JUNE 2025ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS REVIEW8 OPINIONIN MYBy Mariana Filipic, Senior Director of Global Quality, Mold-MastersBuilding the Future of the Plastic Industry through QualityThe plastic industry is a cornerstone of global manufacturing, serving diverse sectors such as automotive, packaging, medical, consumer goods, electronics, and aftermarket. As the demand for precision, durability, and sustainability intensifies, the pursuit of high-quality standards has emerged as a fundamental pillar of success. This article examines how a steadfast commitment to quality enhances operational efficiencies, bolsters reputation, and strengthens market competitiveness, paving the way for excellence in the plastic industry.Key Factors Influencing Quality-Driven ExcellenceStrategic Quality Leadership: Establishing a clear quality vision and strategy that aligns with overarching business objectives is essential. A robust Global Quality Policy should be applicable across all company sites while allowing for local compliance. Leadership commitment, securing executive buy-in for quality initiatives, and ensuring visible involvement fosters a culture of quality. This culture, in turn, drives employee engagement through recognition programs and mentorship opportunities.Customer-Centric Approach: Understanding and integrating customer specifications and expectations into design and production processes is vital. Establishing a feedback loop--through surveys, complaints, returns, and claims serves as a foundation for continuous improvement. Offering tailored solutions and collaborating closely with customers during the development, testing, and validation stages are important for ensuring that products meet their specific needs. Additionally, providing robust after-sales support enhances customer satisfaction and fosters long-term relationships. Offering product customization enables companies to meet diverse customer needs while upholding stringent quality standards. In the plastic industry, customers demand high-performing products characterized by consistent quality, durability, and reliability.Adherence to Global Quality Standards: Compliance with international standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, as well as regulatory frameworks like RoHS and REACH, is imperative for ensuring the safe use of chemicals in plastic production. Effective audit management, encompassing both internal and external audits across global facilities, is essential for maintaining compliance and driving quality improvements.Manufacturing Excellence: Standardizing manufacturing processes and implementing Statistical Process Control (SPC) are critical for minimizing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency. These practices help reduce waste and rework, focusing on precision manufacturing and defect prevention. Combining process optimization, advanced technology, and employee engagement improves operational efficiency.Quality Control and Assurance: The automotive sector has seen increasing demand for lightweight, yet durable components with tight tolerances, necessitating rigorous quality standards to meet performance expectations. In the medical QUALITY AT THE CORE: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE PLASTIC INDUSTRYMariana Filipic
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