2024 Size & Impact Report: Good News for the Plastics Industry

On September 19, PLASTICS unveiled the 2024 Size and Impact Report during an executive webinar, exclusively for PLASTICS members and media. The briefing featured remarks by President and CEO Matt Seaholm, an executive summary of the report by Chief Economist Dr. Perc Pineda, and a Q&A facilitated by Stephanie Strategos Polis, VP of Communications. Highlights from the briefing included:

• The U.S. plastics industry accounts for over a million jobs (1,005,100) and $519.1 billion in shipments in 2023. When suppliers to the plastics industry are considered, plastics-related U.S. jobs grow to 1.55 million, and total shipments grow to $658.2 billion.
• Plastics manufacturing employment grew 1.1% per year from 2013 to 2023, outpacing total manufacturing employment which grew by just 0.7% per year during that same period.
• As measured by gross output, the plastic products portion of the plastics industry was the eighth largest U.S. industry in 2022 (the latest year for which data are available).

"This report shows the plastics industry remains vital to our economy as a job creator and a source of innovation,” said Seaholm. “Our industry will continue to grow as part of the circular economy, finding innovative ways to make plastic better and more sustainable.”

“The 2024 Size and Impact Report of the U.S. plastics industry highlights the vital role the industry plays in the economy,” said Pineda. “The report shows growth in the industry’s real economic value added (adjusted for inflation), an increase in its share of consumer demand and, more importantly, a rise in annual payroll.”

Download the Entire Size & Impact Report

The 2024 Size & Impact Report and executive summary are available complimentary for PLASTICS members as a benefit of membership.

You can access the report by logging in at the PLASTICS website.

OCS CON Debuts to a Sold-Out

Audience in Houston

Earlier this month, PLASTICS held a successful inaugural OCS CON in Houston, Texas, the first conference dedicated solely to promoting and strengthening the Operation Clean Sweep initiative to eliminate resin loss. Attendees enjoyed a supply-chain facility tour, an opportunity to participate in a local environmental clean-up, plenty of networking and socializing, and fifteen sessions focused on various topics concerning resin loss throughout the plastics value chain. Plans for next year's conference are already underway in response to enthusiastic accolades. As one attendee put it, “I had no idea how much we needed this event!”

A Year of Recycling Advocacy

Recycling is Real in Tampa, Florida

PLASTICS has unveiled a new video as part of the Recycling is Real advocacy campaign, marking our one-year milestone dedicated to promoting and defending plastic recycling in America. The new video highlights the efforts taking place at Commercial Plastics Recycling (CPR) Inc. in Tampa, Florida. Be sure to watch and share the good news - Recycling is Real!

Join Us for an Exciting Inaugural Event from PLASTICS - NPC 2024

Attend the first-ever National Plastics Conference and gain insights from industry leaders on critical trends and challenges set to impact your organization. From decoding complex regulations like EPR to growing a future-ready workforce, this conference is packed with actionable knowledge to maximize your business opportunities. Equip your team with industry best practices and forge valuable connections that drive innovation and growth.

Welcome to a New PLASTICS Member

Mixron offers the market a large variety of mixing systems for bulk materials, in particular for PVC Dry Blend, WPC, Masterbatch and Powder Coating. The wide range of products includes turbo mixers, cooler mixers, container mixers and accessories. All Mixron products aim to improve blend quality and enhance ease of use, while maintaining maximum customer value.

Visit their website.