Analysis by PLASTICS Chief Economist Perc Pineda, PhD, highlights the importance of extending and expanding the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as the agreement enters its six-year review.
Mexico and Canada remain the largest export markets for the U.S. plastics industry, supporting integrated North American supply chains, regional competitiveness, and manufacturing jobs. In 2025, the U.S. plastics industry recorded a trade surplus of $12.7 billion with Mexico and $1.7 billion with Canada.
Bottom line: Extending and expanding the USMCA is vital to strengthening regional competitiveness against global trading blocs, building supply chain resilience, and sustaining the 133,604 U.S. jobs directly supported by plastics exports to our North American neighbors.
👉 Click here to read the full analysis from Perc Pineda, PhD.
🥤 Food & Beverage Demand Supports Plastics
Recent increases in PET prices are being driven by seasonal beverage demand, warmer weather, and higher energy and feedstock costs. Despite near-term price pressures, the underlying outlook for plastics demand remains steady.
According to PLASTICS Chief Economist Perc Pineda, PhD, U.S. food and beverage consumption continues to grow, supported by resilient consumer spending and stable retail sales. Because food and beverage purchases are considered essential, demand tends to remain strong even during periods of economic uncertainty.
The food and beverage sector also remains a significant driver of plastics demand. Data from the PLASTICS 2025 Size and Impact Report shows plastics play a critical role in packaging applications across beverages, snacks, coffee, and other consumer products.
Bottom line: As summer beverage consumption increases and food spending remains stable, the food and beverage market is expected to continue providing reliable support for plastics demand.
👉 Click here to read the full economic analysis from Perc Pineda, PhD.
🎟️ Plastic Sustainability Executive Forum
The Plastic Sustainability Executive Forum (PSEF), taking place July 14–15 in Toronto, Canada, brings together senior industry leaders for a focused executive discussion on microplastics and material stewardship. Participation is limited and requires requesting an invitation to attend.
The program will focus on Addressing a Growing Concern of Microplastics & Material Stewardship, with practical insights on:
Emerging regulations and the latest research on microplastics
Mitigation strategies across the plastics lifecycle
Risk management and product stewardship best practices
As regulations evolve and stakeholder expectations increase, the forum provides a rare opportunity for candid peer-level dialogue with sustainability, policy, and industry leaders shaping the future of materials.
👉To request your invitation to attend, click here.
🤝 Welcome New Members
Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, von Holzhausen is a material innovation company specializing in the development of high-performance, plant-based materials. Founded in 2015 by automotive designer Vicki von Holzhausen, the company leverages
advanced material science and proprietary platforms such as Liquidplant® to create biodegradable, circular materials that can integrate into existing manufacturing processes.
With a strong focus on sustainability, performance, and design innovation, von Holzhausen is on a mission to design with renewable, plant-derived solutions. The company supports customers across industries including fashion, automotive, furniture, and consumer goods in developing scalable, environmentally responsible products.
📅 Plastic Sustainability Executive Forum| July 14–15, 2026 | Toronto, Canada | Summer Forum: Addressing a Growing Concern of Microplastics & Material Stewardship. To request your invitation to attend, click here.
🎤 NPE2027 Call for Speakers | Proposals due August 14, 2026 | NPE2027 is now accepting speaker proposals for its education program. Industry leaders, innovators, and subject matter experts are invited to share insights and expertise with a global audience at NPE2027, taking place May 3–7, 2027, in Orlando, Florida. To submit a proposal or learn more, click here.
📅 National Plastics Conference| Sept. 14–17, 2026 | Houston, TX |The exclusive event built by industry, for industry returns. Register now for Early Bird Pricing.
📅 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. Early Bird Registration now open.
📅 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.
📅 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.
