Key Facts & Trends in the U.S. Plastics and Rubber Industry

4 MIN. READ

The U.S. plastics and manufacturing sector is a dynamic and growing industry, demonstrating strong exports and employment growth in recent years. A large and complex industry that encompasses everything from mechanical rubber goods and gaskets to plastic film and foam products, having a deep understanding of this market can help industrial sales and marketing professionals navigate the industry. This article will break down the key elements of the rubber and plastics sector in the U.S, including major subsectors, and will examine the latest trends, statistics, and challenges in the industry.

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Key Facts and Statistics in the U.S. Rubber and Plastics Industry

Based on exclusive data collected by MNI, compiler and publisher of the industrial data that powers IndustrySelect, the U.S. rubber and plastics sector includes:

• 13,074 companies across the nation.
• 934,916 employees, representing nearly one million workers.
• $548 billion in average reported sales.
• 44% of companies reporting international distribution.
•  20% importing raw materials.
• 98,380 square feet as the average facility size.
• 46 years as the average company age.
•  2% women-owned and 1% minority-owned firms.

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What Makes Up the U.S. Rubber & Plastics Sector?

The U.S. rubber and plastics industry is highly diverse, spanning everything from industrial seals to packaging to footwear. By SIC category, the industry breaks down as follows:

Miscellaneous Plastics Products (SIC 308):10,427 companies (79.8%).

These manufacturers produce molded, extruded, and fabricated plastic products used across nearly every industry, from containers and labware to signage and packaging.

Fabricated Rubber Products (SIC 306): 1,251 companies (9.6%)

This group produces seals, grommets, bushings, and vibration dampeners essential for automotive, appliance, and machinery production.

Gaskets, Packing, Sealing Devices, and Rubber Hoses/Belting (SIC 305): 1,098 companies (8.4%)

These firms make O-rings, industrial belts, and hoses used across energy, food processing, and heavy manufacturing.

Tires and Inner Tubes (SIC 301): 273 companies (2.1%)

This capital-intensive segment manufactures for passenger vehicles, trucks, off-road equipment, and aviation.

Rubber and Plastics Footwear (SIC 302): 25 companies (0.2%)

These specialized producers make waterproof, industrial, and protective footwear.

Where Are Rubber & Plastics Manufacturers Located?

Rubber and plastics manufacturing is deeply regional. The Midwest accounts for 37 percent of all companies, followed by the South with 32 percent. The East Coast and Pacific/Mountain regions each account for 18 percent. This distribution reflects the concentration of historic industrial centers in the Midwest and South, alongside newer growth hubs in the Southeast and West.

Top States for Rubber & Plastics Manufacturing (by Employment)

1. Texas – 62,858 employees (6.7%)

Texas leads the nation in rubber and plastics employment. Its strength is fueled by access to petrochemical feedstocks, abundant industrial real estate, and strong trade routes. Houston, El Paso, and Dallas serve as leading hubs for packaging, rubber gaskets, and pipe fittings.

2. Ohio – 83,560 employees (8.9%)

Ohio remains the historic heart of the U.S. rubber and plastics industry. Akron continues to uphold its legacy as the “Rubber Capital of the World,” while Columbus and Cincinnati serve as major centers for plastics processing and automotive supply.

3. California – 55,336 employees (5.9%)

California supports demand from consumer goods, electronics, and aerospace. Southern California leads in plastics fabrication, while the Bay Area adds advanced material innovation.

4. Illinois – 55,169 employees (5.9%)

Illinois hosts a highly diversified cluster that produces tubing, molded parts, and packaging. The Chicagoland region provides critical connections to Midwest OEMs and logistics hubs.

5. Michigan – 51,627 employees (5.5%)

Michigan’s rubber and plastics sector is closely tied to its automotive legacy, supplying seals, hoses, and molded interiors to U.S. and global automakers.

6. Indiana – 39,261 employees (4.2%)

Indiana serves as a hub for both plastics fabrication and industrial rubber products. Activity is centered around Indianapolis, supported by the state’s favorable business climate.

7. Pennsylvania – 37,958 employees (4.0%)

Pennsylvania continues its manufacturing legacy with strong clusters in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, producing both traditional and advanced rubber and plastic goods.

8. Wisconsin – 30,527 employees (3.3%)

Wisconsin’s firms specialize in products serving agriculture, food, and construction. Milwaukee and Green Bay are home to producers of sheeting, containers, and molded parts.

9. Georgia – 27,980 employees (3.0%)

Georgia is an emerging hub for flexible packaging and foam products, with rapid growth concentrated in metro Atlanta.

10. North Carolina – 25,911 employees (2.8%)

North Carolina is known for precision molding and custom fabrication. Its manufacturers supply key markets in healthcare, automotive, and consumer goods.

Top Cities for Rubber & Plastics Manufacturing by Employment

• Akron, OH — 11,696 employees. Akron maintains its historic role as the “Rubber Capital of the World,” home to tire producers, polymer research institutions, and related manufacturers.
• Chicago, IL — 10,402 employees. Chicago serves as a logistics hub and major producer of high-volume plastics and specialty rubber gaskets.
• El Paso, TX — 8,271 employees. El Paso has rapidly expanded as a plastics hub, supported by cross-border supply chains with Mexico.
• Houston, TX — 7,725 employees. Houston benefits from a strong petrochemical base and international trade through the Port of Houston.
• Columbus, OH — 6,681 employees. Columbus is a growing center for plastics and rubber firms serving both automotive and consumer markets.

Ownership Structure

The rubber and plastics industry is predominantly driven by privately held companies. Private corporations, LLCs, and S-corporations make up the vast majority of firms, reflecting the sector’s roots in family ownership and entrepreneurial ventures. Public corporations represent a smaller share but remain influential among the largest players, particularly in tire and packaging production.

Latest Industry Trends

• Recycling remains a major challenge, with less than 20 percent of plastics successfully recycled, creating a shortage of recycled feedstocks.
• Companies are under increasing pressure from regulators and consumers to adopt recycled or bio-based materials.
• Automotive demand is recovering from semiconductor shortages, while electric vehicle adoption is spurring new opportunities as plastics replace heavier metals.
• Reinforced plastics using aramid fibers are emerging as substitutes for asbestos, offering safer and stronger alternatives.
• Automation is transforming production, with manufacturers increasingly using robotics to trim, assemble, check quality, and package parts.
• Antimicrobial plastics, developed during the pandemic, continue to grow in healthcare and consumer markets.
• Labor costs remain a concern, though pressures have eased compared with the peak of the pandemic.

The Takeaway

The U.S. rubber and plastics industry is vast, complex, and indispensable. While it faces challenges related to sustainability, regulation, and shifting consumer expectations, it is also innovating in materials science, automation, and healthcare applications. With its central role in transportation, packaging, and consumer goods, the industry is well-positioned to adapt and thrive in the coming decade.

Connecting with U.S. Rubber & Plastics Manufacturers

If you sell to or partner with the U.S. rubber and plastics sector, finding the right contacts is critical. The Rubber & Plastics Industrial Database from MNI, available through IndustrySelect, provides detailed company profiles and verified executive contacts. Users can build targeted lists, apply custom filters, and connect directly with decision-makers.

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