Issue No.  08   |   February 24, 2026

This Week:

🏛️  PLASTICS Statement on Supreme Court IEEPA Ruling

📊  Plastics Employment Holds Steady

📜  2026 State Anticipated Issues Reports

📊 PLASTICS Statement on Supreme Court IEEPA Ruling

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) President and CEO, Matt Seaholm, issued a statement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the President’s authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

PLASTICS reaffirms its commitment to working with the Administration and Congress to advance policies that strengthen domestic manufacturing, enhance competitiveness, and build supply-chain resilience.

👉 Read the full statement at PLASTICS News.

📊 Plastics Employment Holds Steady

What’s happening:
Plastics sector employment remains stable amid steady consumer demand, modest manufacturing growth, elevated interest rates, and ongoing tariff pressures.

Why it matters:
Manufacturing is the plastics industry’s primary customer. Shifts in factory output directly signal changes in plastics demand — and workforce trends.

The snapshot:
The Industrial Production Index for manufacturing reached 98.2 in December 2025 — up from earlier in the year, but still below its 2017 benchmark.

Bottom line:
Despite economic headwinds, plastics production — and employment — continue at a measured pace.

👉 Read the full economic analysis.

🎥 New This Month: Chief Economist Vlog

Dr. Perc Pineda breaks down the key economic trends shaping plastics manufacturing — in under five minutes.

👉 Watch this Month's Vlog.

What’s happening:
PLASTICS has released its 2026 State Anticipated Issues Reports, available exclusively to members.

Why it matters:
State-level legislative and regulatory decisions will shape policy outcomes nationwide in 2026. These reports help you stay ahead of emerging trends and prepare your organization for what’s coming.

What you’ll get:

• Key legislative and regulatory priorities by region

• Insight into expected state policy activity

• Practical context to support planning and advocacy

👉 View the 2026 State Anticipated Issues Reports.

Know a breakthrough that’s moving plastics toward a more sustainable future?
Nominations for the 2026 Plastic Sustainability Innovation Awards are open through Feb. 27.

Why it matters:
These awards spotlight companies designing smarter materials, reducing environmental impact, and rethinking end-of-life solutions across the plastics value chain.

What we’re looking for:
Achievements in:

• Materials innovation

• Sustainable design
• Responsible end-of-life solutions
• Social impact — new for 2026!

All submissions are reviewed by a panel of industry experts.

Deadline: Feb. 27, 2026
Apply: Submit your nomination here.

For judging criteria, past winners, and full program details, click here. 

PLASTICS is forming a Bioplastics Working Group to help develop a formal industry policy position.

As bioplastics continue to evolve and expand across markets, it’s important that the industry speaks with clarity and alignment. This working group will help shape a consolidated policy position to guide PLASTICS’ advocacy, education, and outreach efforts.

The goal: define a strategic path forward that supports innovation, growth, and responsible development within the bioplastics sector.

We are seeking members with experience or interest in bioplastics to contribute their expertise and perspectives.

👉Register now and join us in helping define the future of bioplastics policy. 

📆 Mark Your Calendar

🗓️  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

investment. Learn more.

🔬 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. 

🗓️  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.

🏆 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.