Powering the Economy

Plastics power far more than the products we use every day—they power the economy itself. As one of the largest and fastest-growing manufacturing sectors in the United States, plastics touch nearly every industry, support millions of jobs, and generate hundreds of billions of dollars in economic activity each year. From material suppliers and processors to equipment manufacturers and recyclers, the plastics supply chain fuels innovation, drives trade surpluses, and strengthens communities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Behind every shipment, every export, and every career in this field lies a larger story: plastics are not just materials—they are a foundation of economic growth.

Economics

Connected to nearly every industry, the economics of plastics are vital to the financial health of nations and companies worldwide.

0 K

U.S. manufacturing establishments operate throughout the U.S.

$ 0 B

worth of shipments came from the U.S. plastics industry in 2024.

$ 0 B

represents the combined shipments of the U.S. plastics industry and its suppliers in 2024.

$ 0 B

in goods were exported by the U.S. plastics industry in 2023—exceeding imports and creating a trade surplus of nearly $1 billion.

Workforce

The plastics industry plays a vital role in powering the U.S. economy—creating jobs, supporting communities, and driving innovation in manufacturing, design, and recycling. With a presence in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, plastics companies provide opportunities for skilled workers across the nation and strengthen local economies from the ground up.

Engineer working in plastic recycling factory.

Did you know?

The plastics industry is the 8th largest manufacturing industry in the United States.

0 .3%

per year was the growth rate of plastics manufacturing employment from 2014–2024—more than double the 0.5% annual growth of total manufacturing—making it a clear success story for the U.S. economy.

0 ,300

upstream jobs were supported by the plastics industry in 2024, meaning every plastics job supports about 0.6 jobs elsewhere in the economy.

0 .71M

U.S. jobs are supported by the plastics industry, underscoring the vital role its supply chain plays in driving economic growth.

Plastic Supply Chain

More than a million people in the United States work in jobs directly or indirectly tied to the plastics industry, spanning a wide range of sectors. From the engineers who design and build manufacturing machinery, to the material suppliers who produce and distribute raw plastics, to the processors who shape those materials into products, and the recyclers who keep discarded plastics circulating in the economy—the plastics supply chain is a vital and diverse driver of the global economy.

Material Suppliers

Processors

Equipment Manufacturers

Recyclers

All economic data is sourced from PLASTICS’ Annual Size and Impact Report, authored by Chief Economist Dr. Perc Pineda.