Plastics Industry Association: Earth Day Highlights Industry’s Ongoing Commitment to Circularity and U.S. Manufacturing

Washington D.C.- This Earth Day, the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is recognizing continued progress across the plastics value chain to advance sustainability and strengthen a more circular economy. From scaling mechanical and advanced recycling technologies to designing lighter, more efficient materials, the industry is investing in practical solutions that keep materials in use, reduce emissions, and support a growing network of manufacturers and recyclers working to expand U.S. recycling infrastructure.

“Across the country, you can walk into facilities today and see plastics being recovered, processed, and turned back into valuable materials,” said Matt Seaholm, President and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS). “That’s the reality of our industry every day. Earth Day isn’t a one-day commitment—it’s central to the work happening across the plastics value chain, driven by the more than one million Americans who design, manufacture, and recycle the products that keep our economy moving—while ensuring materials stay in use and out of the environment. At the same time, we know there is more work to do, and continued collaboration across industry, government, and communities will be essential to strengthening recycling systems and advancing circularity.”

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 $551 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.