PLASTICS: FLiP celebrates growth and impact in 2024 

As the new year starts, it’s the perfect time to look back to 2024 at the accomplishments of the Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP) program, an initiative of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS). Designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the plastics industry, FLiP has had an extraordinary year of growth, engagement and community impact. 

Celebrating 10 years of FLiP

The year marked a significant milestone — the 10th anniversary of FLiP. The program saw an impressive 80 new members join in 2024, bringing total membership to 264, a remarkable increase from the years when membership hovered around 100. This steady growth reflects FLiP’s increasing relevance to young professionals, with a 48 percent membership growth from 2023 to 2024 alone and a projected 33 percent growth into 2025. 

Engagement across FLiP activities also surged, with more young professionals attending FLiP networking events, business meetings and continuing education sessions. FLiP members brought energy to PLASTICS events, with a 63 percent increase in FLiP member attendance at the National Plastics Conference compared to events past, and 30 percent of attendees at NPE2024 being under 40 — the biggest segment of that youthful demographic in NPE history. 

"The growing engagement of young professionals at our events is a testament to the bright future of our industry," said Matt Seaholm, president and CEO of PLASTICS. "Their energy, innovation and fresh perspectives are driving meaningful conversations and shaping the industry’s direction. Seeing 30 percent of NPE2024 attendees under 40 — the youngest demographic in the event’s history — and a strong presence of FLiP members at the National Plastics Conference underscores the importance of creating spaces like FLiP where the next generation of leaders can connect, learn and grow their careers.” 

Driving community impact 

FLiP’s commitment to giving back is shown by its Community Impact Task Group, which organizes an annual litter cleanup.  In October, ahead of the National Plastics Conference, at the third annual cleanup, 41 plastics professionals gathered at Houston’s Woodland Park, collecting 51 bags of mismanaged materials. Participants proudly wore shirts bearing the message: “We love plastic. We hate plastic waste,” symbolizing their commitment to keeping plastics where they belong — in the economy, not the environment. 

The initiative extended beyond this event through PLASTICS’ Cleanup Champions program, in which nine companies organized 63 cleanup events and mobilized more than 650 volunteers to address litter in their local communities. These efforts demonstrate how FLiP members are making meaningful environmental contributions. 

Building connections 

Networking has always been a cornerstone of FLiP, and 2024 was no exception. FLiP meetups brought together more than 50 young professionals across four cities — Anaheim, Calif., Washington, Houston and Cleveland. From events like mini golf at the National Plastics Conference to coffee gatherings, these meetups fostered friendship and professional connections. 

FLiP’s mentorship program also thrived with 17 pairings in 2024. For nine years, the program has provided a platform for experienced industry leaders to guide young professionals, offering invaluable advice and insights to help them grow in their careers. 

Chris Firmage, sustainability operations and supply chain specialist at Hillenbrand, attributes much of his recent professional growth to mentorship from Mark Johansen, VP of marketing and product management at ACS Group, through FLiP’s mentorship program. Their mentorship focused on leadership, management, strategic decision-making and leveraging external development resources. 

Reflecting on the experience, Firmage says, “Mark’s insights and feedback were invaluable during my recent promotion and transition into a new role.” He adds, "I highly recommend this program to anyone in plastics manufacturing, especially those early in their careers. Meeting with Mark gave me newfound confidence, offering a valuable external perspective to complement the development process I’ve experienced at Hillenbrand.” 

Cultivating skills 

FLiP’s focus on professional development was evident through its quarterly speaker series, and book club discussions. This year’s speaker topics included insights into NPE2024, mastering public speaking, leveraging AI in the workplace and understanding economic trends. Speakers like Meghan Dotter, CEO of Portico PR, and Zoom’s Josh Kallmer provided tailored content to help young professionals enhance their skills and knowledge. 

The FLiP book club offered an additional avenue for development, exploring themes like leadership, productivity and sustainability. Discussions ranged from TED Talks to books such as The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest and Soundtracks by Jon Acuff, fostering thoughtful dialogue and learning among participants. 

FLiP & Sip at NPE2024 

NPE2024 saw the largest FLiP & Sip Reception in its history, with 1,061 registrants for the sold-out event. This lively evening of networking, food, music and games brought young professionals together and built meaningful connections. A highlight of the night was a game of networking bingo, which encouraged participants to meet new people and deepen their industry relationships. 

Looking ahead 

As FLiP celebrates its 10th year, the program’s continued success is a testament to the passion and dedication of its members, mentors and supporters. By fostering leadership, promoting professional growth and giving back to communities, FLiP is shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for the plastics industry.