PLASTICS Economic Analysis: Steady Consumer Spending Signals Growth for Plastic Packaging

Washington, D.C. — Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda, has released a new U.S. economic analysis, highlighting steady consumer demand for nondurable goods and the implications for the future of plastic packaging. The report focuses on personal consumption expenditures (PCE), a key driver of economic activity and a reliable indicator of industry demand.

Dr. Pineda writes, “PCE on nondurable goods is a key data point that our industry continues to monitor. This metric serves as a broad proxy for packaging demand—particularly in food and beverage applications. Nondurable goods consumption in the first quarter was estimated at $3.5 trillion, up from $3.3 trillion in the same period last year, marking a 2.9% year-over-year increase—an indication of growing market potential for plastic packaging.”

Click here to read the full analysis on the PLASTICS blog.

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.