Abstract: Apparatus for introducing starting materials into the shearing gap of a machine for producing plastic films, ribbons, foils or plates. A plasticized plastic starting material is severed into strings having a length substantially equal to the working width of the shearing gap and the resultant strings are introduced into the shearing gap substantially simultaneously over the width of the gap. The apparatus greatly increases the capacity of the machine, the homogeneity of the product over the entire width and the capability of the machine to supply a greater number of starting materials.