Following two years of weak growth (first due to trade tensions, and then due to COVID-19), the U.S. chemical industry expanded in 2021 on the back of the global post-lockdown rebound. With strong consumer demand for goods, the table was set for solid gains in U.S. chemical production in 2021.

Plastics product manufacturing rose nearly 5% in 2021. While the outlook for 2022 remains positive, unresolved challenges in 2021 spilling over into 2022 will cause plastics industry growth to slow. 

This edition of the Plastics Quarterly explores the nation’s economic recovery in the final quarter of 2021. As the domestic and global economy further reopens, supply chain bottlenecks will continue to clear.

Additionally, a much improved global outlook will support higher plastics trade, aiding in the growth of all sectors of the plastics industry for 2022.

Plastics and rubber products manufacturing capacity utilization stayed above 80.0% throughout 2021.

As the year closes in a few days, the U.S. plastics industry performance in 2021 can be summarized in seven charts. As in last year’s synopsis of 2020, the charts presented below are not all-inclusive considering that November and December data is still forthcoming.

The Re|focus Sustainability & Recycling Summit addresses the real-world challenges you face as your company pushes recycled content and sustainable manufacturing. As an active participant in the plastics industry, you know that our industry is turning a corner, moving from being one that aspires to sustainability to one that puts our commitment to recycling and reusing into action.