Last week, during the NPE Space Selection and Planning event, more than 1,105 companies selected booth space for NPE2027, reflecting strong participation across the plastics supply chain — from materials and machinery to recycling and sustainability solutions.
Why it matters: Exhibitor demand for NPE2027: The Plastics Show continues to build, with the event already 82% sold out following the latest round of space selection. Companies that have not yet committed need to quickly consider their options as the space demand will continue to grow.
What’s next: The show floor is now locked and under audit through March 20, 2026, as organizers finalize booth placements and prepare for the next phase of exhibitor planning.
NPE remains the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, bringing together the full plastics value chain to explore technology, materials, sustainability, and manufacturing innovation. For more information, visit: NPE2027.
📊 How Plastics Exports Support U.S. Jobs
Why it matters: The U.S. plastics industry supports over 1.7 million jobs—and exports play a major role in sustaining that workforce.
The big picture: Based on the latest U.S. Census data, plastics exports generated more than $78 billion in global trade in 2025, supporting an estimated 284,000 American jobs.
State spotlight: Texas leads the nation, exporting more than $23 billion in plastics and supporting roughly 84,500 export-related jobs—nearly 30% of all jobs tied to
plastics exports.
Other states contribute in different ways, from manufacturing and resin production to logistics and global shipping.
Bottom line: From factory floors to international markets, plastics exports remain a powerful driver of U.S. manufacturing and employment.
A new study from the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance and Resource Recycling Systems shows polystyrene recycling is supported by a growing network of companies and recovery systems across North America.
Researchers identified 126 companies operating 169 facilities in the U.S. and Canada that receive, process, or reclaim polystyrene materials.
Key findings:
EPS and XPS recycling is well established, with 81 companies and 119 facilities and 700+ drop-off locations supporting recovery.
GPPS and HIPS recycling continues to grow, with 45 companies operating 50 facilities, including recovery through medical plastics and e-waste programs.
Why it matters: These findings show that polystyrene recycling is supported by real infrastructure and functioning end markets, providing a strong foundation to scale circular solutions across North America.
The PLASTICS connection: The Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA) is a self-funded initiative of the PLASTICS Industry Association. Learn more atPSRecycling.org.
⚖️ Regulatory Update: GRAS Rule Under Review
PLASTICS Government Affairs staff met with the Small Business Administration (SBA) on February 3 to discuss a forthcoming federal rule that could impact companies across the plastics supply chain.
What’s happening: A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on substances “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) is currently under review at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Why it matters: PLASTICS raised concerns that elements of the draft rule could create new regulatory burdens for small businesses and potentially slow innovation in food, drug, and cosmetic packaging materials.
Recent court decisions and policy developments are creating rapid changes in U.S. trade policy — including the Supreme Court ruling limiting tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the latest guidance on potential duty refunds.
PLASTICS’ Government Affairs team has shared several member alerts in recent weeks covering:
📩 Not receiving these emails? Email Vania to ensure you’re included on future Government Affairs updates.
📆 Mark Your Calendar
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🗓️ 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. More information to follow.
📅 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.
