Plastics Industry Association: Advocating for the future of the industry
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is leading the charge in advocating on behalf of the entire industry supply chain for smart, sustainable policy solutions — engaging locally, nationally and globally with key policy experts.
In recent months, PLASTICS has been active at pivotal events that have the potential to shape the regulatory and political landscapes for the industry, ensuring our members’ voices are heard where it matters most.
Most notably, Matt Seaholm, PLASTICS president and CEO; Patrick Krieger, senior VP of sustainability and policy; and Hodayah Finman, senior director of regulatory affairs, traveled to Geneva in August to join the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) negotiations on a Global Plastics Treaty. As the global community advances toward sustainable solutions, our team was there on the ground, working to highlight the critical role plastics play in modern society, and the ways in which we can work together toward a circular global economy.
Despite a disappointing conclusion, PLASTICS emphasized the importance of science-based decision-making, support for design-for-recycling principles and the need to accelerate innovation in waste management and circularity. These priorities reflect a growing global recognition that industry collaboration, informed policy and technological advancement are essential to achieving meaningful environmental progress.
“Our presence at INC-5.2 for these historic negotiations was both a responsibility and an opportunity for our industry,” Krieger said. “This is a pivotal moment in shaping how the world addresses plastic waste management, and it’s essential that industry voices are part of the solution, which is why we’ve been engaged throughout the discussions. We’re encouraged to see global stakeholders leaning into collaboration, innovation and shared responsibility to shape a more sustainable future.”
Talking recycling at state legislators' summit
Simultaneously, PLASTICS’ government affairs team attended the 50th annual National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit in Boston. This premier gathering of state lawmakers and legislative staff provided a key opportunity to engage directly with leaders on the value that recycling infrastructure, education and manufacturing investments bring to local communities and economies.
PLASTICS promoted our Recycling is Real program along with our legislative priorities, with an emphasis on the need for greater investment in recycling infrastructure toward keeping waste out of the environment and in the economy.
As state-level interests in packaging and recycling policy continue to grow, PLASTICS is focused on being a trusted resource for lawmakers. Our goal is to support informed, solutions-oriented discussions that lead to policies grounded in science, scalability and environmental stewardship.
“Attending the NCSL Legislative Summit was an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with the policymakers who can determine the future of plastics regulation,” said Danielle Fortunato, PLASTICS regional director, state government affairs. “Our organization continues to advocate for common-sense solutions that strengthen recycling infrastructure, deliver better outcomes and preserve the essential benefits plastics provide — from durability to affordability. By fostering open dialogue and sharing data-driven insights, we’re helping ensure policies remain effective, practical and supportive of a circular economy that benefits both the environment and the economy.”
These engagements drive our broader advocacy mission to ensure that plastics continue to contribute positively to global development and sustainability goals, while addressing legitimate environmental concerns through collaboration, innovation and effective policy.
Our presence at both INC-5.2 and NCSL underscores the multifaceted nature of PLASTICS’ advocacy efforts today. Where international diplomacy, national legislation and local policy all intersect, PLASTICS is committed to being at the table in every forum that affects our industry’s future.
We remain committed to collaborating and engaging with policymakers at every level to ensure our industry’s interests are represented effectively around the globe. Through strategic advocacy, science-based solutions and open dialogue, PLASTICS is working to build a stronger, more sustainable future for the entire plastics industry.