Canada’s new retaliatory tariffs take effect today, September 8, imposing 50% tariffs on selected U.S. plastics products and 15% on selected molds, including products previously traded duty-free under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement.
Why it matters: The tariffs could make affected U.S. products more expensive for Canadian buyers, putting pressure on manufacturers’ competitiveness and adding uncertainty to North America’s closely connected supply chains.
PLASTICS Chief Economist Perc Pineda, PhD, examines the potential impact and why a predictable North American trade framework remains important for manufacturers.
Two PLASTICS-supported bills—the Recycled Materials Attribution Act and the Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act—have advanced out of the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
The proposals would establish national definitions and standards for recycling, recycled content and recycling claims.
Why it matters: More consistent requirements could help manufacturers navigate a growing patchwork of state rules, provide clearer information to consumers and support investment in recycling and manufacturing.
PLASTICS applauds this bipartisan progress and will continue working with lawmakers to advance a stronger, more consistent recycling system nationwide.
PLASTICS is supporting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to exclude microplastics from its next nationwide drinking water monitoring cycle.
In comments dated August 31, PLASTICS urged the agency to prioritize further research, clear definitions and validated testing methods before requiring public water systems to monitor for microplastics under the proposed Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule.
Why it matters: Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the UCMR program helps to collect data to inform future drinking water regulations. PLASTICS maintains that reliable measurement methods and a stronger understanding of potential health effects, if any are needed to guide meaningful monitoring.
Our position: PLASTICS supports continued research and collaboration with federal agencies to better understand and define microplastics, support the development of validated testing methods, and inform decisions grounded in sound, replicable science.
⚙️ Machinery Shipments Soft; New Orders Strengthen
Primary plastics machinery shipments totaled an estimated $235.8 million in the second quarter of 2026, according to the latest PLASTICS Committee on Equipment Statistics report. While shipments remained soft, stronger new orders and growing U.S. equipment investment point to potential demand ahead.
Why it matters: Orders typically precede shipments. PLASTICS Chief Economist Perc Pineda notes that the gap may reflect demand building for future delivery rather than immediate market weakness.
Two highlights:
Twin-screw extrusion machinery shipments increased 25.4% from the first quarter.
39% of survey respondents expect market conditions to improve over the next 12 months
👉Click here to read the Q2 Plastics Machinery Shipments report.
🧪 Advance PVC Innovation at SPE Vinyltec® 2026
As PVC technologies evolve, new approaches to formulation, processing, recycling and sustainability are helping manufacturers improve performance while responding to changing market and regulatory demands.
SPE Vinyltec® 2026, taking place October 13–15 in Atlanta, GA, will bring together experts from across the vinyl supply chain for three days of technical education, industry insights and networking.
Under the theme “PVC – Enduring Materials, Responsible Progress,” attendees will explore sustainable additives and bio-based plasticizers, recycled content and vinyl circularity, advanced compounding and processing, and material performance and durability.
The conference begins with a hands-on technical tutorial on October 13, followed by two days of expert presentations and opportunities to connect with researchers, suppliers, manufacturers and other industry professionals.
PLASTICS members receive discounted registration with promo code VT26-PLASTICS.
The Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS) website has a new look, making it easier for stakeholders to understand the program, access resources and explore opportunities to get involved.
The redesigned site features clearer navigation, streamlined information about membership and verification pathways, and a more comprehensive view of OCS and its resources.
Why it matters: The updated website strengthens OCS’s ability to support current members and welcome new companies committed to preventing plastic resin loss throughout their operations.
The redesign completes the second phase of the OCS brand refresh introduced at OCS CON 2025. While the look has changed, the mission remains the same: helping companies work toward the goal of zero resin loss.
Headquartered in Kent, Washington, Styro Recycle, LLC provides collection, recycling, and waste diversion services for post-use
plastic materials throughout the Pacific Northwest. The company works with businesses and consumers to divert material from landfills through convenient collection solutions.
Founded in 2009, Styro Recycle specializes in recycling post-consumer and post-industrial plastic materials. Their facility is able to process Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam, polystyrene food-service items, LDPE foam, and film. The company is committed to expanding recycling access while promoting environmental stewardship through convenient, cost-effective solutions that help customers divert waste from landfills. Its efforts support a more circular economy through the continued use of recovered materials.
Headquartered in Erie, Michigan, Michigan Additive Technologies, Inc. (MAT) is a manufacturer of specialty flame retardant additives for the plastics and rubber industries.
The company develops custom additive formulations that enhance flame retardancy, thermal stability, plus processing performance across a range of applications including wire and cable, coated fabrics, thermoplastics, rubber conveyor belts, plus polyolefin masterbatches.
Formed in 2025 through the acquisition of the MAT flame retardant business from The RJ Marshall Company, MAT combines technical expertise within house testing, formulation development, plus application support to help customers meet performance and safety requirements. The company works closely with manufacturers and compounders to develop tailored additive solutions for plastic and rubber applications.
📅 National Plastics Conference| Sept. 14–17, 2026 | Houston, TX |The exclusive event built by industry, for industry returns. Register now.
📅 SPE Vinyltec® 2026 | Oct. 13–15 | Atlanta, GA | Join PVC industry professionals to explore the latest innovations, sustainability efforts, and advancements shaping the future of PVC. PLASTICS members save on registration with promo code: VT26-PLASTICS. Learn more.
📅 OCS CON2026| Oct. 14–16, 2026 | Houston, TX | 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. Click here to register.
📅 Microplastics Forum | October 20–21 | Baltimore, MD | Explore practical, scalable approaches to understanding, managing and preventing microplastic release. PLASTICS members receive discounted registration with promo code MP26-PLASTICS. Learn more and register.
📅 Chemical Safety in Plastics: PFAS & Beyond | October 20–21 | Baltimore, MD | Explore practical substitution technologies, regulatory alignment, and risk reduction strategies to navigate evolving chemical safety standards across the plastics value chain. PLASTICS members receive discounted registration with promo code CSP26-PLASTICS. Learn more and register.
📅 Injection Molding Innovation Summit| Oct. 22, 2026 | Cleveland, OH | Hosted by the Society of Plastics Engineers, the event will explore practical applications of AI, sustainability, materials, tooling, and other innovations shaping the future of injection molding. PLASTICS members can register at the SPE member rate using code IMIS-PLASTICS. Click here to register.
📅 Plastic Sustainability Executive Forum| Nov. 11–12, 2026 | Atlanta, GA | Fall Forum: Backing the Vision: Investment, Infrastructure, and the Economics of Advanced Recycling. To request your invitation to attend, click here.
📅 Vinyl Week 2026 | Dec. 8–11, 2026 | Charlotte, NC | 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. Learn more.
📅 NPE2027 – The Plastics Show | May 3–7, 2027 | Orlando, FL | The largest plastics trade show in the Americas, bringing together 51,000+ professionals from 130+ countries to explore innovations in automation, sustainability, and advanced materials. Featuring 2,200+ exhibitors and on-site ANTEC® technical sessions. Registration opens September 2026. Learn more.
