After months of volatility driven by geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global energy markets, oil prices have declined significantly following the recent U.S.-Iran ceasefire framework.
In a new analysis, PLASTICS Chief Economist Perc Pineda, PhD, examines how rising energy costs contributed to higher inflation this spring and whether lower crude oil prices could help ease inflationary pressures in the months ahead. While falling oil prices are expected to provide some relief, seasonal energy demand and ongoing market adjustments may slow the pace of disinflation.
👉 Read the full analysis for insights into the latest economic trends and what they could mean for manufacturers, businesses, and consumers.
🚀 National Plastics Conference Early Bird Pricing
Save $200 with Early Bird pricing for the National Plastics Conference, happening September 14–17 in Houston! This year’s theme, Let’s Make It Happen, brings the full plastics value chain together to turn industry challenges into practical solutions, stronger connections, and real progress.
At the National Plastics Conference, leaders don’t just talk about change — they drive it. Attendees can expect:
Insights that turn into action
Conversations that become business partnerships
Cross-sector collaboration across the plastics value chain
A focus on real-world solutions to shared industry challenges
Progress doesn’t happen on its own — it happens when the industry comes together to act.
👉 Register nowandsave $200 with the Early Bird rate.
🎤 FLiP's Summer Speaker: Matthew Pollard
Join the Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP) on July 23 at 12:00 p.m. ET for a professional development session featuring Matthew Pollard, internationally recognized consultant, entrepreneur, and author.
During this interactive conversation, Pollard will share practical strategies for succeeding in sales and networking environments, becoming a stronger advocate for your company and products, and leveraging your skills and experience to grow as a leader.
The discussion will also include a live Hot Seat Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask Matthew direct questions.
This session is open to FLiP-eligible professionals (generally age 40 and under) employed by a member company of the Plastics Industry Association.
👉 To learn more about Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP), click here.
♻️ Member Resource Spotlight: Recycling Is Real
Want to see plastic recycling in action? Visit Recycling is Real to explore stories, videos, and data showcasing how recycling is happening every day across America.
Why it matters:
More than 5 billion pounds of plastic are recycled in the U.S. each year.
40% of PET bottles were recycled in North America in 2023—a record high.
More than 20,000 retail and municipal locations accept plastic film for recycling.
The site highlights the people, technologies, and innovations helping build a more circular economy while supporting U.S. manufacturing and jobs.
Follow Recycling is Real on social media and explore the resource hub to access materials you can share with your colleagues, customers, and communities.
🎟️ 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.
📆 Mark Your Calendar
📅 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.
📅 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.
📅 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.
