Plastics Industry Association

07/23/2026

The momentum is growing behind the PACK Act, and lead sponsor Rep. Randy Weber (Congressman Randy Weber) makes his case in an op-ed for 535 News.

As PLASTICS continues to fight for clearer definitions and frameworks behind recycling, leadership like this is what helps grow the conversation from ideas to action. That was seen in Wednesday’s House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing.

Rep. Weber continues to be a strong advocate for recycling, and we look forward to continuing to work with him to keep the PACK Act moving.

Picture a mother standing in her kitchen, holding an empty container over two bins. Its label says recyclable, but her recycling program says it does not belong in the blue bin. She searches for instructions and still cannot tell where it should go.

07/23/2026

There's momentum on Capitol Hill to make recycling more accessible for consumers and businesses. That was one of the takeaways our President & CEO Matt Seaholm shared with Brody Mullins when he joined him on 535 News yesterday.

The conversation ranged from the essential role of plastics to why we're supporting the PACK Act and RMAA, which were debated in a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee hearing.

Before the hearing, Matt met with the lead sponsor of the PACK Act, Rep. Randy Weber (Congressman Randy Weber), to discuss how to keep the bill moving forward. Rep. Weber has long advocated for recycling and knows that bills like the PACK Act are key to promoting American manufacturing.

A big thank you to Brody for having Matt on the show, and thank you to Rep. Weber for the engaging conversations.

Watch Matt's full interview on 535 News in the link in the comments.

07/07/2026

What if we've been thinking about "upcycling" and "downcycling" all wrong?

In a new op-ed for Recycling Today, PLASTICS' Senior Vice President of Sustainability & Policy, Patrick Krieger, makes the case that these terms are doing more harm than good.

Turning plastic waste into a luxury product gets celebrated as "upcycling," but turning plastic film into a durable product like composite lumber rarely gets the same praise. Dismissing products like park benches, asphalt, and railroad ties as "downcycled" undervalues real innovation that keeps plastic out of the environment for years, sometimes decades.

Instead of debating whether something is "upcycled" or "downcycled," maybe the better question is simpler: Does the material stay in use?

It's a timely reframe as recycling policy conversations continue to evolve.

Read Patrick's full take below. 👇

Calling something “downcycled” can diminish the real investments and innovations that make recycling possible.

07/04/2026

The Plastics Industry Association wishes everyone a happy 250th Independence Day!

06/24/2026

Oil prices are tumbling after the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, and economists are watching closely to see if it finally cools U.S. inflation.

WTI crude has plunged from a wartime peak of $111.54/barrel in April to $73.61 as of June 22. That's a massive reversal after a conflict that sent gasoline prices soaring more than 40% year-over-year by May.
But will lower oil prices translate to relief at the register? Our Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda, says yes, but not overnight. Markets take time to adjust, and summer travel season could keep some price pressure in play.

Get the full breakdown:

The geopolitical conflict in Iran, which led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s most important oil transit corridor, accou...

06/19/2026

🎉 Big news! PLASTICS has been named a 2026 by WTOP News for our culture that values its people and amplifies talents.

What makes this award special is that it's based 100% on employee feedback. We're grateful to our incredible team for making PLASTICS a place people are proud to work. This one is for you! 👏

Learn more: https://www.plasticsindustry.org/newsroom/plastics-earns-2026-top-workplace-recognition-from-wtop-news/

06/15/2026

Ahead of this week's USMCA negotiations in Washington, D.C., PLASTICS Chief Economist Dr. Perc Pineda is making the case for why the plastics industry needs the agreement expanded and renewed.

His three reasons:
- Regional competitiveness
- National security
- American jobs

The July 1 review deadline is coming fast—and policymakers have a real opportunity to keep North America a competitive, resilient, and self-reliant manufacturing powerhouse.

Read Dr. Pineda's full take here 👇
https://hubs.la/Q04lt7Np0

The United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) includes a provision requiring the three countries to jointly review the free trade agre...

06/15/2026

06/12/2026

PLASTICS President & CEO Matt Seaholm spent the week at PLAST Milan (Plast), where he connected with NPE exhibitors, supported our partners, and engaged with European industry leaders who are already locked in on what's coming in 2027.

The conversations happening internationally are a powerful signal: isn't just the premier plastics trade show in the Americas—it's a global collaboration point where the full supply chain comes together to build relationships and drive innovation.

Floor space is filling fast and the momentum is undeniable. We can't wait to see what NPE2027 becomes.

06/10/2026

Rising PET prices this summer? Warmer weather + steady beverage demand are driving it.

We break down the fundamentals—and why the outlook remains stable.

Industry observers attribute the recent uptick in PET prices to stronger beverage demand—fueled by warmer weather and the seasonal uptick...