Jeanne, Sustainability Lead at BASF, is part of a growing cadre of scientists and other technical experts focused on microplastics and creating a circular economy for plastics.
Michigan’s Plastic Manufacturing and Innovation
Michigan Manufacturing Depends on Plastic
From Grand Rapids to Detroit, manufacturers rely on high-tech materials—especially plastic—to drive jobs, innovation and progress.
Plastic's Role in Michigan's Economy
Michigan-made
Together, plastic and plastic product makers in Michigan generate over $16 billion in revenue and deliver billions in employee earnings invested back into local communities.
Plastic = Innovation
Plastic is a high-tech material shaped by chemistry, physics, and engineering. It powers the products that shape our daily lives—from healthcare to energy, transportation to safe drinking water.
Let’s keep that innovation in Michigan—not send it overseas.
Support plastics manufacturing and recycling in Michigan.
Made-in-Michigan Industries Rely on Plastic
Plastic isn’t just a supporting player—it’s essential to Michigan’s biggest industries.
Cars & Trucks
Michigan ranks #1 in U.S. automotive manufacturing, producing nearly 20% of all cars made in America. And plastic plays a major role in every vehicle.
Plastic makes up 50% of a vehicle’s volume, reducing weight and boosting fuel efficiency.
Lightweight plastics improve safety, performance, and emissions.
The Big Three automakers depend on plastic for airbags, bumpers, fuel tanks, dashboards, and more.
Medical Devices
Michigan is a national leader in medical technology, employing over 13,000 workers in medical device manufacturing.
High-tech plastics are critical for devices like surgical robots, implants, and PPE.
Michigan’s 4th largest private employer, based in Kalamazoo, builds a global lineup of plastic-based healthcare tools.
Medical plastics must meet exacting standards for cleanliness, durability, and biocompatibility.
Agribusiness
Michigan agriculture generates over $100 billion in economic activity annually. Plastic helps protect the products that sustain that growth.
Innovative plastic packaging prevents spoilage and reduces food waste.
Plastic’s durability and light weight help lower transportation emissions.
A Fortune 500 distributor in Byron Center ships to all 50 states, often using plastic packaging to protect Michigan-grown produce.
Michigan Jobs & Workforce — People Powering Progress
Michigan’s manufacturing success depends on innovation—and on people. Engineers, technicians, and scientists are rethinking how plastics are made, used, and remade—strengthening industries and communities statewide. Plastics don’t just power products; they power Michigan’s manufacturing economy. The numbers tell the story:
590,000 employees in manufacturing statewide
$297 billion in goods shipped annually
15% of state jobs are in manufacturing
Did you know: Michigan has more engineers per capita than any other state. Many are helping transform plastic into products for national defense, healthcare, energy, and more.
Get to know just a few of Michigan’s Change Makers who are helping build a more sustainable plastics industry:
John, Commercial Director at Trinseo, is integrating recycled and bio-based materials into the auto supply chain.
Elias, a materials scientist at BASF, is taking inspiration from nature to develop composites.
Jennifer, a technology leader at Pregis, is improving the sustainability of shipping packaging.
As a communicator with a chemical engineering degree, Susan is well suited to share the story of plastic and sustainability.
Staci, head of marketing for the consumer business, BASF Performance Materials North America, is leading the charge in developing sustainable solutions for products we all use in our everyday lives.
Beth is parlaying her love for running into a dedicated drive to improve the sustainability of foam materials.
Michigan Recycling Innovation= Jobs
U.S. plastic makers—including Michiganders—are investing billions in advanced recycling. These technologies turn used plastic back into valuable raw materials, helping recycle more of the ~90% of plastics not recycled today, creating jobs, and reducing landfill waste. But we need Congress to do its part to pave the way.
Send a letter to Washington urging support for plastic recycling innovation. 
2026
American Chemistry Council, Inc.
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