Plastic Producers: America's Top Polluters Revealed

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The plastic manufacturing sector is a major employer, providing millions of jobs worldwide. In 2017, the global plastics market was valued at $522.66 billion, with the industry projected to grow at an annual rate of 4% through 2025. The United States' plastics industry alone contributes $375 billion to the economy. Some of the top plastic manufacturers in the US include Continental Structural Plastics, Inc., Nifco America Corp., and Sixarp LLC. However, the plastic manufacturing industry faces challenges due to growing environmental concerns and the negative public perception of plastics due to issues such as ocean pollution and landfill accumulation.

Characteristics Values
Number of Employees Continental Structural Plastics has 3,500 employees, Nifco America Corp. has 1,100 employees, Sixarp has 1,000 employees, All Service Plastic Molding has 650 employees, Continental Structural Plastics has 600 employees in another plant, Ply Gem Windows has 500 employees, and Bemis has 500 employees
Specialization Continental Structural Plastics manufactures lightweight fiberglass for automotive and transport industries, Nifco America Corp. specializes in plastic fasteners, Sixarp offers business card packaging and general-use plastic wrap, All Service Plastic Molding focuses on automotive and consumer appliance industries, Ply Gem Windows specializes in vinyl plastic framing for windows and doors, Piedmont Plastics distributes plastic sheets, rods, tubes, and film products, and Penn Color manufactures color concentrates for plastics, inks, and coatings industries
Global Presence ExxonMobil is an American multinational company with a presence across the globe

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Continental Structural Plastics, Inc

The company is a member of the Teijin Group and is known for its innovative material development capabilities, product design expertise, and quality-focused processes. Their product portfolio includes molded structural components (thermoset and thermoplastic), Class-A exterior body panels, high-voltage battery carriers, and composite pick-up boxes.

Continental Structural Plastics' commitment to quality standards and advanced composite materials has fueled its rapid growth. The company's Carey, OH plant is the fastest-growing in the US, with 3,500 employees, while its North Baltimore, OH plant employs 600 people. The company's annual revenue was $750 million in 2025, and it currently has 938 employees across its various locations.

The company's materials expertise includes a range of composites such as Tough Class A Ultra Lite, mid-density and standard-density composites, Carbon Fiber SMC, Carbon Fiber RTM, Sereebo Glass Mat Thermoplastics, Long Fiber Thermoplastics, and Natural Fiber Composites. Their corporate headquarters and R&D facilities are located in Auburn Hills, Michigan, with additional manufacturing sites and raw material production plants across the globe.

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Nifco America Corp

Nifco has a comprehensive range of welding techniques and seasoned engineers who operate diverse welding styles, ensuring proficiency in their application. The company also has in-house capabilities, such as a lab that allows them to perform a wide variety of tests on their products to enhance efficiency.

Nifco has mastered the art of building and coding automation equipment in-house, utilizing robotics and bowl feeders to automate the loading of inserts for high-quality products. They also employ a range of plastic injection molding techniques, including two-shot injection molding, insert molding, and twin shot molding, to meet stringent customer requirements and enhance product aesthetics and functionality.

Nifco is committed to safety and has initiatives like Forklift & Driver Safety and Heat Stress Prevention to keep their workplace safe. They also engage in community activities, such as partnering with Canal Winchester Human Services for blanket-making events and toy drives, demonstrating their dedication to positively impacting their community.

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Piedmont Plastics, Inc

The US plastics industry is a significant contributor to the country's economy, valued at $375 billion. Piedmont Plastics, Inc. is a leading plastic distributor in North America, with a network of over 50 locations across the continent. The company has been in business for over 50 years, growing from a local supplier to a premier distributor with a reputation for integrity.

Piedmont Plastics provides wholesale distribution of plastic sheets, rods, tubes, and film, catering to a broad range of industries. They offer an extensive inventory of industrial and engineered plastics, paired with expert knowledge. The company provides cut-to-size services for a wide range of sheet sizes, catering to the unique needs of various sectors. Piedmont Plastics also has one of the largest inventories of marine-grade plastics, serving the evolving requirements of the marine industry.

The company's ISO 9001:2015 film conversion facilities enable them to meet exact specifications with advanced film conversion capabilities. Piedmont Plastics is committed to providing exceptional service, local inventory, and knowledgeable sales teams. They have established a legacy of customer service and product quality, fostering profitable relationships with customers, employees, and suppliers.

Piedmont Plastics' Montreal branch offers local delivery options and a vast inventory, including acrylic, polycarbonate, and industrial plastics. With over 500 employees, the company is well-equipped to provide solutions for technically challenging specifications. Piedmont Plastics also offers market specialization, inventory sharing across branches, and customized value-added services.

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ExxonMobil

In transportation, ExxonMobil's polymers contribute to lightweight vehicles, improving fuel efficiency. Additionally, the company's polymers are used in the production of electric vehicles, helping to reduce weight and improve efficiency. In agriculture, ExxonMobil's plastic films made from polymers offer durable greenhouse solutions, long-lasting mulch, and puncture-resistant grain silo films, benefiting farmers and increasing crop production rates.

Recognizing the global issue of plastic waste, ExxonMobil is committed to expanding its advanced recycling capacity. The company has developed an advanced recycling process that breaks down plastic waste into its molecular building blocks, creating raw materials for new plastics, transportation fuels, and other products. This technology complements traditional recycling methods and helps address plastic waste by increasing recycling rates and promoting a more circular economy. ExxonMobil is also a founding member of the Houston Recycling Collaboration, working to increase access to plastic recycling in the Houston area.

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Lyondellbasell

In 2014, LyondellBasell announced that it was installing two large cracking furnaces at its Channelview plant. The following year, the company announced it would double production capacity at the Bayport Underwood plant. In June 2016, LyondellBasell announced a factory in Northern China—its third facility in the country, following Guangzhou and Suzhou. In December 2017, LyondellBasell partnered with Suez, a French water and waste management company, in the first joint venture between a major plastics and chemicals company and a resource management company.

Frequently asked questions

Some of America's biggest plastic producers include Continental Structural Plastics, Inc., All Service Plastic Molding, Inc., and Nifco America Corp.

Continental Structural Plastics is the leading plastics manufacturer in the U.S. based on the number of employees. The company has plants in Carey, OH, and North Baltimore, OH, with a total of 4,100 employees. They specialize in manufacturing lightweight fiberglass products for the automotive and transport industries.

Some other large plastic manufacturers in the U.S. include Sixarp LLC, Amcor Flexibles, LLC, and Piedmont Plastics, Inc.

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