Policymakers at the state and federal levels are increasing focus on resin loss prevention, driven by growing concern over microplastics. New legislation and regulations are emerging that target how plastic pellets are manufactured, handled, and managed to prevent release into the environment.
Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS) is an industry-led resin stewardship program jointly administered by the Plastics Industry Association and American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division, to support companies working toward zero resin loss.
PLASTICS is forming a Resin Loss Working Group to develop a policy position that advances OCS as a recognized compliance pathway for future legislation and regulation. The goal is to help ensure practical, workable policies that align with existing industry best practices.
Get involved: Members interested in joining the Resin Loss Working Group and helping shape this policy position, click here.
♻️ Polystyrene Recycling Expands in Mexico City
The Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA) announced a new collaboration with R3vira to expand polystyrene (PS) and EPS recycling across Mexico City.
The partnership will double community-based collection routes by 2026, invest in new recycling infrastructure, and support closed-loop processing into FDA-approved recycled polystyrene for new packaging.
Why it matters: It shows how infrastructure, end markets, and local partnerships can scale real circularity for polystyrene.
Chief Economist Dr. Perc Pineda shares the latest data shaping the plastics industry in this month’s Perc Report.
The 30-year average fixed mortgage rate fell to 6.09% on January 22, 2026, down from 6.96% on January 23, 2025.
Inflation-adjusted value added in plastics and rubber products manufacturing rose from $68.1 billion in Q2 2025 to $70.1 billion in Q3 2025.
Plastics demand in October was unchanged from September at $22.8 billion, but 0.4% lower than a year earlier.
👉 Read this month'sPerc Report. 📬 Sign up to receive the Perc Report each month.
⭐ FLiP Member Spotlight: Jared Falkner
Jared Falkner is Vice President at Vive Marketing, where he leads digital marketing strategy for plastics manufacturers—helping companies navigate growth, positioning, and an increasingly competitive marketplace. He has been active in FLiP since 2021, participating in the FLiP mentorship program and staying engaged through quarterly industry updates.
He credits FLiP mentorship and PLASTICS resources like insidePLASTICS, Plastics Pulse, and The Perc Report with helping him stay competitive, informed, and positioned as a subject-matter expert when working with clients and prospects.
Applications are now openfor the 2026 FLiP Mentorship Program, connecting plastics professionals at all career stages through one-on-one mentorship. To learn more visit: program overview.
Why it matters: FLiP builds meaningful connections between experienced professionals and emerging talent—strengthening the plastics industry on both sides.
Who should apply:
Mentors who want to share experience, support rising professionals, and expand their leadership impact
Mentees seeking career guidance, real-world insight, and confidence as they grow
What to expect:
Flexible, one-on-one mentorship
Designed for busy schedules
~10 total hours over 6–8 months
Whether you’re giving back, growing your career, or both, FLiP offers a practical way to get involved.
👉 Apply now to join the 2026 FLiP Mentorship cohort
🔬 PLASTICS Members Save $200 on ANTEC® 2026
Join plastics professionals March 9–12 in Pittsburgh for ANTEC® 2026, the industry’s leading technical conference focused on innovation, application, and what’s next.
Why attend
AI-enabled processing and advanced recycling
Bioplastics, injection molding, and polymer analysis
Additive manufacturing and materials performance
Why it matters
Innovation in plastics is already underway. ANTEC® brings real world technologies and expert insights together to help you stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
PLASTICS members save $200 with discount code ANTEC26 PLASTICS.
🗓️ NPE2027 Space Selection & Planning Event | March 2–6, 2026 |Orlando, FL | NPE2027 exhibitors will convene to select exhibit booth space, plan for exhibit success, and explore opportunities to maximize the NPE2027
🔬 ANTEC® 2026 | March 9–12 | Pittsburgh, PA |Join leaders in plastics technology, polymer research, and advanced processing to address real-world industry challenges. Register today.PLASTICS members save $200 on registration—use discount code ANTEC26-PLASTICS.
🏛️ 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.
