Plastics are everywhere so it is not surprising that the demand for raw plastic resins continues to grow. There are hundreds of suppliers in the United States alone so it is understandable that choosing the right resin supplier may seem like a daunting task! There are many factors to consider when selecting a partner and it is imperative that companies do their research to identify the right one! Price is, of course, a huge consideration, but there are many additional factors that must be considered when selecting a supplier. Below are several tips to guide you through the selection process.

• Proven experience: manufacturers should do their homework to better understand the background of each partner they are evaluating. For example, how long have they been in business, who were their previous clients, and have they won any awards or been recognized within the industry? You want an established partner with a proven history and repeat customers. Additionally, ensure the supplier has ample experience working with a company your size.

• Offers What You Need: this is a basic consideration but not all suppliers produce the same resins! You need to be clear on which specific plastic resin is required for your application and if a potential partner offers that material. In addition to the material, you must also determine if the supplier is capable of providing the resin in the desired shape and tolerance as well as address any special considerations such UV light or moisture exposure. For manufacturers that are unclear on their specific resin requirements, it is even more important to select a supplier, like Amcor, that has the expertise and knowledge to guide clients through the process of identifying the right resin for their specific application.

• Superb Quality: this factor cannot be understated – purchasing quality resins is important! You must select a supplier that produces high-quality resins in order for you to manufacture high-quality plastics! When considering suppliers, it is crucial to clearly understand which quality metrics and standards are being utilized – and you can be certain that not all resin suppliers use the same standards! Also, you need to ensure the supplier uses current manufacturing technologies and is committed to maintaining the latest production equipment.
• Logistics Options: during your assessment of a potential partner, you must determine if the supplier can provide the necessary volume of resin you need in the timeframe required. Additionally, you need to clearly understand the packaging and transport options. For example, depending on the volume required, the packaging and transport could entail railcars filled with resin or large sacks transported on tractor trailers. You want to avoid a situation where you are short on resin so you should spend time thoroughly discussing the logistics including the safety protocols during transport and the contingency plans in place to deal with manufacturing or logistics disruptions. The location of the resin supplier is also a factor to be considered since transport costs increase as the distance between you and the supplier increases.  
• Solid Partnership: in the end, you are not simply looking for a supplier, you are looking for a trusted partner that can help your business grow! Be on the lookout for the extra services and customer support that a resin supplier provides. For example, Amcor provides tech support, assistance with customer’s equipment, and process recommendations.

Amcor Resin Solutions

Amcor offers many solutions to your resin needs. Our private label CORLENE™ products are prime resins, while our AMBLEND™ products are industry-proven custom blends designed to meet the specific needs of molders, foamers, extruders, and film manufacturers. Our technical team facilitates the selection of resin to best fit the customer’s unique issues by applying its knowledge of plastic materials and manufacturing processes. Our product lines include the following prime, wide spec, and engineered blends:

• Polyethylene – LLDPE, LDPE, MDPE, HDPE, EVA, EMA and Metallocene
• Polypropylene – homopolymer, copolymer, and HMS (high melt strength)
• Polystyrene – GPPS, HIPS
• Nylon
• Thermoplastic Elastomers
• Others provided upon request

Amcor is a full line distributor of various chemicals, resins, and gases for the plastic industry. With warehousing and distribution facilities across the United States, Mexico, Eastern Europe and China, we service companies of all sizes and locations across multiple industries. Our packing options include railcar, bulk truck, Gaylord boxes, supersacks, and 25 kg bags.

Amcor strives to exceed expectations through outstanding customer service, quality products and an efficient logistics team. We realize that quick turnaround, on time delivery, a quality product, and personal service are what it is all about. Contact us today to learn how we can assist with your next project!