♻️ Plastics Sustainability Executive Forum 🌿 Join the Bioplastics Division
🏛️ State Policy Snapshot
🚧 Scheduled Website Maintenance
📅 Mark your Calendar
📉 U.S. Economic Growth Slowed in First Quarter, Output Gap Remains Positive
Dr. Perc Pineda breaks down what’s really behind the dip in first-quarter GDP—and what it means for plastics.
💡 What you need to know: • Imports surged +50% as companies braced for possible tariffs • Government and consumer spending cooled • Manufacturing is still operating below capacity • Tech investment is booming, but sector imbalances remain
🏭 Plastics and rubber capacity utilization dipped to 71%, reflecting continued economic caution.
📈 Will demand rebound or continue to slow? That depends on inflation, interest rates, and the job market.
👉 Click hereto read Dr. Pineda’s full article on the PLASTICS Blog
📈 Bioplastics Bounce Back with Big Economic Impact
U.S. trade in bioplastics surged in 2024, with exports growing 10.7%—the fastest jump in a decade. Investment is rising too, signaling a strong rebound after last year’s dip.
💡 Why it matters: Bioplastics aren’t just good for the planet. A $1B boost in output = 🔹 $2.9B in total economic activity 🔹 5,215 jobs supported nationwide 🔹 $496M in labor income
🏭 From new U.S. facilities to narrowing trade deficits, the bioplastics industry is gaining momentum—and it’s just getting started.
The next Plastics Sustainability Executive Forum brings together up to 30 senior sustainability leaders for real conversations on one pressing issue: How procurement is being reshaped by ESG goals, reporting demands, and circular economy expectations.
🌱 What’s on the agenda: • How ESG is influencing supplier selection • What’s going into supplier questionnaires—carbon, labor, recycled content • How to improve data sharing & collaboration across the supply chain
🧭 The setting matters: Held in a location that reflects the theme, this forum offers space for candid dialogue, peer learning, and high-impact networking.
🌿 Join the Bioplastics Division — Shape the Future of Sustainable Plastics
Looking to stay ahead of regulations, market shifts, and global trends in bioplastics? The PLASTICS Bioplastics Division is where industry leaders come together to connect, learn, and lead.
💬 At our latest meeting, members explored top issues facing the industry:
🔹 Economic Outlook – Perc Pineda broke down EPR costs using Oregon’s model 🔹 Global View – Updates from European Bioplastics & Italy’s Biorepack
🔹 EPR Deep Dive – U.S. policy insights from Danielle Fortunato & Michael Robison
🚀 Get involved. Stay informed.
To join us for the next meeting or to learn more about joining the Bioplastics Division, contact Heather Neilan
🏛️ State Policy Snapshot
From packaging and recycling to producer responsibility, state legislatures across the country are advancing key bills that could shape the future of plastics policy. Here's a quick look at recent activity in Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington.
📍 Hawaii
Just before adjourning for the year on May 2nd, the Legislature passed an EPR needs assessment bill, HB750. This came as a...
📍 Massachusetts
The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources is holding it’s large biennial plastics/recycling hearing on Tuesday, May 6th. This hearing will act as the...
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📅 Mark Your Calendar
🍬 June 2-4 | Join Usfor the 2025 FDCPMC Spring Food Packaging Summitin Alexandria, VA to connect with industry leaders and stay ahead on key food packaging regulations.
♻️ Plastics Sustainability Executive Forum | June 10–11 | Minneapolis, MN – Request an invitation to join top sustainability leaders for high-level discussions on ESG-driven procurement. Learn more.
📋 NPE2027: The Plastics Show | Exhibit space applications open August 12. To be notified when applications go live Click here. The NPE2027 Space Selection & Planning Event will be held in Orlando, FL, March 2–6, 2026.
📅 Save the Date - National Plastics Conference — the exclusive event built by industry, for industry — is back, September 22–25, 2025, in Orlando, FL.
🌐 OCS CON 2025 | October 15–17 | Indianapolis, IN. Registration open for OCS Blue and OCS Logisticsmembers only. Hosted by Operation Clean Sweep®, this event brings together the plastics value chain to advance efforts to eliminate plastic resin loss to the environment. Early bird registration opens to everyone June 13. Learn more.
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