Updated Published

ICYMI--MMT Chats: What's Happening to Our Industry? Time to Take a Stand for Plastics

MoldMaking Technology Editorial Director Christina Fuges chats with Bob Schiavone, Global Marketing Director for R&D/Leverage about his passion for manufacturing, marketing and the mission to change the perception of plastics. This episode is brought to you by ISCAR with New Ideas for Machining Intelligently.

Christina Fuges
Christina Fuges
Editorial Director, MoldMaking Technology

Share

Read Next

This episode is brought to you by ISCAR with New Ideas for Machining Intelligently.

For this MMT Chat, I catch up with Bob Schiavone, the Global Marketing Director for R&D/Leverage in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. And although R&D /Leverage is an impressive mold manufacturer, he is here today to talk about his passion—plastics!

I’ve known Bob for a long time. He and I have had several conversations over the years about the war on plastics, which has only fueled his passion for standing up for this industry. Plus, as a seasoned marketing professional, he is very active on LinkedIn about the topic—posting, sharing and commenting on all things plastic.

Featured Content

MMT Chats
MMT Chats READ MORE
It Starts With the Part: A Plastic Part Checklist Ensures Good Mold Design
It Starts With the Part: A Plastic Part Checklist Ensures Good Mold Design READ MORE
How is an Aluminum Mold Energy-Efficient?
How is an Aluminum Mold Energy-Efficient? READ MORE

Here is just a peek at 3 questions during this quick 15-minute MMT Chat:

1. What is going on in our industry? What do you see as the biggest threat to the plastics industry as a whole? (4:10)

Perception and communication. We have a perception issue. Plastics has a horrible image. We need to connect the consumer with the industry.  We need the misinformation campaign to cease. Recycling is broken in the U.S. 

I am sure some plastic regulations need to happen; I am sure we need to review certain plastics and maybe make some changes to what we produce, but a broad-brush approach that the whole world's litter issue is a plastics issue is wrong.

2. What advice do you have for mold manufacturers facing this issue? (9:51)

Don’t be a commodity, stop selling on just price and get involved, speak up, speak out.

3. What are the types of things do you see R&D/Leverage doing to help face the challenges? (12:40)

We have always tried to stay ahead of the curve. We offer several tool types and a plethora of support services. For example, we are involved as early as possible in the packaging design discussion. We work with converters and brand owners upfront and it helps elevate us to more than just a toolmaker.

For the full quick chat, watch above, and for more MMT Chats, click here

 

This episode is brought to you by ISCAR with New Ideas for Machining Intelligently.

 

Related Content

  • MMT Chats: Mold Builder Shares “Raw and Real” Social Media Strategy

    MoldMaking Technology Editorial Director Christina Fuges sits down with Murphy Forsyth, GM – Injection Molding and Director Of Marketing for Zero Tolerance LLC in Clinton Township, MI.

  • MMT Chats: Simple Steps to Get Your Social Media Campaign Started

    MoldMaking Technology Editorial Director Christina Fuges catches up with Gail Now’s Chief Curiosity Officer Gail Robertson. We talk about the importance of using the curiosity tool to tell your stories as part of a marketing strategy that includes social media.   This episode is brought to you by ISCAR with New Ideas for Machining Intelligently.

  • The Role of Social Media in Manufacturing

    Charles Daniels CFO of Wepco Plastics shares insights on the role of social media in manufacturing, how to improve the “business” side of a small mold shop and continually developing culture.