Do you have what it takes to be the 2020 Processor of the Year? Or would you like to nominate a deserving company? You've come to the right place. Here's more information about the award.

Who can be nominated?

The award competition is open to all private and public companies or corporate operating divisions engaged in North American plastics processing for at least the past five years.

What types of companies are eligible?

The name of the award says it all: Processor of the Year. Under our definition, a processor is a manufacturer that forms finished plastic parts, like a detergent bottle or car bumper fascia. Firms such as compounders, recyclers and resin manufacturers are not eligible.

Previous winners also are not eligible, but they can try instead for the Sustained Excellence award.

What's the deadline?

The deadline for entry is Oct. 1. By that date, we want to receive each company's submission. We will pick the finalists and visit each one in person.

When will the winner be announced?

The winner will be announced at the 2021 Plastics News Executive Forum, which will be held March 16-18 at the Naples Grande Beach Resort in Florida.

Who can submit a nomination?

We encourage self-nominations. Also, we typically receive nominations from third parties associated with successful processors.

We ask that you briefly explain why the company deserves the award. See the nomination form at

Who are the judges?

All judging is done internally by reporters and editors of Plastics News.

What are the criteria?

There are seven, and they cover nearly every major aspect of running a business:

• Financial performance.

• Quality.

• Customer relations.

• Employee relations.

• Environmental performance.

• Industry/public service.

• Technological innovation.

What are the Plastics News Excellence Awards?
The Excellence Awards are selected from the Processor of the Year nominees to recognize outstanding customer relations, employee relations and industry/public service.

What happens after a company gets nominated?

We ask you to prepare a report, making your best case on each of the seven criteria. We often get asked if there's a checklist or form we send out. The answer is no. It's more like a college term paper — write enough to cover thoroughly the topic.

Think "quantification" whenever possible. For example, on the criteria of quality, companies often send us charts showing their defective parts per million, over a period of time.

Be sure to point out your firm's involvement in environmental, community, workforce and industry programs, whether it is sponsoring a visit to your plant by a member of Congress, supporting a local charity, instituting in-house recycling, or offering innovative daycare to workers.

For purposes of the award judging, our editors and reporters are just that — judges — and so detailed financial information is used only for the purposes of judging the award. We guard the confidentiality as closely as you would.

Here's one more tip: Customer relations is an important area. We ask that you supply us with contact names and telephone numbers of three to five customers. Our judges will contact them — such sources lend important independent voices to verify your company's accomplishments.

Sounds like a lot of work. Why should I try for the award?
Winning gives you publicity and independent recognition. Past winners and finalists say it pumps up employees and sends a strong message to existing and potential customers. Some have even said they won new business as a result.

Even if your company doesn't reach the finalist stage, the award process is a worthwhile experience. Company officials say making their best case encouraged them to analyze the big picture of their company — something that can be hard to do as you run a business day to day.

Who can I contact for more information?

Contact me via email at [email protected] or telephone at 313-334-6767.

Loepp is editor of Plastics News and author of the Plastics Blog. Follow him on Twitter @donloepp.

Plastics News editorial cartoon by Rich Williams. Cartoons are available for purchase at