The start of a new year is the right time to analyze what 2024 has been and what we intend to achieve in the new year.

The past year has been an important one, during 2024 the prices of polymers used in the molding and extrusion of plastic materials have shown downward variations, influenced by global economic factors, supply and demand dynamics, and fluctuations in the costs of raw materials. (Source: PricePedia.it)

The Plastics Industry Trends in 2024 were:

• Industry Growth: The global plastics industry has shown stable growth, with increasing demand for specialized plastics in the construction, packaging, medical and automotive sectors.
• Sustainability: Sustainability has remained a priority, with an increase in the use of biodegradable and recycled materials, in line with stricter environmental regulations and the commitment to reducing the carbon footprint.
• Technological Innovation: The industry continued to invest in advanced technologies, such as 3D printing and automation, to improve production efficiency and meet the market’s need for customization.

In summary, 2024 saw an overall decline in polymer prices, accompanied by steady growth in the plastics industry, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and technological innovation.

Source PlastMagazine and WittmannDigital

What about 2025?

The forecast for the plastics molding and extrusion industry in 2025 indicates continued growth, driven by technological innovations and an increasing focus on environmental sustainability.

Industry Growth:
According to GrandView Research, the global plastics industry will continue to grow steadily from 2024 to 2030, with increasing demand for specialized plastics in the construction, packaging, medical, and automotive sectors.

Environmental Sustainability:
Sustainability will remain a priority, with an increase in the use of biodegradable and recycled materials. Furthermore, starting in 2025, European regulations will require that at least 25% of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles be made of recycled plastic.

Polymer Prices:
Forecasts indicate a stabilization of polymer prices, with possible variations linked to supply and demand dynamics and raw material costs.

For example, the virgin PVC market could return to 2020 levels, among the lowest ever recorded.
In summary, 2025 promises to be a year of growth and transformation for the plastics industry, with a particular emphasis on technological innovation and environmental sustainability.

Zooming in on Viplas, in 2024 we have:

• Expanded our team with new resources, particularly in the commercial area and in the technical office.
• Launched our Linkedin page, reaching 240 followers in 8 months (A big thank you to all present followers and those who will arrive tomorrow!)
• Published the new website www.viplas.it, multilingual, a mix between a company presentation and a library of technical knowledge on the world of plasticization.
• And of course we have started this monthly Newsletter, to keep in touch with you and provide you with updates on us and the technology of our sector.

And in 2025???

• We continue with investments in human resources; a new colleague started with us in January, dedicated to the Quality area;
• The new catalog will be ready by March, to offer a more complete and in-depth view of our company and what we offer;
• We will participate in two fairs, one dedicated to the circular economy and recycling, Green Plast (27 – 30 May, Milan) and the other… well, it needs no introduction: K (8 – 15 October, Düsseldorf);
• By fall 2025 we plan to complete the ISO9001 certification process.

And you, how do you see the new year?

Let’s work together for a Great 2025!!!