Plastics & Chemicals

The Natural Choice for Plastics Manufacturing

From medical devices to construction to aerospace and beyond, innovations in the plastics industry have caused demand for plastic to continue to grow. In Pennsylvania, we are uniquely positioned to meet the increasing demands of this expanding industry.

Our natural gas reserves - producing the second-largest amount of natural gas in the country - enables the low-cost production of polyethylene, making the commonwealth the natural choice for food packaging companies, automotive component companies, and so much more. And our robust infrastructure including a world-class integrated network of interstate highways, modern freight railroads, three major ports, and six international airports means product can reach major markets at the speed your business demands. And our talent pipeline is developing skilled workers for the plastics industry through three of the nation’s eight accredited plastics engineering programs from two Pennsylvania higher education institutions – Pennsylvania College of Technology, which offers two programs, and Penn State’s Behrend School of Engineering.”

The abundant opportunities for the plastics industry are why Shell built an ethane “cracker” plant which opened in late 2022, creating incredible potential for downstream manufacturers. And, according to a report from IHS Markit, the Marcellus and Utica region have the potential to recover enough ethane for four additional polyethylene-producing facilities.

The feedstock is here. The infrastructure is here. Find out why your plastics business should be here.