The U.S. Senate has passed the bipartisan STEWARD Act, a major step toward strengthening America’s recycling infrastructure and supporting a more circular manufacturing economy.
PLASTICS applauds Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) for her leadership in advancing practical, solutions-driven recycling policy and increasing access to modern recycling systems nationwide.
This legislation will help improve infrastructure, expand recycling access, and keep valuable materials in the economy. PLASTICS will continue working with Senate leaders to support swift enactment of the STEWARD Act.
The Plastics Industry Fly-In is your chance to make sure policymaking reflects the real impact our industry has on communities, innovation, and the economy.
Join us in Washington, D.C., to help amplify the industry’s voice on Capitol Hill.
Why It Matters
Significant Impact: Share real-world stories about how plastics support jobs, strengthen local economies, and improve everyday life.
Essential Advocacy: This isn’t just a meeting — it’s your opportunity to advocate for the essential role plastics play across society.
Direct Education: Help policymakers understand the true business and regulatory implications before decisions are made.
👉 Register now: Fly-In Registration is open and seats fill quickly.
📊 PLASTICS Economic Analysis: Industry Holds Steady During Federal Shutdown
A new economic brief from PLASTICS Chief Economist Dr. Perc Pineda looks at how the recent 44-day U.S. government shutdown affected the plastics sector. Despite the wider macroeconomic disruption, plastics maintained a steady and strategic presence in federal procurement.
Dr. Pineda estimates that $9.5 billion in plastic products were embedded in U.S. government final demand in 2024 — supporting both defense and non-defense operations.
“The $9.5 billion in federal spending on plastic products highlights our industry’s integral role in critical government functions,” said Dr. Pineda. “Even during macroeconomic shocks like a shutdown, plastics remain essential to federal operations and, by extension, to the broader needs of American society.”
🏭 Q3 2025 CES Report: Injection Molding Surges, Extrusion Slows
PLASTICS has released the 2025 Q3 Committee on Equipment Statistics (CES) report, from Chief Economist Dr. Perc Pineda, highlighting strong overall growth in plastics machinery shipments compared to both last quarter and the same period in 2024.
Injection molding led the gains:
📈 +30.0% quarter-over-quarter
📈 +4.2% year-over-year
Extrusion equipment moved in the opposite direction:
Single-screw extruders:▼ 4.9% Q/Q, ▼ 24.2% Y/Y
Twin-screw extruders:▼ 28.9% Q/Q, ▼ 38.6% Y/Y
“It’s clear the two processes faced different headwinds,” said Dr. Pineda. “Sector-specific drivers pushed injection molding shipments up while extrusion declined. Both equipment types were in different cycles this quarter.”
♻️ New Partnership Expands Polystyrene Recycling in Denver & Baltimore
The Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA)—an initiative of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)—has announced a new partnership with Brave Industries, a national consortium of independent recyclers. The collaboration will expand the collection and recycling of all types of polystyrene, including rigid non-foam (HIPS/GPPS) and foam formats (EPS/XPS).
The initiative launches in Denver, Colorado, and Baltimore, Maryland, two regions advancing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs. PSRA will provide grant funding to support new collection infrastructure, enabling Brave Industries to increase its capacity and reach. With Brave’s established processing network across eight states, the model is built to scale nationally.
Together, PSRA and Brave Industries aim to increase access to polystyrene recycling, strengthen responsible end markets, and demonstrate how coordinated industry efforts can drive circularity for a material often misunderstood in public discussions.
👉 To Learn more about the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance, click here.
🧪 FDCPMC Fall Meeting: What You Need to Know
More than 50 members joined the FDCPMC Fall Meeting on November 5–6, to focus on upcoming changes to the GRAS program and the future of plastics in food and drug packaging.
Key Updates
GRAS Legislation: Members reviewed the Senate’s newly released proposal and prepared for anticipated FDA rulemaking.
Recycled Plastics in Pharma: PLASTICS and pharmaceutical partners discussed ways to reduce regulatory barriers to the use of recycled plastics.
Next Steps: Drafting comments on GRAS proposals, developing advocacy materials, and planning a technical exchange between recycling and pharmaceutical packaging experts.
Interested in the Work Ahead?
If you want to stay ahead of upcoming regulations and support industry advocacy on packaging, consider joining the Committee.
Headquartered in Dalian, China, Dalian Sunlight Technology is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the research, development, and manufacturing of advanced plastic corrugated pipe production equipment. Founded in 1993 and publicly listed in 2011, the company operates out of the Dalian Hi-Tech Zone, benefiting from its strategic location near major transportation hubs and ports.
For over two decades, Dalian Sunlight has been a leading innovator in extrusion technology, offering high-speed corrugated pipe production lines, twin-screw extruders, and automated systems designed to improve efficiency and reduce costs. With a strong commitment to technological advancement, quality manufacturing, and global service, the company serves customers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North America, delivering solutions that meet the growing demand for durable and cost-effective piping systems.
📅 Vinyl Week 2025 | Dec. 9–12 | New Orleans, LA | This one-of-a-kind gathering brings together the Vinyl Compounders Conference and the Vinyl Sustainability Summit for four days of leadership, networking, and forward-looking insights. Register today.
🎉 FLiP Virtual Holiday Party | Dec. 12 | 3:00–4:00 PM ET | Join us for a fun, fully virtual holiday party where you can unwind, connect with peers, and enjoy a relaxed hour with fellow young professionals across the plastics value chain. Click hereto register.
🚀 FLiP Winter Development Session | Jan. 22, 2026 | Virtual (12–1 PM ET) | Join the Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP) community for an inspiring keynote from Angela Raub, CEO and Executive Coach, on Failing Forward. Learn how to reframe setbacks as growth opportunities, strengthen resilience, and lead with confidence. Register today.
🗓️ NPE2027 Space Selection & Planning Event | March 2–6, 2026 |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 Spring Meeting and Industry Fly-In | April 13-15, 2026 |Washington, DC | Join us for the annual PLASTICS Spring Meeting and Industry Fly-In. We'll come together to share our policy and advocacy initiatives while bringing the industry to Capitol Hill, to personally advocate on behalf of your company. Learn more.To register, click here.
⛳ FlexForum | May 4-6, 2026 |Fort Myers, FL | FlexForum is the event for anyone in the flexible film and packaging space. Covering business trends, regulatory issues, and more with the incredible networking opportunities, FlexForum is a can't miss in 2026! Learn more. To register, click here.
