Norbert Sparrow

Santa Monica

Journalist and editor who has covered Europe's medtech industry and supply chain for almost 20 years. Currently, Editor in Chief at PlasticsToday.

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Articles

Terrible, Horrible, No-good News for China

4 days ago | plasticstoday.com | Norbert Sparrow

China’s manufacturing output in May recorded its first contraction in 19 months, falling at the fastest pace since November 2022, according to the Caixin China General Manufacturing PMI report released today. Export orders shrank at an even faster pace. PMI falls two points.
Medtech Ecosystem Is Alive and Well . . . and Growing

5 days ago | mddionline.com | Norbert Sparrow

The medical technology–focused contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) sector continues to be a growing market, reaching stellar heights in the United States, according to projections from a recently published market report. Demand for medical-grade plastics, a critical component of advanced medical technology, is on a commensurate upward trajectory, according to another recent report.
Trump’s DOE Cancels $375M Eastman Grant

5 days ago | plasticstoday.com | Norbert Sparrow

Local media outlets are reporting that the US Department of Energy (DOE) has canceled a $375 million grant to Eastman for its chemical recycling facility in Longview, TX. The move is part of a $3 billion cutback on previously approved federal funding of projects that the Trump administration considers “green” initiatives.
Plastics Pipe Institute Reveals Top Projects of the Year

1 week ago | plasticstoday.com | Norbert Sparrow

Editor-in-chief of PlasticsToday since 2015, Norbert Sparrow has been an editor working within business-to-business media since 1996.
ProMed Molded Products Follows Medtech Crowd to Costa Rica

1 week ago | mddionline.com | Norbert Sparrow

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Finland’s Premix Highlights AI-powered Formulation Tool at Grand Opening of US Plant

2 weeks ago | powderbulksolids.com | Norbert Sparrow

As Finland-based Premix prepares for the grand opening next month of its North Carolina plant for the production of electrically conductive plastics, it has revealed some details of its AI-assisted compound formulation tool. Developed in house, Pertti 3.0 is described as an AI-enabled, machine-learning driven system “trained” on four decades worth of formulation data.
Austria’s Steinbeis PolyVert Unveils AI-powered Recycling Line

3 weeks ago | plasticstoday.com | Norbert Sparrow

One of Europe’s leading plastics recyclers, Steinbeis PolyVert GmbH will officially commission its new production line for polyolefin recyclates in Völkermarkt, Austria, on May 20. The line marks a technological breakthrough, the company said, by applying artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently sort material and produce 50,000 tons of high-quality recyclate annually. The capacity puts it at the forefront of recycling technology not just in Europe but internationally, claims Steinbeis PolyVert.
Nelipak Expands Footprint in Costa Rica

3 weeks ago | mddionline.com | Norbert Sparrow

Medical device OEMs and their suppliers continue to flock to Costa Rica and — once they’ve established roots — flourish. The latest company in the medtech space to expand its presence in the Latin American country is Nelipak.
Mixed Results in Medtech Localization After 10 Years

4 weeks ago | mddionline.com | Norbert Sparrow

In 2015, China unveiled its Made in China 2025 (MIC25) initiative, an ambitious effort to reduce its reliance on foreign companies and accelerate its global competitiveness in strategic industries such as automation, semiconductors, new energy vehicles, and medical technology. International criticism, including from the first Trump administration, resulted in China muting its discussion of the program in the public space, but the core policies continued under the radar.
When It Comes to Plastics, Not Everyone in the Trump Administration Is Singing From the Same Hymnal

1 month ago | packagingdigest.com | Norbert Sparrow

RFK Jr. warns industry that consumer concerns around microplastics aren’t going away and that it must act to future-proof its business model. But back in the White House, the plastics industry is having a moment. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.