Plastic in Action

Plastics are the backbone of innovation—essential to the products, systems, and technologies that make modern life possible. From protecting our health and safety to powering global transportation and technology, plastics deliver durability, efficiency, and reliability across every industry. Their versatility enables lighter vehicles, cleaner water, safer hospitals, and more energy-efficient buildings. Every day, plastics drive progress that enhances quality of life, strengthens communities, and supports a more sustainable future.

Safety & Protection

Plastics play a vital role in keeping people safe—on the road, in the field, and during emergencies. Engineered for strength, flexibility, and reliability, these materials absorb impact, resist heat, and withstand extreme conditions. From automotive safety components and protective helmets to body armor and emergency shelters, plastics provide essential protection for individuals, communities, and those who serve on the front lines.

Man holding an orange hard hat while working on road construction

Health & Medicine

Plastics power progress in modern medicine—enabling safer procedures, more effective treatments, and greater access to care. Sterile, lightweight, and adaptable, plastics make lifesaving innovations possible while helping healthcare providers work more efficiently and sustainably.

Consumer & Lifestyle

Plastics enhance the comfort, safety, and convenience of everyday life. From durable toys and high-performance apparel to food packaging and home furnishings, plastics make products more affordable, functional, and sustainable. Their strength, flexibility, and hygienic properties help preserve freshness, improve performance, and extend product life—supporting the modern lifestyles we rely on every day.

Children’s toys made from plastic are safer and longer lasting, avoiding splinters, sharp edges, and breakage common in other materials.
Heat-resistant silicone tools,¹¹ hygienic plastic packaging, and takeout containers help preserve freshness, extend shelf life, and reduce food waste while ensuring safety for food contact.¹²
Synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, and spandex enhance the performance and durability of sportswear, outdoor gear, and other essentials we rely on every day.¹³
Carpeting, furniture, and home décor often incorporate durable plastic fibers like nylon and polyester, providing comfort, stain resistance, and long-lasting performance while supporting the use of recycled materials.

Infrastructure & Construction

Plastic materials strengthen the backbone of modern infrastructure—making buildings more durable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective. From reinforcing concrete and improving insulation to providing safer water systems and electrical components, plastics deliver reliable, high-performance solutions for builders and homeowners alike.

Transportation & Technology

Plastics power the technologies and transportation systems that move our world forward. Lightweight, durable, and energy-efficient, they enhance performance, safety, and connectivity across industries—from electronics and aerospace to automotive and infrastructure. By reducing weight, improving fuel efficiency, and enabling advanced design, plastics help build a smarter, more sustainable future.

Smartphones, laptops, and wearable devices rely on plastics such as ABS, polycarbonate, and epoxy resins to protect delicate components from heat, impact, and moisture.¹⁸
Semiconductor chips—the foundation of modern electronics, vehicles, and defense systems—are shielded from dust, vibration, and stress by high-performance plastic encapsulants.¹⁹
Lightweight polymers improve fuel economy and passenger comfort in vehicles, airplanes,²⁰ and trains, while recycled materials strengthen modern roads²¹ and runways.
Fluoropolymers and other advanced plastics safeguard internal wiring and critical systems in aircraft and spacecraft, ensuring reliability under extreme conditions.²²