by William Carteaux, SPI Looking back on 2013 – a year marked by partisan bickering in Washington that resulted in the first government shutdown in over 17 years – we in the plastics industry are hopeful that at least a few key issues are ripe for bipartisan solutions in 2014. Importantly, though, where consensus cannot be reached despite our best efforts, we must continue to … [Read more...] about After Gridlock, Plastics Industry Looks to Federal Policy Modernization
Business Strategies
The Press Release: How and When to Promote Company News
by Dianna Brodine, Plastics Decorating As the editor of a magazine, I have a vested interest in promoting a well-written press release. It makes my job much easier when companies send me their news, rather than requiring me to seek it out. I'll tell you a little secret. Media representatives rarely will "seek it out." Companies that promote themselves are the ones that … [Read more...] about The Press Release: How and When to Promote Company News
Analysis: Expect Growth in Plastics Industry
Plastics Decorating A comprehensive analysis of the current and likely future state of the North American plastics industry by Plastics Custom Research Services takes a look at how businesses fared during a period book-ended by the mini-recession of 2001 and the Great Recession of 2008-2009. With the US, Canadian and Mexican economies in recovery mode, the three are … [Read more...] about Analysis: Expect Growth in Plastics Industry
Applying Variable Data with Digital Thermal Transfer Marking
by John Kaverman, Pad Print Pros, LLC What is "variable data marking"? Variable data marking is marking each successive part, or series of parts, with a different image. Examples of variable data include images such as expiration dates, serial or other progressive numbers, bar codes, 2-dimensional matrix codes or QR (quick response) codes, people's names or company … [Read more...] about Applying Variable Data with Digital Thermal Transfer Marking
In Bed with the Enemy
by Ed Rigsbee, CSP, CAE Strategic alliances today are commonplace among large corporations, allowing these companies to successfully compete in the global marketplace. Smaller companies can derive the same advantages through alliance relationships. With synergistic partnering alliances, competitors can realize great value by building relationships of integrity with one … [Read more...] about In Bed with the Enemy