Founded in 1937, SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association is the trade association representing one of the largest manufacturing industries in the United States. SPI`s members represent the entire plastics industry supply chain, including processors, machinery and equipment manufacturers and raw material suppliers. The U.S. plastics industry employs nearly one million American workers and provides more than $427 billion in annual shipments.

The mission of SPI is to be a world class trade association representing the entire plastics industry in a way that promotes the development of the plastics industry and enhances the public`s understanding of its contributions while meeting the needs of society and providing value to its members.

As the national trade association for the U.S. plastics industry, SPI`s objectives are three-fold:

SPI represents and serves as the spokesperson for the industry locally, nationally and internationally, with emphasis on influencing public policy on issues of concern to the industry.
SPI works to promote the accomplishments of the plastics industry, enhance its image and improve the business climate in which it operates.
SPI promotes industry growth, competitiveness and the advancement of technology.

SPI accomplishes its objectives through a variety of programs, including representing the industry before federal and state government bodies, informing members about important legislative and regulatory policy developments, identifying trends and emerging issues of concern, building coalitions to help achieve industry goals and communicating the value of the plastics industry and its products to key audiences.

SPI also serves as a resource for members needing technical expertise, statistical information and regulatory compliance assistance. It maintains liaison with national and international technical and regulatory groups to develop standards for product performance and safety to protect existing markets for plastics and open new ones.

Through its national, international and regional activities, SPI promotes industry growth and development through a variety of programs to improve company performance and create a positive business environment for the plastics industry.

SPI also sponsors NPE, the international plastics showcase for the industry and its products and an unparalleled forum for industry interaction.

In addition to SPI`s core services, SPI`s industry groups and program committees serve the special needs of various industry segments. Some units are formed around specific materials, manufacturing processes and end markets, while others represent plastics machinery and equipment manufacturers or product manufacturers.