Breaking the Mould

katherinenowill

Breaking the Mould is the podcast exploring the future of the plastics and manufacturing industries through the people driving change. Each episode features conversations with industry leaders, manufacturers, educators, policymakers, training providers, innovators and emerging talent, discussing the issues shaping modern manufacturing - from injection moulding, automation and sustainability to skills, apprenticeships, leadership, education and workforce development. Whether you're a manufacturer, engineer, recruiter, educator, student or simply interested in how British industry is evolving, Breaking the Mould offers practical insights, fresh perspectives and inspiring stories from across the sector. Discover how innovation, collaboration and investment in people are helping to build a stronger, more sustainable and more skilled manufacturing future.

Episodes

  1. Oct 12

    Ripping up the Blueprint: One Woman’s Journey into Engineering

    This episode follows one woman’s journey into engineering - from childhood expectations and education through to working in the industry today. We’ll explore ambition, following curiosity, challenging expectations, and building a career in a field that’s changing the world every single day, but we’ll also highlight some of the challenges encountered along the way, perceptions, some of the barriers that still exist today and how, increasingly, the future of manufacturing is being shaped by people that haven’t always been represented.

  2. Sep 28

    Inside the Mould: Hot Runners & Injection Moulding Complexity

    Injection moulding is getting more complex, and the pressure on manufacturers has never been greater. Customers want faster development cycles, greater flexibility, higher efficiency and, increasingly, more sustainable solutions. But at the same time, moulders, toolmakers and OEMs are dealing with rising energy costs, material changes, labour shortages and parts that are becoming more complex to manufacture. So, what does all of this mean for the companies supplying the technology behind the process? In this episode, we’re joined by Reiner Heendeniya from Günther to explore how manufacturers of hot runner systems and mould components are responding to the changing demands of the injection moulding industry. We’ll look at what’s driving this growing complexity, how hot runner and mould technology is evolving, and why suppliers are increasingly moving beyond simply supplying components to becoming technical partners in the manufacturing process. If you work in injection moulding, tooling, mould design or plastics manufacturing, there should be plenty here for you.

  3. Sep 14

    Educating for a Greener Future: From Awareness to Action. Part-2

    In part-2 we dive into the infrastructure, and practical tools needed to make Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) successful, ensuring that plastic recyclable materials are collected and repurposed into new products instead of ending up in landfill or polluting our environment. From industry collaboration to innovative recycling technologies and community-led initiatives, we discuss what it takes to build effective recycling systems that deliver real environmental and economic impact. This podcast is part 2 of a 2-part series.

  4. Sep 14

    Educating for a Greener Future: From Awareness to Action. Part-1

    How do we inspire the next generation to see plastics waste as a valuable resource rather than something to throw away? In part-one of this episode, we examine the role of education, community engagement, and behaviour change in empowering future generations to take ownership of environmental sustainability. Whether you're interested in sustainability, environmental policy, the circular economy, plastic recycling, or creating greener communities, this episode provides valuable insights into the future of resource recovery. This podcast is part 1 of a 2-part series.

  5. Aug 31

    From Connections to Collaboration: Strengthening the UK Plastics Industry

    Strong industries are built on strong relationships. When people know one another, understand each other's challenges, and are willing to share ideas and expertise, they create a network of support that extends far beyond a single project or transaction. Because when individuals connect, businesses collaborate. When businesses collaborate, knowledge is shared, innovation flourishes, opportunities are created, and the plastics industry becomes stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the future. Join us at the Arburg/Sierra 57 Corporate Golf Day as we speak with some of the plastics industry's leading figures about the power of teamwork, collaboration, and business networking. Together, we explore how stronger partnerships can help reshape the conversation around plastics - highlighting an industry that is not defined by misconceptions, but by its essential role in supporting healthcare, food production, advanced manufacturing, and many of the UK's most critical sectors. This episode is a celebration of the people behind the industry and the connections that drive innovation, strengthen businesses, and secure the future of UK manufacturing.

  6. Aug 17

    Moulded by Legacy: A Father-Son Story

    For more than sixteen years, today’s guest has built his career in the plastics industry - gaining the kind of knowledge and experience that can only come from years on the shop floor, solving problems, refining processes, and mastering the art of moulding. But his story isn’t just about the skills he’s developed or the challenges he’s overcome. Perhaps one of his greatest achievements has been inspiring the next generation. His son followed him into the trade, learning the craft first-hand and benefiting from something you simply can’t teach in a classroom: the guidance of a father who knows the industry inside and out. Today, we’re going behind the scenes to explore his journey through the plastics industry, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and what it’s like to pass that knowledge on to the next generation. If you work in plastics, manufacturing, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind the people who keep our industry moving, you won’t want to miss this one.

  7. Aug 3

    Why Industry Must Hire Smarter, Not Safer.

    Across industry, businesses are facing one of the most challenging hiring markets in decades. Persistent skills shortages, an ageing workforce, evolving technologies, and increasing competition for experienced talent are forcing organisations to rethink how they attract and retain people. Yet despite these pressures, many companies continue to hire 'safe' -prioritising direct industry experience over potential, adaptability, and transferable capability. In doing so, they may be overlooking an enormous pool of talent capable of driving innovation, productivity, and long-term growth. In this episode, we explore why industry must shift towards hiring smarter, not safer. We discuss the growing importance of transferable skills, attitude, aptitude, and learning agility in building future-ready workforces, and how SGH Moulds has this strategy to a tee. #SkillsGap #TransferableSkills #GrowthStrategies #Manufacturing

  8. Jul 20

    The Polymer Advantage: Where Science Meets Innovation.

    When most people think about polymers, they think about plastics. But behind nearly every breakthrough product - from electric vehicles and aerospace components to medical devices, packaging, electronics, and sustainable technologies - there’s a deep foundation of polymer materials science driving performance, scalability, and competitive advantage. In this podcast, we explore why understanding polymers isn’t just for scientists in a lab. It’s essential knowledge for engineers, product developers, manufacturers, and business leaders who want to create smarter products, solve complex challenges, and unlock new market opportunities. #MaterialsScience #PolymerEngineering #ProductDevelopment #InnovationPodcast

  9. Jul 6

    Plastics - The Industry Behind Industry

    Too often, plastics are discussed only in terms of waste or consumer use. But this framing misses a critical reality: plastics are a foundational manufacturing industry, underpinning sectors from healthcare and automotive engineering to construction, aerospace, electronics, and food supply chains. In many ways, plastics are the enabling infrastructure of modern production - the industry behind the industries we rely on every day. In this episode, we also turn to policy. Because despite its central role in economic resilience and industrial capability, plastics manufacturing is rarely recognised at government level as a strategic foundational sector in its own right. Instead, it is often treated as a subset of environmental regulation or waste management policy, rather than industrial strategy. Some important links: BPF Statement on BICS Scheme - https://www.bpf.co.uk/newsletter/article/british-industrial-competitiveness-scheme-bics-update.aspx Outcome of BICS Consultation - https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/british-industrial-competitiveness-scheme-consultation-on-scheme-eligibility-and-approach Annex A (list of SIC Codes and HS Codes) for BICS - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69dfd498f5069cdc548688a4/annex-a-british-industrial-competitiveness-scheme-sic-hs-codes.ods More Information on Operation Clean Sweep - https://www.bpf.co.uk/Sustainability/Operation_Clean_Sweep.aspx Sign up to Operation Clean Sweep - https://www.bpf.co.uk/Sustainability/register-your-interest.aspx BPF Key Policy Requests - https://www.bpf.co.uk/policy/requests.aspx Stabilise and Grow: An Action Plan for the UK Plastics Recycling Sector - https://www.bpf.co.uk/Publications/stabilise-and-grow.aspx

  10. Jun 22

    Opening Doors to the Future of Plastics

    The future of plastics depends on the people we inspire today. By opening doors early, sharing real-world experience, and showing what’s possible in modern industry, we build confidence, capability, and ambition through training and mentorship. This episode explores how Design Innovation in Plastics (DIP) is inspiring and equipping the next generation to thrive in the plastics industry, and why that responsibility belongs to all of us.

  11. Jun 5

    Filling to Holding: Why the Switch Matters

    In this episode, James Hayward explores one of the most critical yet misunderstood stages of injection moulding: the transition from filling to holding. Learn how transfer settings influence part quality, process stability, and consistency, and understand the roles of position, pressure, and time. Gain practical insights to reduce variation, improve quality, and achieve greater control of your moulding process.

  • 11 Episodes

About

Breaking the Mould is the podcast exploring the future of the plastics and manufacturing industries through the people driving change. Each episode features conversations with industry leaders, manufacturers, educators, policymakers, training providers, innovators and emerging talent, discussing the issues shaping modern manufacturing - from injection moulding, automation and sustainability to skills, apprenticeships, leadership, education and workforce development. Whether you're a manufacturer, engineer, recruiter, educator, student or simply interested in how British industry is evolving, Breaking the Mould offers practical insights, fresh perspectives and inspiring stories from across the sector. Discover how innovation, collaboration and investment in people are helping to build a stronger, more sustainable and more skilled manufacturing future.

Information

  • Creator
    katherinenowill
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Breaking the Mould