Committees & Councils

A subcommittee of the Recycling Committee, the Advanced Recycling Subcommittee represents the advanced polymer recycling technologies industry by identifying and promoting emerging technologies, trends, and challenges. Focus areas include:

• Developing and promoting feed stream availability and infrastructure to support advanced recycling.
• Educating the industry about the advantages of advanced recycling through participating in New End Market Opportunities (NEMO) projects, as well as participating in outside organization’s advanced recycling initiatives.
• Informing the industry about emerging policy and recycling standards pertinent to advanced recycling.
• Identifying case studies around new advanced recycling technologies and material streams.

A subcommittee of the Recycling Committee, the Bioplastics Division works to promote the development and use of bioplastics as an integral part of the plastics industry. Bioplastics are an important part of a circular plastics economy as they can be biobased – made from renewable feedstocks, in some way biodegradable (such as through commercial composting), or both.

The Committee on Equipment Statistics (CES), a long-standing program, tracks and reports new orders and shipments of plastics machinery monthly, quarterly, and annually. Suppliers submit data on equipment orders and shipments of injection molding machines, extruders, blow molding machines, auxiliary equipment, hot runners, and components to benchmark their operations with current market information. About 85 companies participate in this program.

The Equipment Council is one of three Industry Councils at PLASTICS, representing machinery manufacturers and moldmakers across the plastics industry. Council members play a key role in identifying industry priorities, shaping policy recommendations, and setting budgets. Through the Equipment Council, members gain direct access to PLASTICS leadership, specialized working groups, and exclusive resources, including standards development, industry data, market trend reports, and equipment statistics. Members also benefit from increased visibility through events such as NPE, where they can showcase innovations in machinery and technology.

For nearly 40 years, the EHS+ Committee has welcomed PLASTICS members seeking information, advocacy and resources relating to environmental, worker health and safety (EHS)+ chemicals and product regulatory/stewardship performance and improvement in the plastics industry. The EHS+ Committee provides a forum for sharing regulatory updates and company practices, networking, regulatory advocacy and interacting with leadership primarily at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

A subcommittee of the Recycling Committee, this subcommittee provides insights and information to the PLASTICS teams who develop education and networking opportunities for the industry. Focus areas include:

• This Subcommittee’s main activity is planning content for the Re|focus Sustainability & Recycling Summit.
• This subcommittee also discusses interest areas such as coordinating annual event schedules to facilitate networking among Recycling Committee members, Plastic Recycling Week, and the Re|focus Sustainability Innovation Awards.

The FlexForum Steering Committee is a cross-sector leadership group within the Plastics Industry Association, representing resin suppliers, machinery manufacturers, and processors/converters across the flexible film and bag supply chain. Serving as the primary steering body for FlexForum- the annual conference focused on polyolefin films and flexible packaging, the committee provides a central platform for collaboration, networking, and knowledge sharing—bringing together suppliers, converters, brands, and regulators to drive innovation and alignment across the industry. Through planning, advocacy, and coordination, these leaders shape the themes, learning opportunities, and industry connections that FlexForum delivers each year—ensuring the event meets the strategic needs of the industry from raw materials to end-use applications.

The Flexible Vinyl Products Division (FVPD) has been actively supporting the vinyl industry for over 30 years. Representing both material suppliers and processors, FVPD is dedicated to advancing the use of flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC or Vinyl). The division drives technical education through the development of standardized test procedures for flexible PVC and leads programming for the Vinyl Compounders Conference. This event is now part of Vinyl Week, the industry’s marquee gathering, held alongside the Vinyl Sustainability Council’s Sustainability Summit. Through its advocacy efforts and collaboration with the Flexible Vinyl Alliance, FVPD continues to champion innovation and promote economic growth across the vinyl industry.

For more than 25 years, the Fluoropolymers Division (FPD) has supported companies involved in the manufacturing, processing, compounding, and formulation of fluoropolymer resins. The division provides biweekly updates to PLASTICS members, covering federal and state legislative activity and media coverage related to fluoropolymers and other PFAS. PLASTICS also works closely with partners like the American Chemistry Council, PlasticsEurope, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to track PFAS issues and collaborate when needed. In addition, FPD members lead programming for the Fluoropolymers Conference, a key forum for innovations, technical, and regulatory discussions impacting the industry.

The PLASTICS Food, Drug and Cosmetic Packaging Materials Committee (FDCPMC) works to ensure that plastics packaging protects the product it contains and the health and safety of the end use. It works to harmonize regulatory policy that supports economic growth in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors.

Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP) is the Plastics Industry Association’s network for young professionals—typically under age 40—dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders in the plastics industry. FLiP offers hands-on leadership experience, professional development, and networking opportunities designed to help members advance their careers and shape the industry’s future. Key initiatives include a virtual book club, a quarterly speaker series, a mentorship program, and community-driven litter cleanup efforts. Through these and other programs, FLiP equips members with the skills, connections, and confidence to grow professionally and lead with impact.

As a workforce development resource, FLiP helps companies attract, retain, and develop top talent by providing an easy, high-impact platform that supports employees’ progression from success to leadership. FLiP members return to their organizations with new skills, fresh ideas, and stronger industry connections—driving benefits for both themselves and their employers.

The HPPE Steering Committee is composed of high-pressure polyethylene (HPPE) producers and is primarily responsible for planning the HPPE Process Safety Workshop, a biennial technical event focused on safety issues unique to the high-pressure process used in manufacturing LDPE. These workshops draw participation from over a dozen companies and feature approximately 40 presentations that deliver critical safety education and foster open dialogue to enhance processes at HPPE facilities. The next workshop will be held in June 2027.

The Material Suppliers Council is one of the three Industry Councils at PLASTICS, representing companies that manufacture or distribute plastic resins, additives, colorants, and other materials essential to plastics production. The council provides a platform for engagement on key issues, including advanced recycling, sustainability, and regulatory affairs. Members help shape the association’s positions on public policy and gain access to tools and insights to support business operations and innovation. As part of PLASTICS, Material Suppliers Council members benefit from a unified voice in Washington and a strong presence in shaping the future of the plastics industry.

This PLASTICS-led forum is a quarterly touch-base meeting providing top-level updates on pertinent subjects of interest to those who buy, build, and run molds. Topics include updates on mold standards, moldmaking activity and the outlook ahead, advocacy and tariffs updates, and discussions on other resources the Plastics Industry Association can provide.

A subcommittee of the Recycling Committee, this subcommittee seeks to find new end markets for hard to recycle plastics. The projects aim to involve the entirety of the plastics supply chain to analyze, test, and implement new material streams into industry. NEMO projects work off four basic pillars:

• Convince brands and converters that there is a market and emerging supplies for recycled materials.
• Prove to MRF’s and reclaimers that there are viable ways to process recycled materials.
• Bring attention to potential policy and advocacy.
• Promote a circular economy.

The Processors Council is one of the three Industry Councils at PLASTICS, representing converters and processors across diverse end markets, including flexible films, rigid packaging, durable goods, automotive, and healthcare. The council supports members through advocacy, compliance resources, sustainability initiatives, and real-time policy updates. Members engage with government officials, regulators, and industry partners to influence decisions that impact day-to-day operations and long-term growth. Whether navigating legislative changes or exploring new markets, Processors Council members benefit from PLASTICS’ powerful voice and extensive network.

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) advocates on behalf of the plastics industry to promote sound public policies that support economic growth and innovation. As one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the U.S. economy, the plastics industry impacts environmental quality, health and safety regulations, packaging standards, political campaigns, and more.

PLASTICS brings together plastics manufacturers, processors, and other industry players to monitor regulatory developments, engage with government agencies, participate in the legislative process, and develop resources to assist members in comprehending regulations.

The Recycling Committee is a tactical committee that represents PLASTICS’ members across the association’s three councils, bringing equipment makers, processors, and material suppliers together aligning their collective efforts to put recycling at the forefront of their business priorities. The PLASTICS Recycling Committee works to enhance the management of plastic waste through efforts such as advocating for increased collection, sortation, and recycling infrastructure, ensuring that the definition of “recycling” includes advanced recycling, educating people within and outside of the plastics industry about plastics recycling, and much more.

As part of the Strategic Plan, the PLASTICS industry association believes it is imperative that we lead the industry in sustainability by promoting the circular economy, reducing plastic waste, and encouraging responsible resource consumption with advocating for plastic as the sustainable material of choice. Achieving this objective requires cross-functional collaboration on advocacy, communication, and member engagement. The Sustainability Committee is a tactical committee of the PLASTICS Board of Directors and oversees the broad sustainability activities of the association. The Sustainability Advisory Board, which is comprised of 12 individuals from each of the three Councils, agreed at their first quarter meeting in February 2023 to expand overall engagement by growing participation by more members in the Sustainability Committee itself.