Performance Plastics April/May 2026 cover

Performance Plastics Magazine: A Publication of The International Association of Plastics Distribution

Introducing the latest digital edition of Performance Plastics Magazine is here, delivering insight, innovation and intelligence to give you an edge in the plastics market.

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As IAPD’s official publication, Performance Plastics delivers technical insights, sustainability trends and market intelligence for industrial plastics leaders, connecting manufacturers and distributors with the latest innovations and best practices.

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Performance Plastics Magazine

Performance Plastics Magazine is published bimonthly by IAPD, The Performance Plastics Association, and distributed in print and digital formats to IAPD members and industry leaders. Advertising in the magazine helps build brand recognition, strengthen industry credibility and reach decision-makers across the plastics distribution channel, including manufacturers, distributors, fabricators, recyclers, OEMs, designers, specifiers and engineers.

Past Issues

April/May 2026

Coverage highlights: Industry advocacy and legislative engagement, as exemplified by the organization’s Congressional Fly-In event in Washington, D.C., where members met with lawmakers to discuss the economic impact and vital role of performance plastics in modern society.

February/March 2026

Coverage highlights: The evolving landscape of the industry, highlighting the launch of the 2026 Women in Plastics Leadership Program alongside technical features on automation in fabrication, hybrid manufacturing for composite tooling, and the emerging trend of “greenhushing” in corporate sustainability.

December 2025/January 2026

Coverage highlights: Leadership transitions from the 69th Annual IAPD Convention in Chicago, featuring the introduction of new President Jim Richards and a strategic focus on the “Recycling Technology Innovation Act” to ensure regulatory certainty for the industry.

Performance Plastics August/September 2025 cover

October/November 2025

Coverage highlights: industry leadership and sustainability perspectives, application showcases, community and policy engagement, and new plastics innovations.

August/September 2025

June/July 2025

April/May 2025

February/March 2025

December 2024/January 2025

October/November 2024

August/September 2024

June/July 2024

April/May 2024

February/March 2024

December 2023/January 2024

October/November 2023

August/September 2023

June/July 2023

April/May 2023

February/March 2023

December 2022/January 2023

October/November 2022

August/September 2022

June/July 2022

April/May 2022

Performance Plastics February 2022/March 2022 cover

February/March 2022

December 2021/January 2022

October/November 2021

August/September 2021

June/July 2021

April/May 2021

February/March 2021

December 2020/January 2021

October/November 2020

A Publication of The Performance Plastics Association

Performance Plastics Magazine equips supply chain executives, engineers, and sales professionals with expert insights and application-driven strategies to navigate regulatory challenges, close technical knowledge gaps, and support business growth.

IAPD represents companies across the performance plastics supply chain and advances the industry through three core pillars: Grow, Learn and Distribute. Through advocacy, collaboration and sustainable practices, the association helps keep the industry competitive, connected and unified.

Members gain a strategic advantage through educational resources, industry tools and exclusive networking opportunities that help them adapt to legislative changes, strengthen workforce performance and drive innovation across the global supply chain.

Mission Statement

Expand the market for performance plastics through collaboration, education and a commitment to sustainability; promote distribution as the way to market.

What are Performance Plastics?

Performance plastics are engineered materials designed to deliver specific mechanical, thermal, electrical or chemical properties in demanding applications. Unlike commodity plastics, they are selected for performance, reliability and durability in harsh environments. These materials are often used as lightweight alternatives to metal and can be machined or fabricated into precise components. They are commonly used in industries such as aerospace, medical, electronics and industrial manufacturing.

Grow and Advocate

IAPD works to strengthen and promote the performance plastics industry by attracting new talent and addressing key trends, risks and opportunities. The association helps increase awareness and expand the use of performance plastics across markets.

A key priority is educating policymakers and stakeholders to support informed decisions and effective industry advocacy. IAPD also emphasizes a unified sustainability strategy and promotes the environmental benefits of performance plastics.

Knowledge and Capability

IAPD works to improve the knowledge, skills and overall performance of its member organizations and their employees. It provides training and professional development opportunities for professionals at every level, from executives to emerging leaders.

The association also develops educational resources on key industry issues, including sustainability and government legislation, while offering tools and guidance to help members strengthen their capabilities and advance their sustainability efforts.

Distribution Channels

IAPD works to strengthen the distribution channel as the preferred path to market for performance plastics. It identifies, promotes and supports best practices across the supply chain while establishing clear expectations and competencies for channel partners.

The association also supports relationship-building through events and collaboration opportunities and encourages collective industry initiatives that are more effective when addressed together.

Education

IAPD offers a wide range of training options to support companies of all sizes, whether they have established programs or are building training from the ground up. Its educational resources can enhance existing programs or provide a cost-effective alternative to internal training development.

IAPD University™ includes certificate programs, technical resources and e-learning webinars, many of which are available online at no cost. Members also have access to discounted, structured training through the IAPD Training Portal, along with on-demand content, industry insights and tools such as IAPD GPT to support ongoing learning and professional development.

Membership

IAPD represents companies across the performance plastics supply chain that are committed to distribution as the preferred path to market. Membership provides access to a trusted network of manufacturers, distributors, fabricators and service providers, creating opportunities to expand business, increase visibility and build long-term partnerships.

Members benefit from resources that support growth, including networking, market insights and tools to strengthen operations, while also gaining a unified industry voice. Membership also enhances credibility by demonstrating a company’s commitment to technical knowledge, ethical business practices and the performance plastics industry.

Ready to get involved? Businesses can review membership options and apply through the IAPD Join Us page. For personalized assistance or questions about the rejoin policy, contact IAPD at +1.913.345.1005 or jbokath@iapd.org.

Event Calendar

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Sustainability

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FAQ’s

What is the IAPD?

The IAPD is a trade association that advances the performance plastics industry by connecting manufacturers, distributors and fabricators, while providing education, advocacy and resources to support business growth, workforce development and supply chain innovation.

How do I join IAPD?

To join the IAPD, complete a membership application based on your company type—such as distributor, manufacturer, fabricator, recycler, manufacturers’ representative or associated products and services. Membership includes companies engaged in the stocking and wholesale distribution of plastics sheet, rod, tube, film, resin, pipe, fittings and valves.

What are the IAPD Plastics Certificate Programs?

The IAPD Plastics Certificate Programs are industry-focused training courses designed to build foundational and advanced knowledge in performance plastics, covering materials, properties, processes and applications, while also offering specialized tracks in sales, sustainability and pipe, valves and fittings to help professionals improve technical expertise and business performance.

What events does IAPD offer?

The IAPD – The Performance Plastics Association offers a range of events throughout the year, including its Annual Convention, live training workshops, webinars, leadership programs and networking opportunities. These events are designed to support education, industry connections, and business growth across the performance plastics supply chain.

What is the IAPD GPT?

IAPD GPT is a custom AI-powered platform developed by the IAPD to help members enhance sales, technical knowledge and business strategy by providing tools for prospecting, training, research and content creation—all tailored specifically to the performance plastics industry.

What is the IAPD's position on plastic sustainability?

The association focuses on “Performance Plastics,” which are durable, long-life materials used in engineering, rather than single-use packaging.

How does IAPD and the performance plastics industry support sustainability?

IAPD and the performance plastics industry supports sustainability by helping manufacturers design durable, lightweight and long-lasting components that can reduce material use, energy consumption, maintenance and waste over time. Through responsible material selection, lifecycle-focused design and recycling or reuse programs where practical, performance plastics can help improve efficiency and support more sustainable manufacturing. Learn more: https://iapd.org/IAPD/Sustainability/Sustainability-Performance-Plastics.aspx

Why is it important for IAPD members to advocate for the plastics industry?

Plastics are often misrepresented in the media, creating bias that is not supported by data, making it critical for IAPD members to share accurate information with legislators, regulators and key decision makers, using their expertise to highlight the true benefits of plastics and ensure the industry’s voice is heard.

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