🏛️ PLASTICS Responds to Section 301 Investigations
📣 Section 301 Investigations: Member Input Requested
🛍️ Retail Sales Drive Plastics Demand
🤝 Call For FLiP Mentors
📍 State Policy Update: Key Activity Across the U.S.
🙌 Welcome New Member
📅 Mark Your Calendar
🏛️ PLASTICS Responds to Section 301 Investigations
Matt Seaholm, President and CEO of PLASTICS, issued the following statement in response to the initiation of new Section 301 investigations:
“The plastics industry supports the Trump Administration’s goal of strengthening U.S. manufacturing and encouraging greater domestic investment. A level global playing field is essential for American manufacturers to compete and grow.
The decision to initiate Section 301 investigations into structural excess capacity and related manufacturing practices is an important step toward better understanding policies that may disadvantage U.S. producers. Ensuring fair competition will help reinforce America’s manufacturing base and support continued investment in U.S. jobs and resilient supply chains.”
To stay up to date on industry news, visit the PLASTICS Newsroom.
📣 Section 301 Investigations: Member Input Requested
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has launched new Section 301 investigations into global excess manufacturing capacity—an action that could lead to future tariffs or trade measures impacting plastics supply chains and equipment.
What’s new: USTR is reviewing production practices across key global trading partners to assess potential impacts on U.S. manufacturing.
Why it matters: These findings may shape future trade policy—affecting costs, sourcing, and long-term investment decisions across the industry.
📝 Two ways to engage:
1. Submit directly to USTR
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Content to include:
Impact of foreign excess capacity or trade practices on your business
Effects on U.S. manufacturing, jobs, and investment
Considerations related to supply chains, inputs, and equipment access
Consumer demand continues to shape the direction of the plastics industry. In 2024, 75% of plastic products flowed into personal consumption, reinforcing retail activity as a leading signal for plastics shipments and overall market movement.
📦 $22.7B avg. monthly demand (2025)
📈 +1.1% MoM in Dec.
📉 –1.0% YoY
🔗 0.96 correlation with retail sales
The big picture: Retail sales don’t just track demand—they lead plastics shipments, often signaling what’s coming next for manufacturers.
What changed: January retail dipped –0.2% MoM, but remains +3% YoY—a stable start to 2026.
What to watch: Inventory matters. Rising stockpiles can slow shipments 3–9 months later.
Bottom line: Consumer demand leads. Inventories shape the pace.
🎥 Dr. Perc Pineda Vlog
Watch Perc break down how retail sales and inventory levels are shaping plastics shipments—in under five minutes.
Applications are now open for the 2026 FLiP Mentorship Program, connecting experienced plastics professionals with emerging leaders through one-to-one mentorship designed to strengthen careers and build lasting industry relationships.
Why serve as a mentor?
• Share your industry experience and perspective • Support rising professionals as they navigate key career decisions • Expand your leadership impact and professional network
Headquartered in Bodegraven, South Holland, Indus Bulk Logistics designs and manufactures storage, transport, and handling systems for bulk materials using big bags (FIBCs). The company provides integrated solutions that help manufacturers safely and efficiently handle pellets,
powders, flakes, and other bulk solids throughout production, transport, and storage.
Indus Bulk Logistics is best known for its NEVA® big bag carrier and unloading systems, which are engineered to improve workplace safety, optimize space utilization, and ensure continuous production. Serving customers worldwide, the company focuses on delivering smart, scalable, and sustainable bulk‑handling solutions for a wide range of industrial applications.
Headquartered in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, OMV Technologies is a leading manufacturer of turnkey extrusion, thermoforming, and tooling systems for the plastics packaging industry. With more than 60 years of experience, the company designs and builds high‑performance
machinery that supports efficient, reliable production of rigid plastic packaging applications.
OMV Technologies specializes in closed‑loop, in‑line extrusion and thermoforming solutions engineered to optimize material usage, reduce waste, and improve overall production efficiency. With manufacturing operations in Verona, Italy, and a global customer base, OMV Technologies delivers advanced equipment and technical expertise to processors worldwide.
🗓️ 2026 FLiP Mentorship Program | Applications are due April 10, 2026. The program connects employees under 40 from PLASTICS member companies with experienced plastics industry professionals for meaningful, career-focused mentorship. Learn more.Apply here.
🏛️ 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.
🏛️ 2026 FDCPMC Spring Food Packaging Summit | June 1–3 | Arlington, VA | Save the date for the Spring Food Packaging Summit, hosted by PLASTICS. This summit will bring industry leaders together at the Hilton National Landing. Learn more. To register, click here.
📅 Plastic Sustainability Executive Forum| July 14–15, 2026 | Toronto, CA | Summer Forum: Addressing a Growing Concern of Microplastics & Material Stewardship. To request your invitation to attend, click here.
