WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. plastics industry supported more than one million jobs and over $533 billion in annual shipments in 2025, according to the latest edition of the Plastics Industry Association’s flagship analysis, The Size and Impact Report.
The 2026 Size and Impact Report measures the annual economic footprint of the U.S. plastics industry across employment, shipments, investment, production and other key indicators. This year’s findings show the plastics industry continues to outpace broader manufacturing employment growth and maintains a significant economic presence across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, despite ongoing economic uncertainty.
Key findings from the report include:
“The U.S. plastics industry continues to demonstrate its resilience, even amid economic uncertainty and a challenging operating environment,” said Matt Seaholm, PLASTICS President and CEO. “That strength comes from the essential role plastics play across our economy—from medical care and transportation to food preservation, infrastructure and manufacturing. More than one million jobs and $533 billion in shipments reflect not only the enduring demand for plastics, but the drive of the people and companies behind the material.”
“This year’s report reinforces what the data have shown over nearly three decades: the U.S. plastics industry is a durable and important part of the nation’s economic output,” said Dr. Perc Pineda, PLASTICS Chief Economist. “Over the past 28 years, the plastics industry has outperformed the overall manufacturing sector in employment, real shipments and real value added. That sustained endurance, combined with the industry’s scale and broad domestic footprint, underscores its resilience and enduring contribution to the U.S. economy.”
To request a copy of the Size and Impact report, please email Allie Richardson arichardson@plasticsindustry.org.
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 $533.6 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.
