GROWTH
Experience – Plastic Processing director Patrick Connolly says the firm boasts more than 40 years in the plastics industry .
A NEW ERA
Plastic Processing ’ s sustainable manufacturing and community support
North-East based Plastic Processing is driving ahead with a fresh brand identity and a renewed commitment to sustainability and community engagement .
The company , formed following the growth of the original Plastic Furniture Company and with strong links to Teesside , has expanded its operations and serves as the parent company for a group of businesses focused on providing innovative plastic solutions while minimising environmental impact .
Gateshead-based Plastic Furniture Company specialises in rotational moulding , producing a range of products , including bins , planters , lockers and outdoor furniture .
It also offers a branding and graphics service and its popular line of 100 % recycled products provides a sustainable alternative to traditional materials .
B2B Injection Moulding , also based in Gateshead , utilises modern injection moulding machines to create components ranging from 1g to over 500g , catering to a variety of industries and applications .
And Apollo Plastics , located in Hull , specialises in vacuum forming , creating products for a diverse range of sectors , including the caravan / mobile home industry , promotional materials , construction and more .
“ Our group is built around all things plastic ,” said director Patrick , a chemical engineering graduate with a lifelong passion for the material .
“ We offer optimal solutions in terms of quality , cost , process and delivery . With over 40 years in the field , we assist clients in selecting the right manufacturing process for their projects .”
Patrick stressed the importance of responsible plastic use , challenging the negative perception often associated with the material .
“ Much of the media often focuses on the bad uses , the single-use plastic and the throwaway culture ,” he said .
“ But there are many benefits to plastic : its lightweight nature , cost-effectiveness and versatility .”
Patrick ’ s wife and co-director Frances is a psychology graduate who shares his passion for sustainability .
Having joined the company after careers in social work and education , Frances wanted the focus to be on minimising waste .
“ The first thing I did was look up why we were sending things like paper to landfill ,” she said .
“ By the end , we were recycling virtually everything – even back then .”
Frances believes that addressing the issue of plastic waste requires a shift in perspective .
She said : “ We need to focus on our throwaway culture problem . Rubbish doesn ’ t end up on the ground itself . People must take responsibility for their actions .”
And Patrick added : “ We all must play our part and not just throw a plastic bottle away thinking it ’ s recycled because we put it in our bin .
“ There ’ s no such thing as ‘ away ’. When we throw anything away , it must go somewhere .”
The Plastic Processing group also has a strong association with local sport , borne out of Frances and Patrick ’ s longstanding love for the grassroots , having supported Hartlepool St Francis for years when their daughters played .
Beyond its manufacturing operations , the company sponsors Durham Women ’ s Football Club , Newcastle Eagles women ’ s basketball team and local female golfers Shannon O ’ Dwyer and Amy Sutheran .
And in the last month Plastic Processing has been announced as headline sponsor of the inaugural North England Women ’ s Amateur Championship taking place at Seaton Carew Golf Club and Goswick Golf Links in May 2025 .
It is also supporting Newton Aycliffe Indoor Bowls Club ’ s annual open for any age competition and charities such as the PFC Trust and Wecan .
Call Plastic Processing on 0191 4950772 or email sales @ pplimited . co . uk
The voice of business in the Tees region | 129