National Adult Literacy Database

In this report, the authors point to a combination of factors that add up to difficult times for the plastics industry in Canada. Some factors may be temporary, like the overvalued Canadian dollar. But others, like increased competition from China and India, are part of a new reality the sector must deal with.

The authors also note that a surge in interest in energy efficiency and environmental protection is driving consumer preferences and shaping government policy. Adapting to these challenges by altering products and production is a priority.

They conclude that the plastics sector will overcome its current problems but caution companies to prepare now in order to be able to take advantage of new opportunities as they emerge. A crucial factor will be the recruitment and retention of skilled workers.

The report was published by the Canadian Plastics Sector Council (CPSC), a national not-for-profit association created to explore and address emerging human resources issues in the plastics processing industry.