Issue No.  14   |   April 7,  2026

This Week:

Recent federal actions signal increased attention on microplastics research and notable changes to Section 232 tariff treatment. EPA has added microplastics to its draft Contaminant Candidate List, and HHS has launched a major research initiative focused on detection and removal technologies – both emphasizing data development rather than immediate regulation. Separately, a presidential proclamation revises how Section 232 tariffs are applied, affecting certain plastics machinery and molds beginning April 2026.

PLASTICS is actively engaging with federal agencies, reviewing tariff annexes, and will continue providing technical updates as details emerge.

👉 Read PLASTICS’ statement on EPA & HHS microplastics actions

👉 Member Advisory: EPA & HHS Announce New Federal Actions on Microplastics

👉 Member Advisory: Section 232 Proclamation Revises Tariff Treatment for Covered Metals Derivative Imports

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) President and CEO, Matt Seaholm, issued the following statement in response to the release of The Plastic Detox on Netflix:

“Plastics are among the most studied materials in modern commerce and are safe for their intended uses. They protect public health, preserve food, enable modern medicine, and help deliver countless everyday products safely and efficiently. In many applications—from sterile medical devices to food packaging that reduces waste—plastics are often the safest and most effective material available.

As well-funded campaigns and projects—including documentaries like The Plastic Detox—raise questions about materials and human health, it is important that these issues are evaluated through credible, transparent, and reproducible science. Our industry supports research grounded in rigorous methodologies, clear definitions, and findings that can be independently replicated—standards essential to responsibly understanding complex topics.

Millions of Americans rely on plastics every day. Conversations about these essential materials should be guided by sound science—not entertainment.”

👉 Stay up to date with the latest news in PLASTICS' newsroom.

Private construction spending is sending mixed signals in early 2026—but there’s opportunity beneath the surface.

Why it matters:

While traditional manufacturing and commercial construction are slowing, growth in office and data centers is creating new demand for plastics—especially in high-tech applications like cabling, cooling systems, and safety components.

Big picture:
Dr. Perc Pineda points to a cautiously positive outlook, with shifting investment trends giving manufacturers clearer signals on where to focus next.

👉 Read Perc’s full analysis on PLASTICS' blog.

Help shape the next generation of plastics leaders—before time runs out.

Applications for the 2026 FLiP Mentorship Program close April 10. This is your chance to guide emerging leaders, share your expertise, and build lasting industry connections.

Why serve as a mentor:

• Share your experience and perspective
• Support rising professionals at key career moments
• Expand your impact and network

Spots are limited and the deadline is approaching—apply now.

To learn more about Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP), click here.

Headquartered in Werdohl, Germany, RTC TEC designs and manufactures quick‑coupling systems and fluid‑handling components for industrial applications, including the plastics industry. Founded in 2013, the company offers a comprehensive

portfolio of high‑performance couplings, hoses, manifolds, flow controllers, and media‑monitoring solutions engineered for demanding production environments.

RTC TEC serves customers globally, with operations in more than 10 countries, and produces the majority of its products in‑house to ensure quality, flexibility, and rapid delivery.

Visit website.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Global Equipment Rebuilders is an industrial service provider specializing in gearbox rebuild and repair services for heavy‑duty manufacturing and processing applications. Founded in 1979, the company supports a wide range of 

industries by repairing, rebuilding, and reverse‑engineering gearboxes and power‑transmission equipment to extend asset life and reduce downtime.

Global Equipment Rebuilders offers comprehensive in‑house capabilities, including emergency repair services, custom gear manufacturing, and full gearbox overhauls for equipment used in plastics processing, rolling mills, material handling, and other industrial operations. With a focus on quality craftsmanship and responsive customer service, the company provides cost‑effective alternatives to OEM replacement while maintaining performance and reliability standards.

Visit website.

📆 Mark Your Calendar

🗓️  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. 

📅 National Plastics Conference | Sept. 14–17, 2026 | Houston, TX | 

The exclusive event built by industry, for industry returns. Super Early Member Rates available until April 17.

📅 OCS CON 2026 | 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. 

📅 Save the date. 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.

🏆 Make It a Team Win!

Know someone on your team who should see this?

Feel free to forward this email to your coworkers!  Since your company is a member of the Plastics Industry Association, everyone on your team can create their own account and access member benefits.