Plastic is used every day for products we rely on for safety, technology, health, and protection.

Woman picking fruit at supermarket, using a plastic bag to keep her produce fresh

Father Helps Little Daughter to Ride Bicycle on the Sidewalk in the City Suburbs

Construction worker wearing plastic protective gear carrying pipes on shoulder

Plastic Facts

Plastic offers countless benefits for all of us every day. Plastic drives innovation in manufacturing and the economy, and is a material that in most cases, is the best in its application. Here are some facts about plastic everyone should know:

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Plastic fuels economic growth and job creation.

The U.S. plastics industry employs over 1.55 million people and supports more than 15,000 manufacturing facilities across the country – driving innovation, trade, and community prosperity.

Plastic keeps food fresh and prevents waste.

From farm to table, plastic packaging ensures fruits, vegetables, and meals stay fresh longer, helping reduce food waste – a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Plastic is highly recyclable – and new technology is making it more feasible than ever.

Modern recycling methods turn used plastic into new, valuable products repeatedly. Because it’s lightweight and efficient to produce, plastic helps reduce emissions and conserves more resources than many traditional materials.

Plastic is safe, sterile, and essential to healthcare.

Hospitals rely on plastic for IVs, syringes, masks, gloves, and life-saving equipment. Its durability and sterility help prevent infections and withstand extreme conditions – all while supporting local jobs in U.S.-based production.

Positives of Plastic

Plastic is used to manufacture essential products and materials that enhance our daily lives and foster a circular economy.

Plastic and the Planet

Plastic helps protect the planet by lowering emissions, conserving resources, and enabling innovation across industries.

Plastic is lightweight, energy-efficient to produce, and vital in extending food freshness, improving fuel economy, and advancing sustainable construction. Bioplastics made from renewable sources offer even more eco-friendly options. With over six billion pounds of plastic recycled annually in the U.S. and $190 billion invested globally in circular solutions, plastic is key to building a cleaner, more efficient, and job-creating circular economy.²¹

Powering the Economy

Plastic empowers people – creating jobs, advancing innovation, and strengthening communities across the U.S.

The plastics industry supports over 1 million American workers and operates in all 50 states, with Texas, Ohio, and California leading in employment. In 2023 alone, the industry generated $519.1 billion in shipments and maintained a trade surplus of nearly $1 billion. Beyond manufacturing, plastic drives growth in research, recycling, and skilled trades, offering stable, high-paying careers. From engineers and technicians to educators and community volunteers, the people behind plastic are building a more sustainable and resilient future.¹⁹ ²

Plastic in Action

Plastic is essential to daily life – enhancing safety, advancing innovation, and supporting critical industries from healthcare to national security.

From medical devices and emergency response equipment to construction materials and consumer goods, plastics play a vital role in improving efficiency, reliability, and protection across various sectors.