The American Chemistry Council (ACC) recently published a new report that highlights some good news for Pennsylvania and our economy. Pennsylvania is among the largest economies in the nation, and the manufacturing sector is one of the biggest contributors to our Commonwealth’s GDP. The engine behind our growing manufacturing sector? Plastics production.

The data confirms what we already know – plastics are foundational to the Commonwealth’s jobs and supply chain. In Pennsylvania alone, plastics manufacturing directly supports over 38,000 jobs, pays $2.66 billion in annual wages, ships $16.8 billion in products, and operates about 580 locations around the state. The average annual salary in the industry for Pennsylvanians is nearly $70,000, offering a secure and well-paying career path for our local community members.

For Pennsylvania, the multiplier effects of quality plastic production show up all across the state. Lightweight plastic packaging is used to ensure safe transport in the food and beverage industry. Lifesaving devices ranging from catheters to knee and hip replacements depend on sophisticated plastics. Power generation and everyday technology use plastic to ensure durable performance. Ultimately, plastics are integral to carrying out the diverse array of tasks and lifestyles that all Pennsylvanians have.

Maintaining quality plastic production is compatible with the goal to build a cleaner environment. The answer is not to stop manufacturing plastics, it’s to unleash advanced recycling so that used plastic can be turned into new products. We need to continue to modernize plastic manufacturing plants to lower emissions and make them more energy efficient. In doing so, we maintain the economic output and millions of jobs that Pennsylvanians rely on while also ensuring a more sustainable manufacturing future.

Now, we just need smart policy to keep plastics production thriving here at home. Predictable and straightforward permitting processes enable projects to move at a reasonable pace. Avoiding broad bans that shift production to offshore locations will position

Pennsylvania and the nation as a global force in the manufacturing sector. Helping communities and manufacturers to invest in systems that convert used plastics into new raw materials guarantees responsible growth. Promoting policy that keeps plastic production at home ensures that Pennsylvania workers and the rest of the country benefit.

The ACC report reminds us that plastics manufacturing is necessary for America’s and Pennsylvania’s global competitiveness. In addition to being a marker of success for today, the report provides actionable insights for tomorrow. When manufacturers have the certainty to invest, they will. By supporting the regulatory framework that supports innovation, attracts investment, and incentivizes growth in the plastics industry, Americans, including Pennsylvanians, stand to gain.

The facts speak for themselves– our economy relies on plastics production. This sector is the driver of advanced manufacturing. Keep the plastic industry thriving in the United States, and you keep millions employed and ensure a national manufacturing comeback. As a key manufacturing state,

Pennsylvania understands that more than anywhere else. Let’s keep making the materials that uplift our economy and make daily operations possible– and let’s keep making them here.