A new report from America’s Plastic Makers underscores just how vital plastics are to the U.S. manufacturing economy. Nearly 27% of all U.S. manufacturing relies on plastics, supporting 4.8 million jobs and generating over $390 billion in annual wages.
Here in Pennsylvania, plastics and rubber manufacturing alone accounts for nearly 40,000 jobs and contributes more than $5 billion to the state’s GDP. These figures highlight the critical role plastics play in powering both local and national economies.
As demand for plastics grows, the industry faces a dual challenge: sustaining economic growth while advancing sustainable manufacturing practices. Federal policies that restrict remanufacturing or slow recycling advancements threaten progress on both fronts. Instead, smart, supportive policies are needed to expand recycling infrastructure, encourage innovation in advanced recycling technologies, and build a sustainable feedstock for future plastics production.
America’s Plastic Makers has outlined a 3-Point Plan to strengthen domestic manufacturing and recycling. The plan urges federal policymakers to:
Policymakers must recognize the economic and environmental opportunities at stake. By modernizing regulations and supporting innovation, we can protect thousands of Pennsylvania jobs, fuel sustainable growth, and position American manufacturers as leaders in responsible plastics production and recycling.