The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda, has released a new analysis examining the Trump Administration’s decision to impose an additional 50% tariff on certain Canadian plastics and plastic products.
The analysis explores the scope of the tariffs, potential impacts on U.S. plastics manufacturers and supply chains, and how the ongoing U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) review could strengthen North American plastics trade.
NPE2027: The Plastics Show® is accepting speaker proposals for its education program. Industry leaders, innovators, and subject matter experts are invited to share insights shaping the future of plastics across tracks spanning sustainability, workforce development, automation, materials innovation, manufacturing, end markets, and regulatory policy.
We are seeking proposals for:
Show Floor Stage Presentations – 30-minute sessions with practical insights
Ken's journey into the plastics industry began in transportation and supply chain logistics before he joined Gardner Business Media.
Today, he helps deliver media, marketing, and event solutions that inform and connect plastics manufacturers. Working with engineers and industry experts, he supports the creation of educational, data-driven content while helping promote industry-leading events.
What Ken enjoys most about the plastics industry is its people and its constant innovation. He believes the next generation of industry professionals has an important role in advancing efficiency, sustainability, and emerging technologies.
Since joining Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP) in 2025, Ken has found a welcoming community that has helped him build meaningful connections and explore opportunities in sustainability and leadership.
Go behind the scenes with Ken of Gardner Business Media as he shares his role in supporting the plastics industry through media, marketing, and events. Ken also discusses his journey into plastics and the connections he's built through the FLiP community.
👉To learn more about Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP), click here.
🏭 Explore PVC Innovation at SPE Vinyltec® 2026
Join plastics professionals from across the PVC value chain at SPE Vinyltec® 2026, taking place October 13–15 at The Westin Buckhead in Atlanta, Georgia.
Centered on the theme "PVC – Enduring Materials, Responsible Progress," the conference will explore the latest innovations, sustainability initiatives, technical advancements, and real-world applications of PVC. The event includes a technical tutorial on October 13, followed by two days of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and exhibits.
PLASTICS members receive discounted registration with promo code VT26-PLASTICS.
Want more tools to help tell the plastics industry's story? Follow Positives of Plastic for shareable content, industry facts, and resources that highlight the essential role plastics play in our economy, communities, and everyday lives.
Positives of Plastic resources designed to help industry advocates communicate with confidence.
Explore the Positives of Plastic resource hub to access materials you can share with your colleagues, customers, and communities, and follow Positives of Plastic on social media:
📆 Mark Your Calendar
🎤 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.
📅 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. Early Bird Registration now open.
📅 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.
