The latest analysis from the PLASTICS Economics and Industry Research Department shows why total inventory numbers don't tell the whole story.
By examining materials and supplies, work-in-process, and finished goods inventories separately, manufacturers can gain a clearer understanding of supply chain activity, production trends, and changing market conditions.
The analysis also explores how rising resin prices, inflation, and consumer demand are influencing inventory decisions across the plastics industry.
👉 Read Perc Pineda's latest blog for a deeper look at what these trends mean for manufacturers and the broader supply chain.
🧪 Innovation in Bioplastics Award 2026
PLASTICS is now accepting submissions for the2026 Innovation in Bioplastics Award, presented by the Bioplastics Division. The award recognizes one outstanding advancement in bioplastics—whether in materials, products, or manufacturing processes—that is moving the industry forward.
📝 Deadline: Submit your nomination by Aug. 14, 2026, using the officialentry form.
🏆 Recognition: The award recipient will be announced during Bioplastics Week (Sept. 28–Oct. 4).
Good luck—we’re excited to see what you’ve created!
🌟 FLiP Member Spotlight: Quadri Lambo
Sometimes the best career paths are the ones you don't expect.
When Quadri Lambo joined Shibaura Machine America in 2024, he didn't realize he was entering the plastics industry. Less than two years later, he's discovered a career filled with innovation, continuous learning, and meaningful connections.
As Senior Sales Operations Coordinator for the company's injection molding division, Quadri supports the sales team through CRM management, inside sales coordination, and customer support. He says the industry's diversity—and the many products and sectors it serves—has given him a new appreciation for the essential role plastics play in everyday life.
A member of FLiP since early 2026, Quadri has participated in networking events, keynote sessions, and the Spring Meeting & Fly-In in Washington, D.C.
To read Quadri's full FLiP File story, click here.
🎥 New | FLiP Files Videos
Go behind the scenes with Quadri Lambo of Shibaura Machine America as he shares what he does each day and why he's excited to join the FLiP program, including the opportunity to connect with mentors and industry peers..
👉To learn more about Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP), click here.
🎤 Keynote Speaker: Lynzie Nebel
Are single "heroes" putting your business at risk?
At the 2026 SPE Injection Molding Innovation Summit, keynote speaker Lynzie Nebel, SPE Executive Committee Chair and Upstream Hardware Engineer at Cytiva, will challenge attendees to rethink how knowledge is shared across their organizations—and why relying on a
single "hero" can put operations at risk.
In her keynote, "Heroes are a Liability: Designing a Culture for All," she'll share practical strategies for building resilient teams, strengthening training, and creating a workplace where knowledge is shared and every employee has the opportunity to succeed.
👉 To learn more and register, click here.PLASTICS members can register at the SPE member rate with code IMIS-PLASTICS.
📆 Mark Your Calendar
🎤 NPE2027 Call for Speakers | Proposals due August 14, 2026 | NPE2027 is now accepting speaker proposals for its education program. Industry leaders, innovators, and subject matter experts are invited to share insights and expertise with a global audience at NPE2027, taking place May 3–7, 2027, in Orlando, Florida. To submit a proposal or learn more, click here.
📅 National Plastics Conference| Sept. 14–17, 2026 | Houston, TX |The exclusive event built by industry, for industry returns. Register now for Early Bird Pricing.
📅 OCS CON2026| Oct. 14–16, 2026 | Houston, TX | Hosted by Operation Clean Sweep, OCS CON brings the full plastic value chain together in efforts towards eliminating the loss of plastic to the environment. Early Bird Registration now open.
📅 Injection Molding Innovation Summit| Oct. 22, 2026 | Cleveland, OH | Hosted by the Society of Plastics Engineers, the event will explore practical applications of AI, sustainability, materials, tooling, and other innovations shaping the future of injection molding. PLASTICS members can register at the SPE member rate using code IMIS-PLASTICS. Click here to register.
📅 Plastic Sustainability Executive Forum| Nov. 11–12, 2026 | Atlanta, GA | Fall Forum: Backing the Vision: Investment, Infrastructure, and the Economics of Advanced Recycling. To request your invitation to attend, click here.
📅 Vinyl Week 2026 | Dec. 8–11, 2026 | Charlotte, NC | This one-of-a-kind gathering brings together the Vinyl Compounders Conference and the Vinyl Sustainability Summit for four days of leadership, networking, and forward-looking insights. Learn more.
📅 NPE2027 – The Plastics Show | May 3–7, 2027 | Orlando, FL | The largest plastics trade show in the Americas, bringing together 51,000+ professionals from 130+ countries to explore innovations in automation, sustainability, and advanced materials. Featuring 2,200+ exhibitors and on-site ANTEC® technical sessions. Registration opens September 2026. Learn more.
