Sustainable American Infrastructure

We need a modern, sustainable infrastructure so we can build a better future.

And as a key part of America’s critical manufacturing capacity, plastic makers play an integral role in rebuilding our nation’s ability to move people, energy, goods and water while simultaneously driving down greenhouse gas emissions.

Plastic is an irreplaceable part of our nation’s economy, contributing to nearly every vital segment of our manufacturing sector and our lives. It’s essential to creating medical supplies, comfortable housing, personal safety equipment, a safer food supply, clean energy and our family cars.  

Plastic makes our modern life possible.

Making and distributing plastic where and when it’s needed is vital to our ability to go places, deliver food, run a business, make a cell phone call and fight disease. And it helps us drive down greenhouse gas emissions.

Modernizing our recycling infrastructure is vital to building a more circular economy, driving down greenhouse gas emissions and ending plastic waste.

While contributing to a more resilient and greener infrastructure, plastic makers are investing in advanced recycling technologies that will enable our nation to dramatically expand the types and amount of plastic recycled, instead of burying it in landfills. Or losing it to the environment.

Pipes

As we set about rebuilding the resilience of our nation’s infrastructure, we need to focus attention and resources on our crumbling water delivery systems. Plastic pipes are replacing traditional materials in many applications. In fact, millions of miles of plastic pipe are in service throughout North America, relied upon by thousands of water utilities.

Wind Turbines

“Windmills” have come a long way from the iconic steel towers that sprouted across the prairies in the 1890s. As we build out our nation’s low carbon energy infrastructure, ever wonder what the massive wind turbine blades you see today are made of?

Solar Power

To achieve a lower carbon future we’re going to need lots of efficient, long-lasting solar energy capacity. We’ll need a resilient power infrastructure that delivers on the promise of energy from the sun, and plastics is an essential part of it.

Insulation

If we’re going to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure while creating a lower carbon future, it makes sense to modernize this immense, energy-consuming sector. Especially our homes.

What WE're Doing

Progress in Action

Our scientists and engineers make the materials that help enable low carbon energy, fuel efficient cars and trucks, clean water delivery, energy-saving building insulation and more.

Insights

Find out what’s happening and how we’re making sustainable change.

Advocacy Resources

Explore our resources on why we need to build a resilient American infrastructure with durable plastic.