Good morning! The year ahead looks uncertain for the plastics industry. Will lower interest rates spur investment in equipment? What effect might tariffs have? What end markets are on the rise? In today's podcast, our editors discuss the results of our annual survey and comments from machinery makers about their expectations. 

Logistics snags can bring your entire plant to a halt. Read below to find out about data-driven solutions that help keep your material and products flowing smoothly. 

We have an update on Evertrak's recycled plastic railroad ties, new equipment from Wasp and Lucid, and a consideration of DEI in manufacturing from our IndustryWeek colleagues.

Lynne Sherwin, managing editor