plastics…there’s a great future in plastics.”
While certain activists might disagree, As the outgoing chair of FLiP, now
It was intended as a laugh line. But the plastics industry is a place where embarking on the post-FLiP chapter
really, what’s so funny? As far as we’re environmentally aware young people can of her career, Shannon feels very well
concerned, Mr. McGuire was correct back have play active roles in addressing such prepared for the future. “FLiP has
in 1967 and he still is today. The plastics issues and having a positive impact on provided me an opportunity to further
industry has a lot to offer young people Planet Earth. engage in the industry,” she says. “I have
looking for career choices that offer developed not only a more compre-
The amount of effort the industry is putting
interesting work, growth potential and hensive knowledge base of the industry
into limiting, recovering and reusing
an opportunity to make a difference in but have also developed connections that
plastic waste is huge. Beginning a career
the world. have grown into friendships.”
FLiP
in plastics is a fabulous opportunity to be
That’s right. Make a difference in the world. part of the solution-finding process when By focusing on the under-40 age-range,
it comes to making sure the world can FLiP has become a community in which
In a day and age when many young
cleanly manufacture, proactively recycle/ members grow to positions in which they
people are looking for careers that make
reuse and safely dispose of the amazing can then help the up-and-coming.
them feel good about the work they do,
materials produced by plastics companies.
the plastics industry offers a wide range of “Within FLiP we have HR managers, sales
opportunities. At PLASTICS we represent Developing young talent leaders, company presidents, inventors,
an entire world of companies that scientists, marketing professionals and
At PLASTICS, we have an entire organi-
manufacture and distribute equipment, more,” says FLiP vice chairman Jon
zation dedicated to helping our younger
materials and products that help make life Smalling of SEPRO America. “ We’re
professionals position themselves for
safer, healthier, more convenient and less all working together for the single goal
a bright and successful future in the
expensive for consumers. of helping each other succeed. Those
industry. It’s called Future Leaders in
involved with FLiP, I believe, gain a
“Plastics have changed life for the better Plastics (FLiP), and it was formed as a
sense of responsibility and empow-
in more ways than you count, all around place for plastics professionals under the
erment through working together within
the world,” says PLASTICS CEO, Tony age of 40 to socialize within the industry,
our industry.”
Radoszewski. “Preserving food. Enabling develop contacts, access continuing
safe medical practices. Revolutionizing improvement resources and contribute to Jon, a regional sales manager, goes
manufacturing. Those are just a few of the overall health of the industry as they on to describe the actual experience
the things plastics make possible. Our prepare lead it into the future. of benefitting from someone who was
industry is a great place for young people willing to share their own lessons learned.
Shannon Stickler, Market Strategy
to make an important contribution to “I had the privilege to meet monthly
Manager with flexible and specialty rigid
TO THE FUTURE
society, while earning an excellent living, with a business leader and we quickly
packaging manufacturer Printpack, has
as well.” connected,” he says. “I came to realize
been with FLiP from the beginning. “The
we have many of the same struggles and
And let ’s not forget about letting idea for FLiP was generated in 2013
opportunities in our daily lives. It was
young people know they can actually during an Industry Affairs staff meeting as
great to connect with someone who took
help the environment from inside the an opportunity to further engage the next
an interest in me and my goals.”
plastics industry. generation in PLASTICS and the plastics
8 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021 Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)
If you’re in the plastics industry, odds are
good that someone, somewhere along the
way, has quoted The Graduate to you. You
know the scene. Mr. McGuire pulls Dustin
Hoffman’s character aside at a party, fixes
the newly minted graduate with eyes full
of confident wisdom and says, “I want to
say just one word to you…just one word…
plastics…there’s a great future in plastics.”
It was intended as a laugh line. But And let ’s not forget about letting
really, what ’s so funny? As far as young people know they can actually
we’re concerned, Mr. McGuire was help the environment from inside the
correct back in 1967 and he still is plastics industry.
today. The plastics industry has a lot to
In a 2018 United Nations Foundation
offer young people looking for career
poll, 39% of young American adults
choices that offer interesting work,
l iste d e nv i ro n m e nt a l is su e s as
growth potential and an opportunity
a top-three concern for the U.S.
to make a difference in the world.
government. Other research points to
That’s right. Make a difference in the similar attitudes worldwide, indicating
world. companies courting young workers
may do well to emphasize their
In a day and age when many young
commitment to the environment.
people are looking for careers that
make them feel good about the work While certain activists might disagree,
they do, the plastics industry offers the plastics industry is a place where
a wide range of opportunities. At environmentally aware young people
PLASTICS we represent an entire can play active roles in addressing
world of companies that manufacture such issues and having a positive
and distribute equipment, materials impact on Planet Earth.
and products that help make life safer,
The amount of effort the industry
healthier, more convenient and less
is putting into limiting, recovering
expensive for consumers.
and reusing plastic waste is huge.
“Plastics have changed life for the Beginning a career in plastics is a
better in more ways than you can fabulous opportunity to be part of
count, all around the world,” says the solution-finding process when
PLASTICS CEO, Tony Radoszewski. it comes to making sure the world
“Pre ser ving food. Enabling safe can cleanly manufacture, proactively
medical practices. Revolutionizing recycle/reuse and safely dispose of
manufacturing. Those are just a few the amazing materials produced by
of the things plastics make possible. plastics companies.
Our industry is a great place for
young people to make an important
contribution to society, while earning
an excellent living, as well.”
Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) 9 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021
Shannon Stickler, Market Strategy Manager, Printpack & Outgoing FLiP Jon Smalling, SEPRO America, FLiP Vice Chairman
Committee Chair
Developing young talent
At PLASTICS, we have an entire organization dedicated to developed connections that have grown into friendships.”
helping our younger professionals position themselves for a
By focusing on the under-40 age range, FLiP has become a
bright and successful future in the industry. It’s called Future
community in which members grow to positions in which they
Leaders in Plastics (FLiP), and it was formed as a place for
can then help the up-and-coming.
plastics professionals under the age of 40 to socialize within
the industry, develop contacts, access continuing improvement “Within FLiP we have HR managers, sales leaders, company
resources and contribute to the overall health of the industry as presidents, inventors, scientists, marketing professionals and
they prepare lead it into the future. more,” says FLiP vice chairman Jon Smalling of SEPRO America.
“We’re all working together
Shannon Stickler, Market
S t ra t e g y Ma n a g e r w i t h “I have developed not only for the single goal of helping
each other succeed. Those
flexible and specialty rigid
a more comprehensive
involved with FLiP, I believe,
pack aging manufacturer
gain a sense of responsibility
Printpack , has been with
and empowerment through
FLiP from the beginning.
“ The idea for FL i P was knowledge base of the working together within
our industry.”
generated in 2013 during
an Industr y Affairs staff industry but have also Jon, a regional sales manager,
meeting as an opportunity goes on to describe the
to further engage the next
generation in PLASTICS and
developed connections that actual experience of
benefitting from someone
the plastics industry,” she
recalls. “Member companies have grown into friendships.” who was willing to share
their own lessons learned. “I
were asked to nominate had the privilege to meet
high-potential young professionals from their companies to monthly with a business leader and we quickly connected,” he
participate in an initial brainstorm. I was honored with a place says. “I came to realize we have many of the same struggles
in that group. Since then, we have created an executive board, and opportunities in our daily lives. It was great to connect with
numerous task groups and have continued to grow.” someone who took an interest in me and my goals.”
As the outgoing chair of FLiP, now embarking on the post-FLiP The relationship-building benefits of FLiP can’t be overstated.
chapter of her career, Shannon feels very well prepared for the Brian Walsh, CEO at Meadoworks, thinks they’re crucial to filling
future. “FLiP has provided me an opportunity to further engage what he sees as a gap in the industry.
in the industry,” she says. “I have developed not only a more
“We’re not a big networking industry,” Walsh says. “You don’t
comprehensive knowledge base of the industry but have also
tend to see it much in the manufacturing segment. In other
10 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021 Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)A FEW
PRACTICAL
FLiP TIPS
Here are some thoughts on
what company leaders can do
to take advantage of FLiP
1
Brian Walsh, CEO at Meadoworks
IDENTIFY a few promising young
professional groups—accounting, lending, legal—there’s a professionals within your company and
lot of different networking available. You find people who are have a conversation with them on their
constantly looking to build their networks in those areas. If our
career goals. Don’t send an email. Pick
younger professionals can develop a network of people inside
our industry, those relationships can potentially pay dividends up the phone and call them.
in the future.”
2
Networking and so much more
ASK people about their goals. You’ll
Making connections that can help build careers is an important
part of what FLiP provides, but professional development
find that “fulfillment” for them isn’t
opportunities are also key to the FLiP mission. The Continuing always about making money. Growing
Education Task Group facilitates guest speakers on topics such a career, building a network, helping
as leadership development, networking, trade show preparation others, making new friends and
and more. There is also a book club in which members read and volunteering time that makes a positive
discuss works that focus on personal growth and leadership
impact are also important. FLiP delivers
development. Recently, club members read The War of Art
by Steven Pressfield, a book concerned with helping people
on all of those.
express their creativity. They then discussed it via Zoom.
That choice of The War of Art as a focus for the book club
3
demonstrates the kind of forward-thinking that makes FLiP a
SUPPORT their interest in FLiP and
great resource. Experts will tell you that creativity isn’t just for
people who make paintings, write novels or compose music.
the fact that they will need to devote
Creativity is at the heart of problem-solving, a skill that is time to the organization. Then reinforce
essential to success in the plastics industry; recognizing that that support consistently.
creativity in oneself and expressing it properly are equally
important to an individual’s success. Pressfield, in The War
of Art, places great emphasis on the concept of overcoming
“resistance” which he has described as such things as self-doubt,
vanity, fear and self-sabotage.
Learn more about FLiP membership by
The book club was one of the major draws of the group for Kylee contacting flip@plasticsindustry.org
Carbone, a human resources and community outreach specialist
at Westminster Tool. This year, she took over as chair of the
Continuing Education Task Group. “ The book club has good
traction, and I’d like to grow it,” she says. "It's an investment with
Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) 11 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021great ROI. You're talking about is a mission-critical objective
buying a book and taking people in preserving the industry,” he
away from their jobs for an hour says, “and is squarely at the
every other month. That's pretty core of FLiP’s mission.”
minimal. It's a built-in benefit of
Jeremy is an excellent
your PLASTICS membership."
example of someone who
Kylee’s overall goal for the works for a company that
Continuing Education Task understands the value of the
Force is to increase interaction time he needs to invest in
among members and draw FLiP, because Meadoworks
members from a wider range of has witnessed and assisted
companies. Her plan includes many customers in managing
enhancing FLiP’s guest speaker the effects of not planning
series to offer a greater variety for the future through its
o f sub je c t matter from an business brokerage, appraisal
expanded roster of speakers. The and auction services.
hope is that FLiP’s Continuing
“ The industry is at a turning
Education Task Force can be of Kylee Carbone, Human Resources and Community Outreach Specialist at
Westminster Tool point and there has been a
help to more and more plastics
lack of succession planning
professionals throughout the
supply chain. For instance, Kylee sees it “The industry for the nex t generation,”
says Jeremy. “At Meadowork s , we
as an opportunity for bringing together
is at a turning
work regularly with business owners
professionals on and off the shop floor.
and stakeholders within the plastics
"I am in constant awe of people with industry to sell businesses and assets,
workshop-floor skills,” Kylee says, “and
I’m glad to be in a position where I can
point and there transitioning them to the next generation.
While much of this disposition activity
support them. For instance, I can’t run
an EDM [electrical discharge machine]
has been a lack is due to normal ebbs and flows of the
business cycle, a significant portion
of succession
but I can help the people who do interact is resultant from an organization not
better with others and build productive planning beyond the retirement of
relationships. FLiP isn’t just for people at its leadership.”
a desk job. It’s a great opportunity for an
operator or tool maker to learn, and teach,
planning for the B r i a n Wa l s h , J e r e m y ’ s C E O a t
Meadoworks, is a big believer in such
as well.”
next generation." planning for the future and fully supports
The future is now the time and effort Jeremy puts into FLiP.
your duty to not only encourage younger “Part of that planning process,” he says, “is
The people who have founded and grown employees to join FLiP but to give them being able to identify people that have a
FLiP want PLASTICS member companies permission to become a leader within passion for the industry and want to take
to focus on the word “Future” in their FLiP.” While it can seem on one level to things to the next level. From Jeremy's
name and realize that the group is about be something extracurricular that takes perspective, he's a strong leader and
a lot more than just a social outlet for an employee’s focus away from his or has really embraced the goals of FLiP.
young people. “FLiP provides the young her job, Jon says the opposite is actually We think it's a good idea. If you're not
professionals in PLASTICS access to and the case. “Joining FLiP can help young engaged, it's a problem."
knowledge of resources, networking and professionals stay motivated in reaching
leadership experience,” says founding their personal, professional and industry Another aspect of planning for the next
member, Shannon Stickler. “Investing in goals. Employees that are fulfilled and generation is to reach out early. Kylee
the growth of FLiP members expands the motivated stay with companies that Carbone benefited from the fact that
value of PLASTICS membership for the provide fulfillment and motivation.” Westminster Tool makes a practice of
individual and their company.” community outreach, and she happily
The new chairman of FLiP, Jeremy continues that tradition. "Our local
Jon Smalling recommends that company Kaluzna of Meadoworks, echoes and elementary schools have a Maker 's
leaders take a very proactive approach amplifies Smalling’s sense of urgency. Space program that we support by having
to realizing that value. “If you are a “ Training, cultivating, and sustaining them visit our facility and attending
leader of your company, I believe it is younger talent in the industry workforce STEM nights at the school. We're helping
12 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021 Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)to educate them on a whole different the Industrial R e volu tion ; the y ’re “or who are running it right now,” in
career path." high-tech and…well…cool. reference to Jeremy Kaluzna, FliP’s chair,
who is Brian’s COO.
Kylee’s right. It’s never too soon to reach FLiP this article onto
out. Let elementary and high schools Not only will you be doing your bottom
in your area know that your company
someone’s desk line a long-term favor, you’ll also show
exists and that you want to contribute Help PLASTICS spread the word about your employees you care enough about
to the education of students. Give young FLiP. Hand someone a copy of this their success to be a PLASTICS member
people who are beginning to think about magazine. Photocopy or scan the article and give them access to resources
their futures an inside look at an industry and circulate it. Link it on your company like FLiP, where they’ll meet peers with
they may not otherwise consider as website. Let your people know that FLiP inspiring attitudes.
a home for their interests. Offer field exists and that you want them to learn
People like Jon Smalling, who says, “I
trips and career day speakers who more about it.
believe the best days are ahead of us.
can answer questions and even dispel
There’s no time like the present to start The plastics industry is an industry that
misconceptions students may have
building the future. Reach out to your provides solutions to the world’s greatest
developed due to misrepresentations of
younger team members and make an problems. FLiP wants to play a role in
plastics in popular culture. This is also an
effort to help them develop a true passion your efforts of attracting and keeping the
excellent opportunity to let young people
for the mission of plastics in the world. best talent in the world. We are excited
know that careers in plastics aren’t like
“You have to have people engaged who about partnering with you in the future.”
the sometimes terrifying manufacturing
are going to start running your company,”
jobs they learned about when studying
Meadoworks’ Brian Walsh says, adding,
Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) 13 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021Recruiting for a N
T
here’s no shortage of discussion some best-practices recommended to for STEM careers is often cited as a
these days on the subject companies courting younger workers. roadblock to recruiting among women.
of recruiting and retaining
the younger generation of Provide more than a booth Get the good ones in
employees entering the workforce, at career and job fairs the door
especially when it comes to STEM
Show up with more than a smile, a pile Don’t lose someone you’re sure will be
fields (science, technology, engineering
of brochures and some logo swag. Be a first-class asset simply because he or
and mathematics). Relying as we do
ready to offer mentoring opportunities. she hasn’t graduated college yet. Start
on such skills in the plastics industry,
Get contact information for promising building a connection with the industry
appealing to that generation is becoming
candidates and then follow through on and your company right away with
increasingly important.
connecting them with someone who can paid internships or co-op employment
If there were an exact STEM-proven give them further insights. Be especially in which the candidate goes to school
formula for getting this job done, aware about providing young women part-time and works part-time. And
people wouldn’t be asking questions with other women to speak with in the when you have them with you, put
about it all the time, but there are industry. A lack of female role models them on projects with experienced
14 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021 Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)New Generation
professionals who can help strengthen inclined people can also be people of very appealing to a young person who
and stretch those technical skills. deep feeling and conscience. One of the wants a sense of purpose in his or her
Potential, future full-time employees will most important things to the younger job—especially a skilled technician or
feel valued, and they will be even more generation of employees these days is engineer who will have a hands-on role
ready to do the jobs you need them to to work with a company they feel shares in making it happen.
do when they graduate. their values. Listen to the aspirations of
young people and ask questions. Draw Get your
Don’t just talk…listen out what they are passionate about and employees involved
There’s a scene in the movie Good Will point out how their outlook intersects
Encourage your existing workforce to
Hunting where the main character talks with that of your company. This can be
become passionate about building your
about not wanting to put his math genius a great opportunity to speak about the
company’s future by getting involved
to work for the government because efforts our industry is making to curb
in recruitment and onboarding. Build a
he is suspicious of the government’s waste, increase recovery and improve
diverse, multi-disciplinary team of people
motives. Sure, it’s just a movie, but recycling. The idea of being part of the
who can each dedicate a bit of time to
it’s a great reminder that technically solution to a problem they have been
outreach through field trips, school visits,
told by others is insurmountable can be
Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) 15 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021career days, job fairs, in-house mentorship Use interviews to you care about employee quality of life
and the like. Create a welcoming and and that your company feels a sense of
your advantage
collaborative environment that lets young responsibility to the larger community.
people know they’re viewed as essential Don’t just walk new candidates into HR
Kylee Carbone, human resources
to seeing your company thrive in the and table-interview them. Show them
and community outreach specialist at
long term. around your facility. Introduce them to
Westminster Tool, says that educating your
people inside and outside their field of
Show your community spirit expertise and let that happen in actual
broader workforce starts before you even
hire someone. “When I was in school as
It can’t be emphasized enough that our workspaces rather than a conference room.
a business major, no one said ‘Check out
industry needs to do everything possible to Let candidates see the diversity of your
your local manufacturing company for a
counter the unfair accusation that we are workforce and the multifaceted character
job.’ We get caught up in looking for shop
an enemy to the environment and public of what your company does. There is
floor people, but we need the rest of the
health. Become involved in supporting “sizing up” happening on both sides of an
workforce too.”
community charities, local schools and interview, so it’s in your best interest to
civic issues that are important to your make the experience compelling. A true ambassador for the plastics industry,
community and be sure to make those Kylee is very vocal about extolling the
Tell the whole story virtues of a career in manufacturing. “I do
activities known to potential employees.
Showing that your entire staff is dedicated We started this article with a focus on a lot of talking to elementary schools, high
to giving time to such efforts is also technical talent, but much of it applies schools and colleges about what a career
important to interesting purpose-driven across the board when reaching out to in manufacturing looks like. Manufacturing
young candidates. today’s younger jobseekers and future is not dark, dirty, dangerous. It's a
jobseekers. From administrative staff to high-tech career track. Manufacturing is a
your most specialized engineer, it will be great opportunity for jobseekers."
important to provide the sense that your
company does meaningful work, that
16 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021 Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)A DVA N AC I NG S A F E T Y I N PL A STI C S
Plastics Machinery
Safety Standards
Now Available
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is an
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited
standards developer, working to ensure all plastics
Why choose PLASTICS
machinery is safely built to standard to protect our standards?
industry’s most valuable resource: our people. To contribute
your expertise, as a member of a PLASTICS technical Become a voting member with influence over industry standards
committee improving both safety and productivity, email Lead a technical committee dedicated to your business
Director of Industry Standards Jennifer Jones at Gain a competitive edge in the marketplace
jjones@plasticsindustry.org. Make your voice heard.
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PLASTICSINDUSTRY. ORG/STANDARDSfeature story 18 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021 Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)
PLASTIC
FRIEND
OF THE
FAMILY
Let’s take a look at the most fundamental part of society—the family.
From the very beginning of family life plastics are an essential part of
making life more livable in both practical and economic terms.
To hear environmental activists tell it, the plastics industry essential part of making life more livable in both practical and
is a danger to society. Just across the border, in Canada, the economic terms.
government is actually in the process of declaring plastics toxic.
Young parents and parents-to-be don’t have to spend much time
That is, to put it plainly, absurd. searching the internet to find people trying to strike fear into
their hearts about the supposed dangers of plastics. But another
Every day, plastics preserve life and health throughout society.
simple internet search for newborn necessities immediately puts
In fact, we even put plastics into our bodies, on purpose. From
all that fearmongering into question.
stents used in heart surgery, to pacemakers, artificial joints and
more, plastics are supporting and preserving the human body. We took a look around at websites for new parents. Here’s just
some of what we found (in alphabetical order):
Let’s take a look at the most fundamental part of society—the
family. From the very beginning of family life plastics are an
Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) 19 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021Baby Carrier: Sure, there’s a Diapering: Naysayers can say
lot of cloth involved in making what they will about plastics-
these, but take a look at based disposable diapers, but
the latches you’ll be relying generations of parents have
on to secure that carrier now relied on them to make
around your shoulders. You diapering an easier process
guessed it—plastic. in today’s mobile and more
fast-paced world. Not to
mention that disposables have
Baby Formula/Food: been found to keep “deposits”
Whatever form you purchase better contained than cloth
it in, there is most likely plastic diapers, preventing children
involved in the packaging from dangerous hand contact
that keeps it fresh and keeps with their waste. That’s an
the price down by making especially big plus for daycare
shipping less expensive. providers concerned about
preventing infections among
the children under their care.
Baby Monitor: Like all
consumer electronics, these
rely a lot on plastic to keep Feeding Bottles: Even though
them light and to keep the some people are hearkening
electronics safely insulated. back to glass feeding bottles
today, most baby bottles are
still plastic. Plastics have
Babyproofing Gear: Even a helped make bottle time
small apartment can seem like exceptionally convenient
a minefield of baby dangers. for both parents and babies,
Plastics are essential to baby while opening up an entire
gates for stairwells, safety world of design that has made
latches for cabinets/drawers/ it possible for babies to take
toilets, covers for electrical in less air while feeding, which
outlets, bumpers for fireplaces means less gas and stomach
and corner guards for low upset. Plastic being lighter
tables. Not only do plastics than glass, plastic feeding
make these products reliably bottles also mean less weight
secure, plastic also means no to carry when the family is on
metal that might snag baby’s the go.
skin or harm your home
surfaces.
Health/Hygiene Essentials:
Nobody wants a glass
Breastfeeding Gear: Even if mercury thermometer
you aren’t using formula, you anywhere near their child,
may not always find yourself these days. So, it’s a safe
in a breastfeeding-friendly bet that most parents will be
environment. The equipment using a digital thermometer
you’ll need to pump and store with plastic casing. They’ll
breast milk relies heavily also be relying on various OTC
on plastics that provide a medicines and equipment
comfortable experience for (e.g., nasal aspirator, nose
Mom and a fresh supply of drops, infant acetaminophen)
milk for Baby. that are either made from or
packaged in plastics.
20 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021 Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)Infant Feeding Spoons/
Look at how
Bowls: Plastics remove
the risk of dropping and much plastic
shattering a glass bowl near we’ve identified,
your baby. Plastic spoons
are lighter, can be shaped to and we haven’t
be more mouth-friendly and even gotten
easier for little ones to learn
outside yet! Let’s
how to hold. (Also easier on
Mom or Dad’s nose should do that now...
Baby decide she likes to
swing it around!)
Car Seat: The car seat has
Insulated Cooler/Carrier:
become an emblem of safe
Plastics make such insulation
parenting over the years.
possible, adding to the
And lightweight plastics with
freshness of formula and
high impact resistance and
bottled breast milk.
the ability to be molded into
innovative, ergonomic shapes
are essential to the process
Rocking Chair/Glider: These
of making them. According to
are recommended as a
research cited by the federal
comfortable way for parents
government, child safety
to sit and rock with their
seats in passenger cars have
children. There’s a good deal
been found to reduce fatal
of wood and metal in these,
injury by 71 percent for infants
but the upholstery is very
and 54 percent for toddlers.
likely polyester.
Stroller: You can spend as
Toys: From rattles to teething
much time shopping for a
toys, plastics keep babies
stroller these days as you
calm, contented and happy.
can a car. There are tons of
options and safety features,
many of which you’ll find are
constructed with plastics.
It’s safe to say that plastics play a huge helmets for biking and skateboarding,
role in making it easier, safer and more along with sports equipment and whatever
economically viable for people to start gear other hobbies and interests require.
families in the contemporary world. Whatever the contemporary family needs,
And so far, we’ve only addressed infants the plastics industry will surely be playing
and toddlers. First-time parents can also a role in making sure they get it.
look forward to researching the best safety
Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) 21 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021ARE CREATED TODAY
Innovation thrives on people with passion.
Let bigger opportunities find you. Testimonial
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) Future “Being a part of FLiP allows me to not only
Leaders in Plastics (FLiP) Committee is devoted to connect with others and begin shaping the
supporting and encouraging the next generation of future of PLASTICS, but the opportunity
plastics leaders who will play a critical role in the to learn about the entire plastics industry
innovation, technology and future of the plastics industry. supply chain and how we,
To engage, develop and retain future industry leaders, as young leaders, can affect
PLASTICS is focused on leadership development, its direction.”
mentoring programs and relationship building
Beth Wetmore Trenor,
opportunities for professionals under 40 years old.
Advanced Regulatory
Improving the perception of plastics and developing a Specialist,
strong workforce begins with cultivating future leaders Milliken & Co.
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22 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021 Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)Free Executive
Summaries and
White Papers
are available to
download now.
Industry Economics
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is
your go-to source for leading industry data and
market intelligence. Our research and reports help
Market Intelligence
our members and industry insiders stay in-the-
know on the state of the plastics industry. Make
informed business decisions to remain competitive
Insights & Trends
in today’s global marketplace. These reports are
free to members as a benefit. For more info, visit.
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Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) PLASTICSINDUSTRY.ORG/DATA
23 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021PLASTICS and you Navigating the Political Landscape 24 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021 Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)
Matt Seaholm and the PLASTICS Government Affairs
team specialize in communicating the value of
plastics to legislative and regulatory officials, but they
need PLASTICS members to spread the word, too.
G
overnment Affairs. It sounds In some instances, that can mean constituents. When a lawmaker has
like something that happens going up against environmental activist voters with family-supporting jobs in
behind closed doors, among organizations who make poorly informed the plastics industry, he or she is much
state and federal political statements about plastics to legislative more likely to listen to the great story
insiders who have nothing to do with bodies but, according to Matt Seaholm, our industry has to tell. That’s why much
everyday life. But nothing could be Vice President for Government Affairs, of what we do involves helping elected
further from the truth. advocacy is about much more than that officials understand that while important,
in the larger picture; advocacy is about the plastics issue is about a lot more
Far from being about closed doors,
an ongoing conversation. than recycling and cleaning up the
government affairs is all about opening
oceans. It's about people. And here in
doors, and windows, and letting in light While there are times when quick
the U.S., more than one million of them
to help policy makers see their way responses are needed, Matt prefers to
working in the industry.”
clearly when making important decisions look at advocacy as an exercise in civil
that affect people’s lives. At PLASTICS, communication that, when conducted Changing perceptions
our Government Affairs team keeps one well, can avoid ever getting to the point
finger on the pulse of politics nationwide of ill-tempered conflict. Many politicians and other public
and the other on the wellbeing of our officials simply don’t understand that
“Plastic has become too partisan in many the plastics industry isn’t the monolithic,
members, watching for the effects of one
ways, and it shouldn’t be,” Matt says, environmentally hostile thing activists
upon the other.
cautioning against an us-versus-them have painted it as. Many plastics
Essentially, PLASTICS’ approach to mentality. “I don’t care who you are,” he businesses are found in nondescript
government affairs is about advocacy— continues, “if you run for office, you’re metal buildings tucked in alongside
protecting the interests of our members. interested in doing good things for your
Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) 25 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021highways and inside commercial parks. California legislation that PLASTICS The plastics industry stands ready to
They are, quite literally, right in the helped to defeat in 2020. Those bills, work with legislators to get something
backyard (and part of the backbone) of Senate Bill 54 and Assembly Bill 1080, done in the coming months so by next
the communities elected officials have when they started out, had laudable year, there is a workable bill in front of
sworn to serve. And they are doing goals regarding the environment lawmakers in California.”
business in clean, high-tech facilities. but ultimately would have imposed
dangerous burdens on plastics Partnering with members
“I have gone on plant tours with
companies that make important The kind of member/association
politicians and watched as
contributions to the California economy. partnership that prevented the passage
the realization of what plastics
manufacturing really is comes over them,” Connecting member companies of those California bills is exactly what
Matt says. He has seen attitudes change affected by the legislation with important we need to be doing nationwide on
when that perception of a gargantuan swing-vote legislators allowed those an ongoing basis, according to Matt
industry is replaced by the reality of legislators to become better educated on Seaholm. “We keep our ears to the
people working in an immaculate facility, the issues involved. PLASTICS was able ground and seek opportunities to be
a couple of hundred people proactive in our outreach,” he says, “but a
who represent local families DC-based association
relying on the plastics representing a
industry. seemingly faceless
industry is nowhere
“Several times,” Matt recalls, near as effective as
“politicians have turned to me citizen members
after a plant tour and told me stepping up and telling
they probably would have elected leaders about
voted for an anti-plastics the dangers flawed
piece of legislation, but legislation poses to
not anymore.” working families.”
That’s where the idea of In a nutshell, a term
conversation comes in. Matt like “plastics industry”
and his team would much may conjure nothing
rather be in a position to get but inaccurate
involved in legislative and images in the minds
regulatory efforts before of legislators—
they escalate into problems smokestacks, refineries,
for the plastics industry. A pollution, workers in
big part of that conversation faraway lands and
begins with informing PLASTICS members attending the 2019 Plastics Industry Fly-In on Capitol Hill debris floating in
PLASTICS members. distant waters, the stuff
Not many companies have of environmentalist
to add some personal-level significance propaganda. That kind of mental picture
a dedicated department to keep them
to a larger effort in which we were leads to the casting of votes that harm
up to date on federal, state and local
participating with regard to SB54 and our industry. But the true story of local
legislation and regulatory activity.
AB1080—an effort that led to those bills companies, staffed by real people,
The PLASTICS Government Affairs
not passing. supporting families and communities
team handles that role for PLASTICS
members by monitoring and sharing But the story doesn’t end there. Such leads to cooperation that benefits
activity that might affect the plastics activity is not simply about preventing everyone involved.
industry. legislation from passing, it is about How does that member/association
continuing a conversation of advocacy partnership grow? A great place to start
Paying attention to what Government
that leads to truly viable solutions. As is by making sure to read the information
Affairs shares is important. While the
Tony Radoszewski, President and CEO of you receive from the PLASTICS
team stands ready to make statements
PLASTICS said when the bills failed to Government Affairs team. They put out
and appear at meetings, they are at
pass, “We now have a chance to hit the a lot of great intel. You don’t need to
their most effective when working in
reset button and work with all interested become a legislative expert; you just
partnership with members. A case in
stakeholders to craft legislation that will need to take a look at the basics and
point is one involving two pieces of
really address the issue of sustainability. consider what that information means for
26 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021 Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)your company. Our government affairs An easy-to-implement course of action in terms that go beyond party affiliation
newsletter, recently rebranded as The you can take right away is to share and ideology, expressing the human
Hopper, has been designed to make that government affairs news with employees. element of each discussion; we need
information easier to navigate and digest If there’s governmental activity to be clear about real people providing
than ever before. happening in your area that poses a for their families and communities with
threat to your company, get organized local jobs in the plastics industry, and
When you see something in The Hopper
and encourage your workforce to we need to make sure decision-makers
that has real ramifications for your
contact the officials involved. Regarding know the true, life-improving and even
company or a colleague company in the
his days working in a legislative office, life-saving realities of plastics.
association, reach out to your elected
Matt Seaholm recalls, “If you get five
officials and let them know there are Each and every member can, and is
phone calls on a single subject, you start
people they represent who will be encouraged to, become part of that
thinking an issue could be blowing up in
affected. The PLASTICS Government effort. Don’t be afraid to express your
your district.” He goes on to point out the
Affairs team will be happy to help passion for plastics; the naysayers have
effect a hundred employee-constituents
facilitate that dialogue. They’re always it all wrong and it is up to all of us in
can have as they reach out as individuals
ready and willing to follow up with you the industry to correct perceptions. As
to those legislative offices.
and explore new ways of continuing Matt Seaholm says, in summing up the
the conversation of advocacy. As a Partnership and conversation are going importance of member involvement,
matter of fact, watch for some news to play larger and larger roles in the “The most effective and powerful tool we
from PLASTICS about showing officials very near future. Given the polarization have is our members advocating for the
who and where you are through “virtual in American politics, bipartisanship is industry. Your participation is critical to
fly-ins” that will allow your voice to be going to be key to the success of the any success that we have. We can’t do it
heard from the comfort of your home plastics industry and to PLASTICS without you.”
or office. as an organization. We will need to
communicate on both sides of the aisle
Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) 27 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021talking about plastic Communicating the Value of Single-Use Plastic 28 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021 Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)
Billions of people around the world use disposable plastic bottles
and other containers and packaging. But do they know why?
Unfortunately, the ubiquity of plastic, in particular single-use A wider partisan divide means more people are picking sides.
products, obscures the science behind this modern material, Most institutions have suffered a decline in trust, and fewer
its widespread application to advanced fields from medicine to Americans are confident in the future, even though inventions
electronics, and even its value to shoppers at the grocery store such as plastic have made poverty, hunger and disease much
check-out aisle, who, when they think of plastic bottles or bags, less common than they were just decades ago, when we were
probably think about litter or pollution, rather than the many more optimistic.
benefits plastic brings.
Rapid progress seems to have created more dissatisfaction.
It’s ironic. In the space of a couple generations, plastic, which Sure, we could do better, but we could also do worse, a lot worse,
took off in the Space Age and accompanied revolutions in if those who are always predicting the next calamity actually
agriculture and energy that have also spared countless people succeed in banning not only single-use plastic, but all plastic,
the hardships of our forebears, has today become the scourge the goal of some extreme groups that reject progress altogether.
of humanity, not the savior it is.
Punitive bans, taxes and fees aren’t progress. Neither are alter-
To understand this reversal in public perception, it’s important natives to plastic that hearken back to pre-industrial days.
to understand the context. The decline in public perception Contrasting a bright future with a dark past is one part of an
of plastic coincides with a decline in public perception of just effective communications strategy promoting single-use plastics.
about everything. Constant negativity in our 24-hour-a-day
news media, projected on every screen including the one in your
pocket, drives the public mood downward.
Tell a story. We invented the lightbulb, put a man on the moon Surprise people. Talk about plastic’s environmental
and harnessed the power of the atom. Plastic is a hero of the benefits. It requires less energy to create, transport and
American Century—that plastic bottle you're holding is the prevents food and other waste. Without it, we could never
height of human achievement. Make a similar impact on your reach environmental goals, such as increased fuel efficiency,
audience by conjuring images of a world before plastic. The our opponents support. Watch the look on their faces when
Stone Age wasn't as romantic as our opponents depict. you tell them plastic has a low carbon footprint.
Be empathetic. Plastic bottles are the only reliable source of You can’t win 'em all. We live in partisan times. The media
drinking water in much of the world. Single-use packaging for is unrelenting. Some people really do wish for a time before
toothpaste, soap and shampoo allows people everywhere to microwave meals—and maybe toaster ovens. So be patient and
purchase what were once considered luxuries. Even in the U.S., count up the small victories. They’ll add up eventually.
plastic saves working families time and money. Put yourself in
their shoes. You’ll be on firm ground.
Finally, remember that, despite a barrage of negativity, single-use plastic has grown in popularity,
because it’s still the most practical solution to customers’ needs. They merely want to feel better about
what they’re doing already and to know the plastics industry will solve litter and pollution problems,
just as the industry has solved other problems human beings have confronted for millennia.
Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) 29 PLASTICS MAGAZINE Spring 2021You can also read
