Pennsylvania takes active role in plastics industry

The Pennsylvania Pavilion at NPE 2015 provides relevant information to visitors on the growing role of the State in the global plastics industry. At nearly $4 billion, Pennsylvania ranks 5th in the country for the value of its plastics and rubber product manufacturing sector.

 

 

Today, Pennsylvania is experiencing an energy boom. As the second-largest producer of natural gas in the United States, a booming shale gas sector is driving down energy costs and opening new opportunities for plastics manufacturers.

 

The availability of Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) is drastically lowering the cost of plastics production by providing ethylene as an inexpensive feedstock alternative in addition to propylene. Many innovative plastics companies and research institutions in Pennsylvania are reaping the benefits of these developments.

 

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development is scheduled to host C. Hank White, director of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Plastics Innovation and Resource Center (PIRC), where he will speak on the benefits companies are experiencing, and further explain the industry in Pennsylvania, while discussing PIRC’s Centers for Excellence in Rotomolding and Thermoforming. These are the only academic centers of their kind in North America, and any company in these industries looking to train employees or develop new products or materials with assistance turns to the Centers.

 

Mr. Hank will also discuss the Global Standards for Plastics Certification (GSPC) program created and offered by Penn College. The program features employee credentials and results in increased production efficiencies for employers. Mr. Hank’s presentation will take place at the Pennsylvania Pavilion, booth S10027, on Monday, March 23, at 10 a.m.