Plastics Industry Association Releases New American National Standard: Safety Requirements for Flat Cast Film and Cast Embossed Film Extrusion Machines

Washington D.C.— The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has released a new American National Standard: Safety Requirements for Flat Cast Film and Cast Embossed Film Extrusion Machines (ANSI B151.32-2024).

These safety requirements are the culmination of a rigorous three-year collaboration among experts from the plastics industry, utilizing knowledge and experience to ensure the highest standards of safety in the plastics industry.

“This new standard is much more complete in identifying known hazards associated with flat cast and cast embossed film machines than the previous standard and provides various solutions for mitigating those hazards,” said Keon Wild, Chair of PLASTICS’ Cast Film Technical Committee.

“The goal for industry standards is to ultimately provide a safe working environment through the establishment of effective machine-design requirements and workplace practices,” said Scott Kaufman, Vice President of Product Reliability at Davis-Standard and a member of PLASTICS’ Cast Film Technical Committee. “This latest update provides detailed insight into the hazards typically presented by cast film equipment and guidance for manufacturers and end-users on how to mitigate them for a safer workplace.”

Jeff Linder, PLASTICS’ Director of Industry Standards said, "Protecting equipment operators and maintaining the integrity of the machinery they depend on for their livelihood is essential to the PLASTICS Equipment Council mission. PLASTICS appreciates the participation of those on the committee who reviewed and commented on this standard. Without the involvement of these volunteers, the important work of standards creation and refinement cannot happen.”

The American National Standard is discounted for PLASTICS members and can be purchased by non-members.

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is the only organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $548 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the seventh largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE2024: The Plastics Show.