Innovations in plastic continuously support economic growth and essential industries in the United States, including healthcare, transportation, energy, technology and aerospace. As President Trump addresses a Joint Session of Congress, we hope he continues to speak to the importance of plastic and highlights the benefits of making plastic here in America.
With $371 billion in annual revenue and more than a quarter of U.S. manufacturing supported by plastic products, it’s safe to say the plastics industry is essential to our nation’s economic well-being and global standing.
Investing in domestic plastic manufacturing is more critical now than ever as its role continues to grow in meeting our military, energy, infrastructure, and consumer needs. To make America the most competitive manufacturing country in the world, the United States need a reliable, steady, domestic supply of plastic materials. We must be in control of our own supply chain, and economic interests.
With nearly 675,000 American workers in plastic products and materials manufacturing, this industry is one of our nation’s economic drivers. The most recent data shows plastics companies invested $14 billion in U.S. manufacturing to grow our ability to make essential materials and products here at home. And their operations resulted in $46 billion in employee earnings invested in communities across the nation.
Aside from manufacturing and job growth, plastic production powers American technological innovation. These innovations help save American families money by creating materials that help make our homes more energy efficient. These innovations also help improve public health by reliably delivering clean drinking water to American communities and food that is packaged in lightweight materials to prevent spoilage.
Plastic makers want to keep investing in America, to help create jobs and secure a robust American supply chain that will reduce dependence on other nations. Domestic production of plastic can power jobs and innovations that will help usher in a new era of American progress.
The President’s E.O. on straws was a step in the right direction. Now is the time for his Administration to champion policies that will help strengthen and expand American manufacturing.
