2025 Size and Impact Report: U.S. Plastics Industry Remains Robust, Impactful, and Vital

Washington D.C.— The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has released its 2025 Size and Impact Report, the association’s flagship annual analysis, which underscores the industry’s continued positive contributions to the U.S. economy despite ongoing headwinds and uncertainties. Using comprehensive economic data, the report highlights key manufacturing indicators — including equipment investment, employment, shipments, and overall production capacity — providing a clear picture of the plastics industry’s strength and resilience.

Dr. Perc Pineda, Chief Economist at PLASTICS, presented an overview of the report’s findings during an online Economic Executive Briefing provided to PLASTICS members, members of the press, and interested parties.

Highlights shared during today’s briefing included:

• The U.S. plastics industry is large, accounting for over a million jobs (1,066,500) and $550.7 billion in shipments in 2024.

• When suppliers to the plastics industry are considered, plastics-related U.S. jobs grow to 1.71 million, and total shipment grow to $754.5 billion.

• A success story for the U.S. economy, plastics manufacturing employment grew 1.3% per year from 2014 to 2024, outpacing total manufacturing, which saw employment grow only 0.5% per year during the same period.

• As measured by gross output, the plastic products portion of the plastics industry was the eighth largest U.S. industry in 2023 (the latest year for which data is available).

• The plastics industry has a presence in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Texas had the most employees in 2024, followed by Ohio, Michigan, California, and Pennsylvania.

“Despite economic headwinds over the past year, the plastics industry has proven itself both resilient and steadfast,” said Matt Seaholm, PLASTICS President and CEO. “This report highlights our industry’s impact and its ability to adapt and innovate to meet evolving demands. It also reflects the strength and determination of our workforce and the essential role we play as a key driver of the U.S. economy.”

“This year’s report once again confirms the resilience of the U.S. plastics industry. Its economic impact, in some respects outpacing total manufacturing, has remained positive for many years and is unlikely to change in the future,” said PLASTICS’ Chief Economist Dr. Perc Pineda.

To request a copy of the Size and Impact Report Executive Summary please email Allie Richardson, [email protected].

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $519 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the eighth largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE: The Plastics Show.