Alexei Volkov
Plastic is a core backbone of industries across the US economy, including aviation, automotive, construction, and healthcare. The US has played a major role in the global plastics industry, with many of the world's largest plastic manufacturers based in the country. In 2023, North America accounted for 17% of global plastic materials production, with plastic production in the US alone totaling 130 billion pounds. The plastics industry in the US is a significant job creator, supporting over 1.55 million jobs and driving economic growth. However, the US also faces challenges with plastic waste, with an estimated 9.2 billion tons of plastic manufactured globally between the 1950s and 2017, and only 600 million tons recycled.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic production in the US in 2023 | 130 billion pounds |
| Plastic production in North America in 2022 | 17% of global plastic production |
| Plastic generation in the US in 2018 | 35.7 million tons |
| Plastic resins used in the US | PET, HDPE, LDPE |
| US states with the highest concentration of plastics industry employees | Texas, California, Ohio |
| US industries that use plastics | Aviation, automotive, construction, healthcare, consumer goods, industrial applications |
| Global plastic production in 2022 | 400 million metric tons |
| Plastic waste produced by the average European per year | 34.5 kilos |
| Plastic production process | Polymerisation, polycondensation |
| Natural materials used to produce plastics | Cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt, crude oil |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic waste: US is the biggest producer
Plastic waste is a pressing global issue, with plastic production expected to quadruple by 2050 compared to 2019 levels, reaching 1480 million tonnes. This issue is particularly prominent in the US, which is the biggest producer of plastic waste. The US plastics industry is a significant contributor to the economy, supporting over 1.55 million jobs and providing vital revenue. Texas, California, and Ohio have the highest concentrations of plastics industry employees, with these states also exhibiting high manufacturing activity.
The US is a major player in global plastics production, with many of the world's largest plastic manufacturers based in the country, including Dow Chemical and ExxonMobil. In 2023, North America accounted for 17% of global plastic materials production, with US plastic production totaling 130 billion pounds. Thermoplastic polymers, such as Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), were the most sought-after polymers worldwide in 2022, and the US produced 113 million pounds of these polymers in 2023.
Plastics are derived from natural, organic materials such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt, and crude oil. The production process involves the distillation of crude oil into fractions, with naphtha being the crucial compound for plastic production. Polymerisation and polycondensation processes are then used to create plastic polymers.
The US plastics industry provides essential products for various sectors, including aviation, automotive, construction, and healthcare. However, plastic waste generation in the US was 35.7 million tons in 2018, with plastics comprising 12.2% of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation. While recycling efforts are improving, the amount of recycled plastics remains relatively small, with specific types of plastic containers having higher recycling rates, such as PET bottles and jars at 29.1% in 2018.
The issue of plastic waste in the US is complex, involving economic, environmental, and social factors. Addressing this issue requires a combination of policy changes, improved recycling infrastructure, and a shift towards more sustainable alternatives to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.
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Plastic production: North America ranks second
Plastic is derived from natural, organic materials such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt, and crude oil. The production of plastics involves the distillation of crude oil into fractions, with naphtha being the crucial compound for plastic production. Two main processes, polymerisation and polycondensation, are used to produce plastics.
Plastics are a core component of industries across the US economy, including aviation, automotive, construction, and healthcare. The plastics industry is a significant contributor to manufacturing in US states with large economies, such as Texas, California, and Ohio, which have high concentrations of manufacturing activity.
The plastics industry in the US is the eighth-largest industry, supporting the manufacture of affordable consumer goods and advanced industrial products. It is the third-largest manufacturing industry in the country, providing over 1.55 million jobs. In 2023, North America accounted for 17% of global plastic materials production, with plastic production in the US totalling 130 billion pounds.
While plastics have various applications, they contribute significantly to waste generation. In 2018, plastics generation in the United States was 35.7 million tons, constituting 12.2% of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation. The containers and packaging category had the highest plastic tonnage within MSW, with over 14.5 million tons in 2018.
North America ranks second in worldwide plastic production, highlighting the significant role of the US in the global plastics industry.
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Plastic manufacturers: Dow Chemical, ExxonMobil
The plastics industry is a significant contributor to the US economy, creating essential products that are critical to everyday life. It is the eighth-largest industry in the country, employing over 1.55 million people and generating revenue and sustainability. Texas, California, and Ohio have the highest concentrations of plastics industry employees, with Texas being a key state for plastic production.
Dow Chemical is a large producer of plastics, including polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, and synthetic rubber. Its first plastic products were ethylcellulose, created in 1935, and polystyrene, made in 1937. Dow's largest site is in Freeport, Texas, which is also the largest integrated chemical manufacturing site in the country. The company has other plants in Texas, Michigan, and sites worldwide, including in Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. Dow's plastics are used in a range of industries, including automotive and construction.
ExxonMobil is another major player in the US plastics industry. Its Baytown complex in Texas manufactures 2.3 million metric tons of plastic annually but has been criticized for contributing to regional air and water pollution and emitting chemicals above permitted limits. ExxonMobil produces a range of chemical and polymer products, including polypropylene, solvents, synthetic base stocks, tackifiers, and transformer oils. The company has rebranded "advanced recycling" technology as a solution to the plastic crisis, with plans to build chemical recycling plants at various manufacturing sites worldwide.
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Plastic products: packaging, containers, bottles
Plastic products such as packaging, containers, and bottles are produced across the United States, with a heavy concentration along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana, known as the Chemical Coast, where 84% of U.S. plastics production is located. This region is home to major plastics producers, including ExxonMobil, Dow, LyondellBasell, Westlake Chemical, and Formosa Plastics.
The production of plastic packaging, containers, and bottles involves the use of various plastic resins and end-product plastics. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) are commonly used in trash bags, while clear or foamed polystyrene is often used for plastic food service items. For beverage bottles, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is frequently used, while HDPE is used for milk and water bottles. Other resin types are also used for plastic containers, bags, sacks, wraps, and lids.
The process of plastic production begins with pre-production microplastics, which are small plastic flakes, beads, pellets (nurdles), or powders made from fossil fuels, typically gas or oil. These pre-production microplastics are then melted and molded into various plastic products, including packaging, containers, and bottles. However, the ubiquity of plastic products has led to significant environmental concerns, with plastic pellet pollution being identified near production facilities and in waterways.
To address plastic pellet pollution, the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act (S.2337/ H.R. 7634) has been proposed to prohibit the discharge of plastic pellets and other pre-production plastics into U.S. waters. Additionally, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has identified numerous chemicals associated with plastic packaging that pose human health and environmental hazards. Despite these concerns, plastic production continues to be a significant segment of municipal solid waste (MSW), with the containers and packaging category accounting for over 14.5 million tons of plastic in 2018.
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Plastic jobs: over 1.55 million people employed
Plastic production is a major industry in the United States, with the country playing a significant role in the global plastics industry. In 2022, North America ranked second in terms of plastic production, accounting for 17% of global production. The US plastics industry is a vital job creator, providing over 1.55 million jobs and driving economic growth and innovation.
The plastics industry in the US is the third-largest manufacturing sector, generating more than a million jobs and contributing to the country's economic resilience and competitiveness. It is a key backbone of several industries, including aviation, automotive, construction, and healthcare. The versatility, durability, and affordability of plastics make them indispensable in these sectors.
Texas, California, and Ohio have the highest concentrations of plastics industry employees. These states also exhibit high manufacturing activity, as most plastic products are used as inputs for manufactured goods. The plastics industry supports a wide range of ancillary industries, including those providing fuel, spare parts, office supplies, accounting services, and transportation.
The American Chemistry Council's Plastics Division represents America's Plastic Makers and the half-million-plus scientists, engineers, technicians, and innovators who create essential and lifesaving plastic products. These professionals are committed to sustainability and innovation, striving to make plastics more recyclable and environmentally friendly.
The US plastics industry is vital to the economy, driving job creation and generating revenue. It plays a crucial role in manufacturing, packaging, and construction, providing affordable and durable materials for these sectors. With its far-reaching impact, the industry supports the employment of a significant number of people across various sectors in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
Texas, California, and Ohio have the highest concentrations of plastics industry employees. These states also have high concentrations of manufacturing activity, as most plastic products are inputs for manufactured goods.
Dow Chemical and the ExxonMobil chemical division are two of the world's largest plastic manufacturers based in the US.
Plastics are made from natural materials such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt, and crude oil.
