GITNUXREPORT 2025

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In The Plastics Industry Statistics

Diversity and inclusion efforts boost plastics industry performance and workplace satisfaction.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Investment in DEI initiatives in the plastics industry increased by 20% over the past two years

Statistic 2

65% of plastics industry executives believe DEI initiatives have improved workplace culture

Statistic 3

81% of employees who participate in DEI initiatives report increased job satisfaction

Statistic 4

Companies with higher DEI maturity report a 25% higher employee productivity rate

Statistic 5

The rate of reported discrimination complaints in plastics companies has decreased by 8% after DEI efforts

Statistic 6

Only 15% of leadership roles in the plastics industry are held by women

Statistic 7

Companies with diverse leadership teams are 35% more likely to outperform their peers financially

Statistic 8

Only 10% of plastics industry board members are women

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The percentage of suppliers in the plastics industry with DEI policies increased by 15% over the past three years

Statistic 10

Minority representation in the plastics manufacturing workforce is at 22%

Statistic 11

40% of entry-level roles in the plastics industry are held by women

Statistic 12

The retention rate for minority employees in the plastics industry is 12% lower than for non-minorities

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28% of companies in the plastics sector have specific DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives

Statistic 14

18% of plastics companies report challenges in recruiting diverse talent

Statistic 15

According to a survey, 72% of minority employees in plastics feel they have equal opportunities for advancement

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Women make up 27% of the technical workforce in the plastics manufacturing industry

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34% of plastics companies have established mentorship programs aimed at underrepresented groups

Statistic 18

The median pay gap between male and female employees in the plastics industry is 12%

Statistic 19

23% of plastics industry employees come from diverse or minority backgrounds

Statistic 20

62% of plastics companies report implementing DEI training programs for all employees

Statistic 21

55% of minority employees in plastics industry feel represented in leadership

Statistic 22

48% of plastics companies have conducted DEI climate surveys annually

Statistic 23

33% of plastics firms have dedicated DEI officers or teams

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LGBTQ+ representation in the plastics industry workforce is estimated at 5%

Statistic 25

43% of plastics industry employees believe their companies are genuinely committed to diversity

Statistic 26

70% of young professionals in the plastics industry prioritize working for inclusive companies

Statistic 27

15% of plastics companies have partnered with HBCUs or minority-serving institutions for workforce development

Statistic 28

Overall, 45% of employees in the plastics sector support ongoing DEI training and development programs

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Key Highlights

Only 15% of leadership roles in the plastics industry are held by women
Minority representation in the plastics manufacturing workforce is at 22%
Companies with diverse leadership teams are 35% more likely to outperform their peers financially
40% of entry-level roles in the plastics industry are held by women
The retention rate for minority employees in the plastics industry is 12% lower than for non-minorities
28% of companies in the plastics sector have specific DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives
18% of plastics companies report challenges in recruiting diverse talent
According to a survey, 72% of minority employees in plastics feel they have equal opportunities for advancement
Women make up 27% of the technical workforce in the plastics manufacturing industry
65% of plastics industry executives believe DEI initiatives have improved workplace culture
Only 10% of plastics industry board members are women
34% of plastics companies have established mentorship programs aimed at underrepresented groups
The median pay gap between male and female employees in the plastics industry is 12%

Despite the plastics industry’s crucial role in innovation and manufacturing, only 15% of leadership roles are held by women, highlighting the urgent need for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion to foster a more innovative and equitable workplace.

DEI Initiatives and Corporate Policies

Investment in DEI initiatives in the plastics industry increased by 20% over the past two years

DEI Initiatives and Corporate Policies Interpretation

With a 20% surge in DEI investments over two years, the plastics industry is finally molding itself into a more inclusive and equitable future—because innovation flourishes where diversity is valued.

Employee Experience and Workplace Culture

65% of plastics industry executives believe DEI initiatives have improved workplace culture
81% of employees who participate in DEI initiatives report increased job satisfaction
Companies with higher DEI maturity report a 25% higher employee productivity rate
The rate of reported discrimination complaints in plastics companies has decreased by 8% after DEI efforts

Employee Experience and Workplace Culture Interpretation

Although plastics industry leaders and employees alike are united in celebrating the tangible benefits of DEI initiatives—from elevated workplace culture and satisfaction to a significant productivity boost—the 8% drop in discrimination complaints underscores that there's still progress to be made in melting away bias and building truly inclusive environments.

Leadership Diversity and Representation

Only 15% of leadership roles in the plastics industry are held by women
Companies with diverse leadership teams are 35% more likely to outperform their peers financially
Only 10% of plastics industry board members are women

Leadership Diversity and Representation Interpretation

Despite women holding a mere 15% of leadership roles and 10% of board positions in the plastics industry, the data clearly shows that diverse leadership teams, even in such a male-dominated sector, are 35% more likely to outperform their peers—highlighting that inclusion isn't just ethical, but essential for competitive success.

Supply Chain and Industry Engagement

The percentage of suppliers in the plastics industry with DEI policies increased by 15% over the past three years

Supply Chain and Industry Engagement Interpretation

With a 15% surge in DEI policies among plastics industry suppliers over three years, it seems the industry is finally molding a more inclusive and equitable future—plastic, perhaps, but progress nonetheless.

Workforce Demographics and Inclusion

Minority representation in the plastics manufacturing workforce is at 22%
40% of entry-level roles in the plastics industry are held by women
The retention rate for minority employees in the plastics industry is 12% lower than for non-minorities
28% of companies in the plastics sector have specific DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives
18% of plastics companies report challenges in recruiting diverse talent
According to a survey, 72% of minority employees in plastics feel they have equal opportunities for advancement
Women make up 27% of the technical workforce in the plastics manufacturing industry
34% of plastics companies have established mentorship programs aimed at underrepresented groups
The median pay gap between male and female employees in the plastics industry is 12%
23% of plastics industry employees come from diverse or minority backgrounds
62% of plastics companies report implementing DEI training programs for all employees
55% of minority employees in plastics industry feel represented in leadership
48% of plastics companies have conducted DEI climate surveys annually
33% of plastics firms have dedicated DEI officers or teams
LGBTQ+ representation in the plastics industry workforce is estimated at 5%
43% of plastics industry employees believe their companies are genuinely committed to diversity
70% of young professionals in the plastics industry prioritize working for inclusive companies
15% of plastics companies have partnered with HBCUs or minority-serving institutions for workforce development
Overall, 45% of employees in the plastics sector support ongoing DEI training and development programs

Workforce Demographics and Inclusion Interpretation

Despite steady strides with nearly half of employees championing ongoing DEI initiatives, the plastics industry’s minority representation at 22%, a 12% gender pay gap, and only 5% LGBTQ+ inclusion reveal that the sector’s diversity journey still has miles to go before it truly reflects its workforce's vibrant spectrum.