A new report from the American Chemistry Council (ACC) underscores the plastics industry’s outsized role in the U.S. economy, highlighting both its direct manufacturing footprint and its broader impact across critical sectors.
According to the 2024 analysis, plastics manufacturing generated more than $1.1 trillion in total economic output and directly supported nearly 670,000 U.S. workers, with a payroll topping $48.6 billion. The industry operates over 11,600 facilities nationwide and invested $17.5 billion in new facilities and equipment last year. Resin and product output alone accounted for nearly $380 billion.
Ross Eisenberg, president of America’s Plastic Makers, emphasized the sector’s essential role: “Plastics are essential to modern life, powering our economy and enabling innovation in everything from healthcare and clean energy to transportation and safe food and water.”
Beyond Manufacturing: A Broad Industrial Footprint
Plastics’ economic influence extends far beyond resin and product facilities. In 2024, U.S. industries heavily reliant on plastics—including automotive, healthcare, packaging, and construction—employed 4.8 million people and paid nearly $400 billion in wages. Plastics also remain a cornerstone of U.S. trade, with $64 billion in exports and a notable trade surplus in resin production.
Regional Impact
The industry’s strength is especially evident in states with deep manufacturing bases:
- Louisiana: 6,460 direct jobs; average salary $108,310; 90 facilities.
- Ohio: 49,080 direct jobs; average salary $66,320; 810 facilities.
- Pennsylvania: 38,060 direct jobs; average salary $69,810; 580 facilities.
- Michigan: 41,020 direct jobs; average salary $73,780; 600 facilities.
- Texas: 54,090 direct jobs; average salary $85,680; 840 facilities.
State leaders and industry councils have echoed the ACC’s findings, framing plastics as both a driver of high-quality jobs and a backbone of innovation across advanced industries.
A Future Focused on Sustainability
ACC’s Plastics Division, representing hundreds of thousands of scientists, engineers, and technicians, continues to emphasize investment not only in production but also in recycling and circularity. The vision: a future where all plastic products are reused or recycled, conserving resources while maintaining plastics’ role in modern life.
Source: American Chemistry Council
U.S. Plastics Resin Producers Set Goals to Recycle 100% of Plastic Packaging
Chemical Activity Barometer Eases Following Six Consecutive Monthly Gains
 underscores the plastics industry’s outsized role in the U.S. economy.){kind=link}