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.

The plastics and chemicals industries, their supply chain relationships, R&D and skilled workforce are central to Australia’s current high income economy and in particular, to attaining an environmentally sustainable future:

• Turnover in these sectors is approximately $33.6 billion
• Wages and salaries $4.9 billion
• Employment in the sectors is about 83,000 people directly 
• The sectors represent approximately 10 per cent of total Australian manufacturing activity

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

• Look here for a current list of PACIA members
• Learn more about the Australian chemicals and plastics industries
• Learn more about the benefits of PACIA membership