The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) advocates on behalf of the plastics industry to promote sound public policies that support economic growth and innovation. As one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the U.S. economy, the plastics industry impacts environmental quality, health and safety regulations, packaging standards, political campaigns, and more.
PLASTICS brings together plastics manufacturers, processors, and other industry players to monitor regulatory developments, engage with government agencies, participate in the legislative process, and develop resources to assist members in comprehending regulations.
Every state is connected to plastics companies that produce goods with environmental benefits, from more fuel-efficient automobiles to products that support plastics recycling and keep materials out of landfills. Employers strive to minimize environmental and health impacts.
PLASTICS Environmental Issues Task Group members address topics such as air quality standards, pollution prevention, waste management, water quality, and EPA administration of the Toxic Substances Control Act. The group meets twice annually and communicates regularly.
Members can subscribe to PLASTICS’ EHS newsletter covering current environmental issues. The Task Group works to keep members informed on regulatory developments, respond to federal agency initiatives, and share regulatory compliance resources and best practices. For example, PLASTICS supports Operation Clean Sweep, an international program that prevents resin loss in the marine environment.
The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Packaging Materials Committee (FDCPMC) develops advocacy strategies supporting sound science and regulations for the packaging of FDA-regulated products. Members discuss regulatory changes, compliance requirements, and science to assure packaging safety worldwide.
FDCPMC engages officials at the FDA and counterpart agencies globally as an industry authority. It also hosts a symposium connecting regulators, experts, and business leaders to tackle obstacles to the worldwide marketing of food packaging.
PLASTICS members can access FDCPMC work products and contribute to documents in development.
The PLASTICS PAC amplifies industry voices in Washington and protects member interests by contributing to congressional campaigns, focusing on candidates who prioritize the plastics industry. As a non-partisan organization operating under Federal Election Commission rules, PLASTICS PAC supports challengers and important committee leaders across party lines.
To communicate with employees about PLASTICS PAC successes, federal law requires member companies first grant permission. Members can complete a Prior Approval Form so the PAC can share news and solicit employee donations directly. Strong participation strengthens the collective industry voice.
In the U.S. and abroad, chemicals management and product regulations significantly impact the plastics industry. PLASTICS encourages all manufacturers to meet the highest product safety, health, environmental standards, and circularity practices.
The Product Regulatory Task Group addresses amended TSCA implementation, hazard communication, process safety management, product stewardship initiatives, and domestic and global chemical restrictions relevant to plastics.
PLASTICS monitors and engages with the EPA, other agencies, and international regulatory developments to participate in rulemaking in members’ interests. For example, revisions to the Globally Harmonized System for chemical classification and labeling affect plastics businesses worldwide.
PLASTICS shares regulatory compliance resources and looks to provide training for product stewardship professionals on regulations and the plastics industry.
With over 600,000 skilled plastics industry workers nationwide, safety is paramount. Facilities follow federal OSHA regulations and OSHA-approved state workplace safety programs.
The PLASTICS Worker Health and Safety Task Group discusses combustible dust, lockout/tagout procedures, machine guarding, hazard communication, injury prevention, recordkeeping, and more. The group meets twice annually and as needed.
PLASTICS monitors and engages with OSHA and state agencies on regulatory initiatives, including new Globally Harmonized System chemical classification rules that impact employees worldwide. PLASTICS also engages with NFPA on combustible dust standards development.
Ongoing resources such as the EHS newsletter keep members informed on health and safety regulations, compliance assistance, enforcement trends, and opportunities to share safety best practices.
The Plastics Industry Association’s “Recycling is Real” campaign aims to counter anti-plastic narratives by showcasing the reality and importance of plastic recycling in the circular economy.
Through videos and illustrative examples from across various industries and states, the initiative educates the public about recycling processes, locations, and the individuals involved, reinforcing confidence in recycling’s critical role and combating misinformation that discourages recycling efforts.To learn more about what’s happening, as it happens, take a look at Recycling in the News.
PLASTICS provides extensive resources exploring meaningful plastics topics through articles, infographics, and more at ThisIsPlastics.com. Users can easily access information on:
PLASTICS offers videos, posters, web banners, and other tools to educate on plastics. Members also get exclusive materials to showcase the power and promise of plastics.
