The plastics processing industry is the business of using plastic materials to manufacture a host of end products. As a derivative of the petroleum industry, plastics processing is closely allied with energy and benefits from the density and proximity of oil, natural gas and petrochemical interests in the Houston region.
With access to ample feedstocks and distribution channels, the plastics manufacturing industry has a strong presence in Houston. According to the 2005 Economic Census of Manufacturing, there are 237 manufacturers of actual plastic products in the Houston region. This sector of the plastics industry employs 9,628 workers and had an output of nearly $1.8 billion in 2005. The chart below reveals the scope of this diverse industry.
Plastic Products Manufacturing in the Houston Region
| Industry | Establishments | Employees | Shipments ($000) |
| Film, Sheets and Bags | 38 | 1,662 | $393,500 |
| Pipes, Fittings and Shapes | 24 | 793 | $197,004 |
| Polystyrene Foam | 6 | 272 | $42,561 |
| Bottles | 7 | 699 | $201,706 |
| Misc. Plastics Products | 112 | 5,130 | $769,174 |
| Rubber Products | 35 | 760 | $93,609 |
| Balance | 15 | 312 | $59,578 |
| Total | 237 | 9,628 | $1,757,132 |
Source: The Greater Houston Partnership, 2005 Economic Census of Manufacturing, U.S. Census Bureau. Based on NAICS group 326 (plastics and rubber products).
