Industry investments reached $17.5 billion in new facilities and equipment
America’s plastics industry continues to stand as one of the nation’s most powerful economic engines, generating more than $1.1 trillion in total economic output in 2024, according to a new analysis released today by the American Chemistry Council (ACC). The report highlights that plastics manufacturing directly employed nearly 670,000 workers last year, contributing a payroll of $48.6 billion and producing close to $380 billion worth of plastic resins and products. Industry investments reached $17.5 billion in new facilities and equipment, underscoring the sector’s continued role in driving innovation and growth.
“Plastics are essential to modern life, powering our economy and enabling progress in everything from healthcare and clean energy to transportation and safe food and water,” said Ross Eisenberg, president of America’s Plastic Makers. “Plastics manufacturing means good jobs, strong wages, and sustained investment in America’s future.”
The reach of the industry extends far beyond plastics facilities themselves. Key U.S. sectors such as automotive, construction, healthcare, and packaging rely heavily on plastics, together employing 4.8 million people and paying nearly $400 billion in wages in 2024. Plastics are also a cornerstone of U.S. trade, with nearly $64 billion in exports last year. With strong domestic production capacity, the United States enjoys a trade surplus in plastic resins, reinforcing its role as a global leader in advanced materials manufacturing.
The economic impact of plastics manufacturing is felt in communities across the nation, with particularly strong contributions in Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. In Louisiana, the industry directly employs more than 6,400 workers with average annual salaries exceeding $108,000. Governor Jeff Landry praised the sector, stating, “Louisiana is proud to lead the nation in plastics manufacturing, with some of the highest-paying jobs in America. These careers support Louisiana families and strengthen our economy, and we will ensure our state remains a hub for innovation and opportunity.”
In Ohio, the industry employs nearly 50,000 people, making the state a national leader in plastics product manufacturing. “Ohio is proud to rank number one in the U.S. for plastics product manufacturing employment and production value,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “The industry supports tens of thousands of high-quality jobs and advances industries from healthcare to transportation. In addition, plastics manufacturing is a major factor in Ohio’s position as a national leader in innovation and manufacturing.”
Pennsylvania also benefits significantly, with more than 38,000 direct jobs and average annual salaries approaching $70,000. “The plastics manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s economy,” said Steven Kratz, president of the Pennsylvania Chemical Industry Council. “By supporting thousands of skilled jobs and fueling innovation across critical industries like healthcare and advanced manufacturing, this sector not only strengthens communities but also solidifies the Commonwealth’s competitive position on a global and national scale.”