Editor; Though Alterra will not build its advanced recycling facility in Sugarloaf Township, Luzerne County, state leaders should work diligently to help them identify an alternative site to ensure this project is built in Pennsylvania.

Investments in advancing new and innovative recycling technologies are the best pathway to address plastic pollution while enabling the continued use of plastic materials that make modern life possible.  Everywhere you turn, Pennsylvanians rely on plastics throughout their daily lives.  Plastics are needed for most healthcare products, medical devices, renewable energy, building materials, food packaging, electronics, clothing, vehicles, aviation, military equipment and more.

A recent economic analysis by the American Chemistry Council found that nearly 27% of all U.S. manufacturing output comes from sectors where plastics constitute 5% or more of material inputs. Simply put, plastics aren’t going anywhere. However, we can and must do more to advance sustainable plastics manufacturing, including increasing recycling rates and plastics remanufacturing.

Claims that we can eliminate the use of plastics go beyond hyperbole; it’s irresponsible public policy. Walk into any hospital, school, home, office or manufacturing facility and you will see the many ways that plastics are essential.

Pennsylvanians should embrace companies like Alterra and the economic investments, job creation they will bring to our Commonwealth to curb plastic pollution and strengthen sustainable manufacturing supply chains.

Steve Kratz, President, Pennsylvania Chemical Industry Council, Harrisburg

Posted to Politics July 17, 2025 by Steve Kratz

July 10, 2025 

Pennsylvania Business and Industry Leaders Urge EPA Administrator Zeldin to Unleash Plastics Manufacturing

Harrisburg, PA: The Pennsylvania Chemical Industry Council joined with 15 business and industry groups in sending a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, encouraging the agency to enact targeted regulatory reforms to enhance America’s global competitiveness.

While strategic regulatory reforms will increase all domestic manufacturing investment and output, the plastics industry is the most hindered by both old and new regulations. Plastics support over a quarter of domestic manufacturing operations. In 2023 alone, plastics contributed $5.19 billion to Pennsylvania's gross domestic product and chemicals, plastics, and rubber production support over 97,000 direct and related jobs.

While the coalition of business leaders believes we are on the right track, the administration can unleash a manufacturing renaissance — creating new jobs and fostering economic growth — through targeted regulatory reforms to enable greater plastics manufacturing and remanufacturing. As a global energy and manufacturing leader, Pennsylvania is poised to lead this charge by advancing collaborative, science-based policies and regulations. 

“Plastics are essential to modern life quality and are used to manufacture most of the products we use every day," said PCIC President Steven Kratz. “In contrast to many countries, our manufacturers are held to rigorous regulatory standards. Prioritizing domestic production helps keep American workers and consumers safe, while also better protecting the environment.”