Industry

New Insights into Plastics Industry Growth Trends

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) released its inaugural Plastics Demand Estimate in July 2024, starting with data from May 2024. This monthly estimate will provide regular insights into plastic trends.

Plastic Trends

In May 2024, U.S. plastics demand was estimated at $22.8 billion. This figure represents a 1.4% increase from April 2024. Additionally, it marks a 3.5% increase from May 2023. This growth in demand was the highest observed since January 2024. The increase indicates a positive trend for the industry.

You can also read: Looking Ahead – Future Shifts in the Plastics Industry

When adjusted for inflation based on the Producer Price Index (PPI) for plastics product manufacturing, demand rose 1.5% monthly. Year-over-year, the inflation-adjusted demand increased by 3.2%. These adjustments provide a clearer picture of real demand growth, highlighting the sector’s resilience.

Plastic Manufacturing Landscape

Plastic products manufacturing experienced growth for the fourth consecutive month in May 2024. This consistent manufacturing growth supports the upward trend in plastics demand observed from the lows of 2023. The steady increase in manufacturing indicates a robust recovery and growing confidence in the industry.

While monthly demand will continue to vary, year-over-year changes in plastics demand have become more aligned recently. This alignment contrasts with 2021 and 2022 when price distortions caused significant fluctuations in plastics demand. The recent stability suggests a more predictable market environment.

How is The Demand Estimated?

The methodology for the Plastics Demand Estimate involves analyzing monthly data on shipments of plastics and rubber products. Adjustments for exports and imports use data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The PPI of plastics product manufacturing, rebased to 2008=100, calculates the inflation-adjusted estimate. This methodology provides real monthly and year-over-year changes in demand, ensuring accurate and relevant insights.

Address questions regarding the report to Perc Pineda, PhD, Chief Economist of PLASTICS. Contact him via email for more detailed information and clarification.

To access to the report click here.

By Juliana Montoya | August 14, 2024

Recent Posts

  • Medical

Lightweight Surgical Guides with Syensqo KetaSpire PEEK

KetaSpire PEEK surgical guides replace metal, offering lightweight, radiotransparency, and reliable sterilization for precise orthopedic…

3 hours ago
  • Industry

PVA-Based Soil Stabilization for Landslide Deposits in Tibet

This polymer-based soil stabilization method shows potential for stabilizing landslide deposits in complex geological environments,…

1 day ago
  • Microplastics

Lichens Show How Greenspaces Cut Atmospheric Microplastics

As biomonitors, lichens show how green spaces buffer urban areas from atmospheric microplastic pollution.

2 days ago
  • Injection Molding

How Xact Metal Conformal Cooling Cut K-Rain Cycle Time 20%

K-Rain cuts sprinkler molding cycle time by 20% using Xact Metal 3D-printed Corrax inserts and…

3 days ago
  • Packaging

Packaging Color Strategy for Stronger Shelf Impact

In a marketplace saturated with chromatic abundance, brands face a fundamental choice about color strategy…

4 days ago
  • Packaging

How Packaging Pictograms Shape Consumer Decisions in Seconds

These minimalist symbols guide billions of daily decisions, yet their sophisticated design process remains largely…

1 week ago