🏛️ PLASTICS Pushes Back on California’s Overreaching
Microplastics Proposal
♻️ U.S. Recyclable Plastics: From Trade Deficit to
Domestic Gains
🙌 Welcome New Member
📅 Mark Your Calendar
📈 Adapting Ahead: New Tariff Impacts on Plastics Machinery
The U.S. Department of Commerce has expanded Section 232 tariffs to 407 new product codes—18 of them tied to the plastics industry, including injection molding machines, molds, and select plastic products. These changes took effect on August 18 with no grace period, leaving many suppliers caught off guard.
A new dual-tariff structure now applies 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum components, with reciprocal tariffs on other materials. This shift adds reporting complexity and raises costs for U.S. plastics processors, who already rely heavily on imported equipment—74.5% of domestic shipments in 2023 came from imports.
While tariffs may increase costs, they also signal potential opportunities for U.S. manufacturing and plastics packaging demand. The plastics industry’s future will depend on maintaining access to critical equipment while adapting to shifting trade policies.
On Thursday, August 28, PLASTICS hosted a members-only webinar on the expansion of Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum derivatives. Policy experts and industry leaders discussed what these changes mean for plastics machinery, molds, and other critical components.
Missed the live event?Register here to access the on-demand recording.
📊 Executive Briefing
PLASTICS invites members to a live, exclusive Executive Briefing on the 2025 Size & Impact Report. This is our flagship analysis of the plastics industry’s role in the U.S. economy
This members-only briefing is your chance to gain insights, ask questions, and access analysis you won’t find anywhere else.
🏛️ PLASTICS Pushes Back on California’s Overreaching Microplastics Proposal
California's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has sent out a public notice (R-2023-05R) with the purpose of adding microplastics to their Candidate Chemical List. The proposed rule would allow California's DTSC to regulate any material that has the potential to degrade into microplastics.
This proposal rule is based on a technical document that they released with the notice. PLASTICS finds this rule to be overly broad and lacks the harm needed to support DTSC's statutory authority to create a proposed rule. PLASTICS has submitted comments to DTSC with these arguments and more.
♻️ U.S. Recyclable Plastics: From Trade Deficit to Domestic Gains
Since China’s National Sword policy in 2018, U.S. trade in recyclable plastics has shifted dramatically. With Malaysia’s July 2025 import restrictions adding new challenges, the U.S. is increasingly positioned as a net importer in value—reflecting stronger domestic demand.
📊 Latest trade data: In the first half of 2025, the U.S. posted a $14.9M trade deficit in recyclable plastic materials, continuing a four-year trend. Imports of PET surged, making up more than half of total import value, while export volumes of PET and PVC dropped sharply.
🌎 Why it matters: Brand commitments to use more recycled content are fueling U.S. manufacturing demand, reducing exports and driving imports from partners like Canada and Mexico. The full quarterly trade report, with detailed country and commodity breakdowns, is available to PLASTICS membershere.
Based in Elk Point, SD, Helluva Container is a nationwide leader in bulk packaging solutions, specializing in high-quality new and used Gaylord boxes, FIBC bulk bags, liners, films, tapes, and pallets. With strategically located distribution centers across the United States, Helluva ensures that inventory is always on hand and ready to ship - helping customers save both time and money.
Helluva Container goes beyond simply supplying packaging. The company takes bulk container logistics off its customers’ plates by procuring, stocking, and managing packaging needs proactively. This forward-thinking approach allows customers to focus on their core business while Helluva ensures a steady, reliable flow of essential packaging materials.
📅 September 16 | PLASTICS 2025 Size and Impact Report Executive Briefing - 2–3 PM ET | Live Virtual Event. Be the first to explore the 2025 Size and Impact Report—your go-to source for data on plastics’ economic footprint, state-by-state employment, industry rankings, and a two-year forecast. Register now.
📣 September 22–25 | National Plastics Conference | Orlando, FL | The
exclusive event built by industry, for industry. Register now.
🌐 October 15–17 | OCS CON 2025 | Indianapolis, IN | Hosted by Operation Clean Sweep®, OCS CON brings the full plastic value chain together in efforts towards eliminating the loss of plastic to the environment. Register now.
♻️ Plastics Sustainability Executive Forum | November 3–4 | New York, NY|
Request an invitation to join senior sustainability professionals to explore real-world solutions to today’s most pressing challenges. This fall’s forum will focus on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Learn more.
🗓️ March 2–6, 2026 | NPE2027 Space Selection & Planning Event | Orlando, FL | NPE2027 exhibitors will convene to select exhibit booth space, plan for exhibit success, and explore opportunities to maximize the NPE2027 investment. Learn more.
Plastics Industry Association
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