About Us

The Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association is the pre-eminent national body representing Australia's third largest manufacturing sector. PACIA members include importers and distributors, raw material suppliers and chemical manufacturers, plastics fabricators and compounders, plastics and chemicals recyclers and service providers to the sector.

Chemical and plastics products are the building blocks of a modern economy. The chemicals and plastics  industry provides essential materials to many other sectors, including automotive, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, education and information technology, packaging, construction and consumer appliances. Their product and process innovations make a substantial and continuing contribution to the quality of life enjoyed by all Australians.

Our Vision

Our vision is a vibrant and sustainable industry in Australia, valued and respected by its customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, the community and government.

Our Values

As we strive to realise our vision for the chemicals and plastics industry, we will refer constantly to the values that drive and support the actions we take on behalf of members. We want PACIA to be recognised by all stakeholders as being:

  • Respected as a leader in the development of sustainable strategies, practices and products for the industry and its member companies
  • Committed to the reduction of risk to employees, the community and the environment
  • Responsible, open and transparent in assessing our performance and the impact of the industry's policies and practices on the community
  • Considerate of the positions of all stakeholders
  • Trusted as an intermediary in our relationships with government and other stakeholders
  • Fair and consistent in our use of reasoned debate based on scientific analysis and a depth of industry knowledge

Our Role

By applying these values to our actions, we will assist our members to grow and develop the chemicals and plastics sector, to improve its profitability, and while so doing, ensure that the industry contributes positively to social and environmental sustainability.

Our role is to:

  • Promote the sustainable growth of the industry and provide leadership, support and assistance to our member companies
  • Represent our members positively and fairly in dealings with all stakeholders
  • Support members in their efforts to ensure that the plastics and chemicals industries are leaders in health, safety and environmental performance
  • Represent and communicate the economic, societal and environmental value of the plastics and chemicals sector to all stakeholders
  • Be central to the regulatory process for the chemicals and plastics industry and give members the opportunity to influence the development of appropriate regulation
  • Identify the opportunities for change to ensure growth and enhance the contribution of the chemicals and plastics sector to sustainability
  • Coordinate and facilitate the sharing of information, knowledge and experience to build skills and support innovation within the industry
  • Provide effective issues management across the industry's sphere of operations

Featured Article

PACIA National Conference 2010

The PACIA National Conference was the highlight industry event of the year for the chemicals and plastics industries in Australia. The 2010 PACIA National Conference was held at the Amora Jamison, Sydney, on the 8th, 9th and 10th of June....more

Industry Sustainability

PACIA takes a leadership role in sustainability, delivering members essential tools and resources. Our flagship Sustainability Leadership Framework supports PACIA members to integrate sustainability, creating business value and delivering solutions....more

Business Toolkit

Your members only one-stop-shop. The Business Toolkit provides the critical information and resources that you need on a day to day basis. ...more

Upcoming Events

PACIA Business Breakfast and AGM

PACIA President Ross McCann and Chief Executive Margaret Donnan are pleased to invite you to attend a special Business Breakfast and AGM with The Hon. Gavin Jennings MLC, Victorian Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Innovation. ...more

Carbon Solutions Forum

These forums will stimulate, inform and provide you useful knowledge on emerging technologies, what competitors are doing overseas, changing regulations and incentives in Australia. Come along and develop your company’s carbon solutions!...more

Media Centre

PACIA partners with Monash University on Green Chemistry

The Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association (PACIA) has partnered with Monash University to establish Australia as a leader in Green Chemistry....more

Ross McCann: Manufacturing Hall of Fame Honour Roll

PACIA President and Executive Chairman of Qenos, Ross McCann, joins Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Honour Roll....more

Government experts confirm advice on Bisphenol-A

Recent media coverage on Bisphenol-A or BPA has focussed on possible risks from baby bottles and packaging. The Australian Governments Food Agency, Foods Standards Australia New Zealand, FSANZ, has confirmed its advice on BPA....more