📊 What U.S. Plastics Imports Are Signaling for 2025
🏛️ PLASTICS Supports Introduction of the PACK Act
✈️ Fly-In Registration Is Now Open
📝 PLASTICS in the News
🙌 Welcome New Members
📅 Mark Your Calendar
🧑🤝🧑 PLASTICS' Vinyl Week in New Orleans
Last week, PLASTICS, in partnership with the Vinyl Sustainability Council, hosted our annual Vinyl Week conference in New Orleans, LA. The event brought together vinyl processors, material suppliers, and industry leaders for expert-led sessions, timely economic and legislative updates, and discussions on key issues shaping the industry—from vinyl recycling and sustainability to policy, economic, and market trends.
Attendees also connected during dedicated networking opportunities, including a reception at the National World War II Museum.
Save the date: Vinyl Week returns December 8–12, 2026, in Charlotte, NC. Learn more at Vinyl Week.
📊 What U.S. Plastics Imports Are Signaling for 2025
New PLASTICS economic analysis highlights how shifting tariffs are reshaping U.S. plastics imports in 2025.
Why it matters: New trade data shows U.S. plastics imports are shifting in uneven—and sometimes unexpected—ways in 2025.
What we’re seeing: According to a new analysis from PLASTICS Chief Economist Dr. Perc Pineda, imports of resins and plastic products are down year over year, while plastics machinery and molds are moving in the opposite direction. The impact isn’t uniform—tariff pressure varies by product, country, and negotiated outcome.
The big picture: Countries like China, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Japan, and emerging markets in Southeast Asia are all being affected differently as tariff rates are revised, delayed, or reduced. For a globally connected industry, knowing where tariffs are binding—and where they’re easing—is critical for planning supply chains and staying competitive.
Why it matters: A new bill introduced by Congressman Weber (R-TX) aims to bring clarity and consistency to recyclable, compostable, and reusable claims on consumer packaging—an area where businesses and consumers currently face a patchwork of state rules.
PLASTICS’ position: PLASTICS supports the Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act, which would establish a clear national framework under the FTC. According to PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm, clearer rules would reduce regulatory uncertainty, help control costs, and support companies operating across state lines—while strengthening U.S. manufacturing and consumer confidence.
The Plastics Industry Fly-In is your chance to make sure policymaking reflects the real impact our industry has on communities, innovation, and the economy.
Join us in Washington, D.C., to help amplify the industry’s voice on Capitol Hill.
Why It Matters
Significant Impact: Share real-world stories about how plastics support jobs, strengthen local economies, and improve everyday life.
Essential Advocacy: This isn’t just a meeting — it’s your opportunity to advocate for the essential role plastics play across society.
Direct Education: Help policymakers understand the true business and regulatory implications before decisions are made.
👉 Register now: Fly-In Registration is open and seats fill quickly.
📝 PLASTICS in the News
Op-ed: Matt Seaholm, President & CEO of PLASTICS, explains how plastics recycling is happening every day in Wisconsin at Plastic Ingenuity-- keeping materials out of the environment and in the economy.
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🚀 FLiP Winter Development Session | January 22, 2026 | Virtual (12–1 PM ET) Join the Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP) community for an inspiring keynote from Angela Raub, CEO and Executive Coach, on Failing Forward. Learn how to reframe setbacks as growth opportunities, strengthen resilience, and lead with confidence. Register today.
📍 PLASTICS New York Fly-In at the State Capitol | January 26–27, 2026 Join PLASTICS in Albany for our New York Fly-In at the State Capitol. Participation is strongly encouraged. To learn more or confirm your interest, please RSVP to Danielle Fortunato.
Plastic Sustainability Executive Forum | February 10–11, 2026 | Washington, DC | Winter Forum: Scaling Advanced Recycling through Policy. To request your invitation to attend, click here.
🗓️ 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.
🏛️ 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.
