2024 Size and Impact Report: Plastics Industry Thrives, Vital to Job Creation, Economic Growth and Manufacturing

Washington D.C.— The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) unveiled its 2024 Size and Impact Report, the association’s flagship annual analysis of the plastics industry, highlighting continued positive contributions to the U.S. economy.

Dr. Perc Pineda, Chief Economist at PLASTICS, presented an overview of the report’s findings during an online Executive Briefing provided exclusively to PLASTICS members and members of the press.

Highlights shared during today’s briefing included:

• The U.S. plastics industry is large, accounting for over a million jobs (1,005,100) and $519.1 billion in shipments in 2023.
• A success story for the U.S. economy, plastics manufacturing employment grew 1.1% per year from 2013 to 2023, outpacing total manufacturing, which saw employment grow by just 0.7% per year during the same period.
• When suppliers to the plastics industry are considered, plastics-related U.S. jobs grow to 1.55 million, and total shipments grow to $658.2 billion.
• As measured by gross output, the plastic products portion of the plastics industry was the eighth largest U.S. industry in 2022 (the latest year for which data are available).

“This report shows the plastics industry remains vital to our economy as a job creator and a source of innovation,” said PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm. “Our industry will continue to grow as part of the circular economy, finding innovative ways to make plastic better and more sustainable.”

“The 2024 Size and Impact Report of the U.S. plastics industry highlights the vital role the industry plays in the economy,” said PLASTICS’ Chief Economist Dr. Perc Pineda. “The report shows growth in the industry’s real economic value added (adjusted for inflation), an increase in its share of consumer demand, and, more importantly, a rise in annual payroll.”

To request a copy of the Size and Impact Report Executive Summary please email Camille Gallo, cgallo@plasticsindustry.org

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is the only organization that 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.