That Plastics Guy

Join Kurt as he discusses the concept of purchasing resins by the pound, but selling parts based on volumetric pricing.  Does using cheaper, but more dense materials really have a nagative impact on cost? #engineering  #thatplasticsguy  #Plastics #InjectionMolding #PlasticManufacturing #Polymer #Engineering #Manufacturing #MaterialScience Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find &...

Join Kurt and returning guest Darryl Gratrix of NexGenSkilledTrades, as they discuss and share updates related to the current state of skilled trades in Ontario. Darryl shares insights of how Ontario's education system is responding to the need for more skilled trades people. A meaningful conversation that deeply effects our society and future economic growth.  Please listen if you have (or k...

Join Kurt as he discusses how unchecked mold cooling can contribute to warpage in your polyolefin part.   #ThatPlasticsGuy #Plastics #InjectionMolding #PlasticManufacturing #Polymer #Engineering #Manufacturing #MaterialScience Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our new...

Welcome to 2026 and welcome back to That Plastics Guy! As we start the new year, now is a great time to plan your planned maintenance for all of your production equipment!  Your main processing equipment, upstream and downstream equipment.  Do it now and be proactive and avoid excessive down time.   It could also be an ideal time to look at staff training programs (both process and personal develo...

Join Kurt for the last Tech Tip Friday for 2025! As the production hours wind down and equipment is shut down for the holiday break, Kurt suggests using a mechanic purge compound, which is safe to stay for an extended period of time in the screw and barrel. Happy Holidays!! Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt S...

On today's episode, Kurt shares insight from his recent trip to New Zealand.  Specifically, how that country has adopted a citizen-level responsibility for protecting their delicate ecosystem.   Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplasti...

In today's #TTF, Kurt suggests choosing sustainability over wasteful consumerism.  Consider gifting consumables, experiences, or high quality/long lasting items. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplastics.com All links here  https://li...

In today's episode, Kurt talks about the importance of being an advocate for the plastics industry and the responsible use and management of plastics as a commodity. And DON'T litter!!! Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplastics.c...

Join Kurt as he welcomes back to the show, Justin Riney, the Sustainability Commercial Manager for the Americas, for INEOS Styrolution America, LLC. Justin tells us about different projects the PSRA has worked on throughout North America in 2025 - including infrastructure investments to increase polystyrene recycling and new partnerships. We also discuss how legislation can positively impact the w...

In today's episode, Kurt gives a summary of the podcast he recorded with Justin Riney of the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplastics.com All links here  https://linktr.ee/kurt_stahle

In today's TTF, Kurt shares what he thinks is the most important ingredient for success.   Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplastics.com All links here  https://linktr.ee/kurt_stahle

Join Kurt as he offers a few tips accumulated over the years to help build and develop relationships with your customers.  Kurt talks about what to budget, as well as the importance of spending time (rather than just dollars) to build trust, respect, and above all a decent working relationship with your important customers. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plast...

In today's episode, Kurt talks about his decision to purchase Simcoe Plastics and "go it alone".  Entrepreneurship is rewarding, challenging, and exhilarating...but, full of responsibility, discipline, and intellect.   If you believe being an entrepreneur is your chosen path, you really need to ask yourself if you have the skills, support, and industry knowledge to not only forge th...

In this "spooky" episode of Tech Tip Friday, Kurt covers some of the scary causes of molding defects.  Just a quick reminder of the basics of good molding and especially the good practices when changing between molds and/or colour. Boo! Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well....

On today's #TTF, Kurt asks the question "how are you going to leverage AI in your plastics business?" Whether you are a processor, distributor, engineering consultant, sales team, or marketing to an end user...how will this revolutionary tool impact your business?  How will you safeguard, or "future proof" your business?  How will you leverage AI to make your business lean...

In this episode , Kurt discusses what a let down ratio is, and what elements can effect the let down ratio of a colour concentrate. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplastics.com All links here  https://linktr.ee/kurt_stahle

In today's TTF, Kurt shares some of the questions to ask yourself if you want to drive down the cost of your colourant. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplastics.com All links here  https://linktr.ee/kurt_stahle

In this episode, Kurt revisits videos he created several years ago that addressed our increasing reliance on the family of commodities known as plastic.   From cost to produce, to ease of processing, to custom tailored products...plastics are incredibly versatile...and pretty hard to beat. Think about your own patterns of consumption.  How can you make educated decisions and have a positive impact...

In today's #TTF, Kurt talks about the use of regrind to help improve colour appearance in a molded part. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplastics.com All links here  https://linktr.ee/kurt_stahle

In today's #TTF, Kurt talks about the use of colour spaces to understand and measure colour.  Removing the subjectivity and introducing objectivity. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplastics.com All links here  https://linktr.ee/kurt_...

Thinking about the #TTF episode "Don't Give Up" (which dealt with using a disciplined approach to handle technical issues), "Know When to Stop" talks about no wearing out the welcome mat.   It's easy in sales or in interpersonal negotiations to want to take control and "keep pushing".  Realistically, we need to know when to look at an opportunity and if it&a...

In today's episode, Kurt talks about the importance of reading AND understanding SDS sheets and warning labels.  Use your PPE and work carefully!  Know the risks of the materials you handle, so you can handle them appropriately. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to...

In today's episode, Kurt discusses the various types of additives that are used to alter the flow characteristics of resins.  Broadly speaking, they can be grouped into two types; those that mix mechanically with the resin to reduce friction when flowing, and those that directly target a key area of the material's chemistry to alter viscosity (resistance to flow). Tune in to learn!  Find...

We could call this the "back to school pep-talk" episode! Glad to have you back to #TTF and for today, let's remember that when we face challenges on the shop floor, don't give up.  Take a metered response to your problems, keep your cool, and isolate one variable at a time. Slow and steady wins the race! Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plas...

In today's TTF, Kurt talks about the differences between FDA approved resins and those that are FDA compliant.  Save money where you can! Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplastics.com All links here  https://linktr.ee/kurt_stahle