U.S. production volume of plastic 2010-2023

In 2023, the total plastics production volume in the United States was 130.1 billion pounds - representing an increase of 3.7 percent from the previous year. Plastics production in the U.S. has increased by roughly 30 million metric tons relative to the output in 2010. The largest annual production growth over the past decade occurred in 2018, when the year-over-year output increased by six percent. In comparison, the total global plastic production amounted to over 400 million metric tons in 2022.

Resin production in the United States

Resin is a viscous liquid, which is used in many industries and is also present in many of the products we use in everyday life. Resin is most commonly used in the production of plastic, varnishes, and adhesives. Of the 130 billion pounds of resin produced in the U.S. in 2023, thermosets accounted for just 13 percent. Thermoplastics such as PVC, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP) resins made up the rest of production that year.

Thermoplastic uses

Thermoplastics have a wide range of applications. In the United States, most of it is used for packaging, consumer and institutional purposes, and building and construction. High density polyethylene (HDPE) is the most highly-sold thermoplastic in the U.S., with total sales and captive use having amounted to nearly 25 billion metric tons in 2023.