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.
Ohio’s Plastics and Manufacturing
Ohio Manufacturing Depends on Plastic
From Cleveland to Cincinnati, Ohio manufacturers rely on high-tech materials—especially plastic—to drive jobs, innovation, and progress.
Plastic’s Role in Ohio’s Economy
Ohio-made
Ohio is a national leader in plastics manufacturing, with more than 49,000 workers and over $26 billion in annual revenue. These operations result in billions in employee earnings reinvested in Ohio communities
Plastic = Innovation
Plastic is a high-tech material shaped by chemistry, physics, and engineering. From healthcare to solar energy to aerospace, plastic enables the innovations that improve our lives.
Let’s keep that innovation in Ohio—not send it overseas.
Made-in-Ohio Industries Rely on Plastic
Plastic isn’t just a supporting player—it’s essential to Ohio’s biggest industries.
Cars & Trucks
Ohio ranks #3 in U.S. automotive manufacturing jobs
- Plastic comprises 50% of today’s vehicles by volume
- Lightweight plastic components improve safety, fuel efficiency, and performance
- Used in bumpers, airbags, dashboards, fuel tanks, seatbelts, and more
Solar Energy
Ohio ranks 5th in solar energy installed in 2024
- Plastics insulate, protect, and improve the efficiency of solar panels.
- Home to 250+ solar companies employing ~8,000 people
Aerospace & Aviation
600 aerospace and aviation firms operate in the state.
Over 35,000 Ohioans employed in the sector
Plastics are essential in aircraft—from fuselages to flight suits
Akron: “Rubber Capital of the World,” major center for rubber & plastic
Ohio Jobs & Workforce — People Powering Progress
Ohio’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 Ohio’s manufacturing economy. The numbers tell the story:
679,000 employees in manufacturing statewide
$374 billion in goods shipped annually
14% of state jobs are in manufacturing
Did you know: Akron is known as a hub for plastics and polymer innovation.
Get to Know an Ohio Change Maker
Meet a local helping build a more sustainable plastics industry in Ohio:Jeremy, President of Alterra, uses cutting-edge technology to turn hard-to-recycle plastics into valuable resources—again and again.
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.
Ohio Recycling Innovation= Jobs
U.S. plastic makers—including Ohioans—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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