We caught up with Jim Johnson, Director of Commercial Plastics Technology at Entec Polymers.

Jim discussed the company's commitment to providing innovative thermoplastic solutions and their focus on sustainability. He also shared insights into the latest trends in the industry and how Entec Polymers is positioned to meet the evolving needs of their customers.

Can you provide a brief overview of your company and the products/ services you'll be showcasing at the event?

For almost 40 years, Entec Polymers has been a leader in thermoplastic distribution. We offer a full portfolio of commodity, engineering, high performance, and specialty resins, as well as thermoplastic elastomers, custom blends and masterbatch products. We've partnered with some of the biggest and best suppliers in the industry.

Our sales representatives have decades of experience in thermoplastic sales and development and we have a technical department staffed with degreed engineers with hundreds of years of combined experience. We work with our customers to help make them successful, offering products and expertise in every market and application, with Business Development specialists in automotive, packaging, medical and compounding markets.

What recent trends or developments in the industry are you most excited about, and how do your products/ services align with them? 

We are seeing an increased interest in sustainable materials. This is not only PIR and PCR, but also bio-based materials, mass balanced materials, and advanced chemical recycled materials. However, this is a complicated area and we need to do a lot of education for our customers as sustainability and circularity can mean different things to different people, and it’s not one-size-fits all.

At Entec Polymers we are expanding our circular offerings and constantly looking to add new products or suppliers where it makes the most sense. Our parent company, Ravago has invested heavily in sustainable products as well as sustainability in reducing our carbon footprint.

Will you be conducting any demonstrations or interactive activities at the event? If so, what can attendees expect?

No, we will not have any demonstrations at the event. 

What are your company's goals for the future, and how do you see yourselves contributing to the evolving industry landscape? 

We want to continue to be a leader in plastic distribution, compounding and sustainability. We know that sustainability and circularity are here to stay and it’s not only important for us as an industry to be involved with solutions, but it’s also about being good stewards to the environment and future generations.

Speaking of future generations, we need to do more to entice young people to join our industry. As the older generation starts to retire, and we lose their knowledge and experience, we need younger people to step up and take over.

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s show? 

I am looking forward to the interactions with current customers, potential customers, friends and former colleagues at the show. And it is always interesting to meet new people and see the latest-and-greatest products and services on display. 

Entec Polymers will be exhibiting at the Compounding World Expo. Visit them at booth C713.