The U.S. plastics industry is often overlooked in policy discussions, but its impact on our economy, national security, and technological leadership is undeniable. Across the country, millions of jobs depend on plastics manufacturing, and the materials we produce are foundational to everything from modern infrastructure to medical advancements. Yet, misguided efforts to restrict domestic production risk undermining American workers, weakening our supply chains, and ceding our global leadership in innovation.
The question isn’t whether we need plastics; they’re essential to nearly every sector of our economy. The real question is: Will we continue to lead the world in innovation, production, and recycling, or will we allow foreign competitors to take our place?
A Driver of Economic Growth and Middle-Class Jobs
Plastics manufacturing is a significant force behind American job creation, supporting a diverse workforce that includes engineering, logistics, research, and small business suppliers. Many of these jobs are union-backed and provide critical training and career development opportunities, especially in communities where manufacturing has long been a pathway to the middle class.
Scaling back domestic production would have ripple effects far beyond the plastics industry. Jobs would be lost, supply chains disrupted, and small businesses squeezed. The industry’s tax revenues, which fund schools, infrastructure, and public services, would also suffer. Simply put, weakening the plastics sector means weakening the economic foundation of countless American communities.
A National Security Imperative
Domestic production isn’t just about jobs; it’s about ensuring the U.S. remains resilient in times of crisis. Plastics are used in critical infrastructure such as telecommunications, energy grids, and water systems. Our military and medical sectors depend on them for everything from protective gear to advanced equipment. In an era of growing geopolitical tensions, reducing our reliance on foreign imports should be a priority, not an afterthought.
History has shown that supply chain disruptions — whether caused by global conflicts, pandemics, or economic instability — can have serious consequences. Scaling back domestic plastics production would expose us to unnecessary risks, making American businesses and consumers vulnerable to unpredictable global markets.
Keeping America at the Forefront of Innovation — and a Cleaner Future
The U.S. has long been a leader in plastics research, pioneering advancements in biodegradable materials, high-efficiency manufacturing, and cutting-edge recycling technologies. American companies are investing billions into sustainable solutions that reduce waste and emissions. The irony is that restricting domestic production wouldn’t reduce plastic demand; it would just shift production to countries with weaker environmental standards, undermining economic and ecological goals.
A clean vision for America’s future must balance innovation, manufacturing, and responsible environmental stewardship. The U.S. plastics industry is developing solutions to keep our air, land, and seas clean, including developing materials that are easier to recycle, investing in advanced waste management systems, and reducing the environmental impact of production. Instead of pushing production overseas, we should support research and policies that encourage sustainable practices right here at home. Today, there are even technologies that convert plastic waste into clean energy sources, making advanced plastics recycling a part of building American energy dominance.
America’s role as a global leader in plastics innovation gives us the opportunity and the responsibility to pioneer solutions for cleaner oceans and a healthier planet. Through smarter design, advanced recycling, and strong domestic manufacturing, we can ensure that the plastics of tomorrow are part of the solution, not the problem.
A Smarter Path Forward
There’s a path to strengthening our economy, supporting American workers, and protecting the environment, and it starts with recognizing the essential role of the plastics industry. Policymakers should focus on solutions that encourage domestic manufacturing, support research into advanced recycling technologies, and strengthen supply chain resilience.
TRUMP SIGNS ‘BACK TO PLASTIC’ STRAW ORDER
A thriving U.S. plastics sector isn’t just about economics. It’s about maintaining our global leadership, protecting national security, and ensuring that American industries — automotive, healthcare, aerospace, and beyond — have the materials they need to succeed.
The choice is clear: We can either invest in American innovation and industry, leading the way toward a cleaner, more sustainable future, or we can let foreign competitors dictate the future — at the cost of our economy, our national security, and our environment. The right path forward keeps America strong, competitive, and committed to a cleaner tomorrow.
Sarah Hunt is the president of the Rainey Center.