Plastics manufacturing is a complex industry with a unique risk profile. From high-temperature processes and flammable materials to specialised machinery and strict regulatory obligations, plastics businesses face exposures that generic insurance policies often fail to address adequately.
While standard business insurance may appear sufficient on the surface, it can leave critical gaps when it matters most. This is why plastics manufacturers benefit from working with an insurance broker who understands the industry and can tailor cover accordingly.
Fire and explosion risk
Many plastics operations involve high heat, combustible materials, dust, resins and chemicals. Fires in plastics facilities can spread quickly and cause extensive damage, not only to buildings and machinery but also to neighbouring properties.
Generic policies may underestimate these risks or impose exclusions, restrictive sub-limits or higher excesses. Specialist insurance considers the specific processes used on site, fire protection systems in place and the true scale of potential loss.
Machinery breakdown
Injection moulding machines, extruders and other specialist equipment are critical to production. A mechanical or electrical failure can halt operations entirely, leading to lost revenue and missed customer deadlines.
Standard property insurance often excludes mechanical breakdown. Without dedicated machinery breakdown cover, repairs and lost income may not be insured. A specialist broker ensures this exposure is properly addressed.
Environmental liability
Plastics manufacturing can involve chemicals, waste by-products and emissions that carry environmental risk. Even a minor spill can trigger regulatory investigations, clean-up costs and third-party claims.
Environmental liability can be excluded from general liability policies. Specialist cover can respond to sudden and accidental pollution events and provide support with remediation and legal costs.
Product liability
Plastics components are often used in consumer goods, medical devices, food packaging and industrial applications. If a product fails, causes injury or property damage, liability claims can be significant.
A specialist broker understands how plastics products are used downstream and structures product liability cover accordingly, including appropriate limits and jurisdictional considerations.
Why specialist advice matters
Insurance for plastics manufacturers is not one-size-fits-all. A broker with industry experience understands how operations, materials and end-use applications affect risk. This knowledge allows them to negotiate better terms, identify hidden gaps and ensure cover responds when it is needed most.
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