GITNUXREPORT 2025

Upskilling And Reskilling In The Plastics Industry Statistics

Plastics industry invests heavily in upskilling for innovation and sustainability.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The global market for upskilling and reskilling solutions specific to plastics is predicted to reach $2.8 billion by 2025, driven by industry needs

Statistic 2

The plastics industry’s adoption rate of augmented reality (AR) in training sessions increased by 45% between 2021 and 2023

Statistic 3

68% of plastics industry companies are investing in upskilling initiatives to enhance workforce capabilities

Statistic 4

45% of plastics manufacturers reported a skills gap in automation and digital skills

Statistic 5

The plastics sector is projected to spend over $3 billion globally on workforce training by 2025

Statistic 6

52% of plastics industry employees believe reskilling opportunities have improved their job satisfaction

Statistic 7

60% of plastics companies have implemented digital learning platforms for employee training

Statistic 8

The average time spent on upskilling in the plastics industry increased by 25% over the past two years

Statistic 9

70% of plastics companies consider upskilling in sustainability and eco-friendly manufacturing crucial for future growth

Statistic 10

38% of plastics manufacturing workers have undergone reskilling programs related to COVID-19 safety measures

Statistic 11

85% of plastics industry leaders see digital skills as essential for future competitiveness

Statistic 12

40% of plastics companies reported difficulty in finding skilled workers, prompting a focus on reskilling existing employees

Statistic 13

55% of plastics industry training programs now include modules on sustainable manufacturing practices

Statistic 14

The plastics industry’s annual training investment per employee averages $1,200, with some companies investing up to $3,000

Statistic 15

65% of plastics companies report an increase in productivity after implementing upskilling programs

Statistic 16

47% of plastics industry workers have expressed interest in reskilling to adapt to Industry 4.0 technologies

Statistic 17

The adoption of online training modules in plastics companies grew by 70% between 2020 and 2022

Statistic 18

32% of plastics industry employees have participated in cross-training programs to support flexibility and workforce resilience

Statistic 19

80% of plastics companies are considering partnerships with educational institutions to facilitate upskilling initiatives

Statistic 20

75% of plastics industry managers believe that reskilling can reduce turnover rates

Statistic 21

Virtual reality (VR) training is being adopted by 30% of plastics companies for complex process training

Statistic 22

50% of plastics manufacturing workers see digital literacy as a key skill for career advancement

Statistic 23

The demand for specialized skills in bioplastics is expected to increase by 40% over the next five years

Statistic 24

60% of plastics industry trainers report challenges in keeping curriculum aligned with rapidly evolving industry technologies

Statistic 25

Over 90% of plastics companies believe that reskilling is necessary to meet regulatory compliance standards for environmentally safe manufacturing

Statistic 26

The number of reskilling programs targeting machine operators in plastics increased by 55% in 2022

Statistic 27

72% of plastics industry workers are willing to participate in voluntary upskilling initiatives if offered incentives

Statistic 28

The plastics industry's investment in AI and automation training is expected to reach $500 million globally by 2024

Statistic 29

43% of plastics organizations have developed internal mentorship programs to facilitate skills transfer and upskilling

Statistic 30

Plastics industry workers aged 50+ are 25% more likely to participate in reskilling programs than younger workers, aiming to extend their careers

Statistic 31

35% of plastics companies are using gamification techniques as part of their upskilling strategies

Statistic 32

The pace of digital transformation in plastics manufacturing has increased by 60% since 2019, necessitating rapid upskilling efforts

Statistic 33

82% of plastics industry HR managers see upskilling as a key component of company resilience strategies during economic downturns

Statistic 34

Reskilling initiatives targeting green manufacturing practices in plastics have grown by 50% in the past year, reflecting industry shift toward sustainability

Statistic 35

54% of plastics companies provide online certification programs to validate skills acquired through upskilling

Statistic 36

28% of plastics workers have transitioned to new roles in digital process control after participating in reskilling programs

Statistic 37

The average duration of upskilling programs in plastics manufacturing is approximately 6 months, with shorter modules being more prevalent

Statistic 38

65% of plastics industry companies see ongoing learning programs as essential for innovation

Statistic 39

Companies investing in AI-based training tools in plastics report a 30% reduction in onboarding time for new employees

Statistic 40

Reskilling programs aimed at production managers in plastics have improved leadership effectiveness scores by 20%

Statistic 41

Plastics companies that partner with technology providers for training see 40% faster adoption of new manufacturing techniques

Statistic 42

33% of plastics industry employees participate in cross-disciplinary training to enhance versatility and innovation

Statistic 43

78% of plastics industry HR managers prioritize reskilling for Industry 4.0 competencies in their strategic planning

Statistic 44

Investment in virtual training solutions in plastics manufacturing increased by 65% from 2020 to 2022, driven by pandemic-related shifts

Statistic 45

Survey data shows that 59% of plastics industry workers have completed at least one formal upskilling or reskilling course in the past year

Statistic 46

42% of plastics industry firms are developing internal digital literacy assessments to customize upskilling programs

Statistic 47

The number of plastics manufacturers implementing autonomous quality control systems increased by 50% in 2022, requiring specialized reskilling efforts

Statistic 48

47% of plastics industry supervisors have undergone leadership development programs focusing on change management and upskilling

Statistic 49

The global plastics industry’s upskilling expenditure is expected to reach over $4 billion annually by 2026, reflecting rapid technological evolution

Statistic 50

67% of plastics companies have seen a direct link between employee upskilling and improved safety records

Statistic 51

The integration of robotics into plastics production lines has increased demand for technical upskilling by 60% over the past three years

Statistic 52

54% of plastics organizations offer micro-credentials or badges to recognize completed upskilling and reskilling efforts, increasingly popular among workers

Statistic 53

73% of plastics industry professionals agree that continuous learning is vital for navigating technological disruptions

Statistic 54

Customized reskilling programs targeting specific job roles in plastics increased retention rates by 15%, according to industry reports

Statistic 55

The use of simulation-based training in plastics processing has doubled since 2020, helping workers master complex equipment safely

Statistic 56

58% of plastics companies report that upskilling their workforce has contributed to successful adoption of Industry 4.0 practices

Statistic 57

The average age of employees participating in plastics industry upskilling programs is decreasing, with a 10-year drop since 2018, indicating wider inclusion

Statistic 58

65% of plastics firms are exploring AI-driven personalized learning paths to improve training effectiveness

Statistic 59

The number of partnerships between plastics companies and vocational training centers increased by 35% from 2021 to 2023, emphasizing collaborative upskilling efforts

Statistic 60

The automation of plastics recycling processes has led to a 50% increase in demand for reskilled technicians specialized in sustainable practices

Statistic 61

Investment in data analytics skills within the plastics industry has grown by 45% over the last three years, reflecting a focus on smart manufacturing

Statistic 62

62% of plastics industry professionals express confidence that continuous upskilling will help future-proof their careers

Statistic 63

84% of plastics companies believe that reskilling initiatives have positively impacted innovation and product development

Statistic 64

Industry reports indicate that plastics companies implementing comprehensive upskilling programs see a 20% decrease in downtime due to equipment or process errors

Statistic 65

The proportion of plastics industry workers with digital manufacturing skills increased by 30% between 2019 and 2023, driven by upskilling efforts

Statistic 66

66% of plastics companies have incorporated AI and machine learning topics into their employee training curriculums, reflecting technological integration

Statistic 67

The value of cross-functional skills in plastics industry staff has grown by 55% over the past four years, as industries seek more versatile talent

Statistic 68

48% of plastics organizations report increased employee engagement as a result of active upskilling and reskilling programs, leading to higher retention

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Key Highlights

68% of plastics industry companies are investing in upskilling initiatives to enhance workforce capabilities
45% of plastics manufacturers reported a skills gap in automation and digital skills
The plastics sector is projected to spend over $3 billion globally on workforce training by 2025
52% of plastics industry employees believe reskilling opportunities have improved their job satisfaction
60% of plastics companies have implemented digital learning platforms for employee training
The average time spent on upskilling in the plastics industry increased by 25% over the past two years
70% of plastics companies consider upskilling in sustainability and eco-friendly manufacturing crucial for future growth
38% of plastics manufacturing workers have undergone reskilling programs related to COVID-19 safety measures
85% of plastics industry leaders see digital skills as essential for future competitiveness
40% of plastics companies reported difficulty in finding skilled workers, prompting a focus on reskilling existing employees
55% of plastics industry training programs now include modules on sustainable manufacturing practices
The plastics industry’s annual training investment per employee averages $1,200, with some companies investing up to $3,000
65% of plastics companies report an increase in productivity after implementing upskilling programs

As the plastics industry accelerates into a future defined by automation, sustainability, and digital transformation, a remarkable 68% of companies are investing heavily in upskilling and reskilling initiatives—yet the sector faces a pressing skills gap in areas like automation and digital expertise, fueling a worldwide training investment projected to exceed $3 billion by 2025.

Market Trends and Projections

The global market for upskilling and reskilling solutions specific to plastics is predicted to reach $2.8 billion by 2025, driven by industry needs

Market Trends and Projections Interpretation

As the plastics industry gears up with a projected $2.8 billion in upskilling and reskilling solutions by 2025, it's clear that adapting skills isn't just a trend—it's the molten core of staying relevant in a world turning greener and smarter.

Technological Adoption and Innovation

The plastics industry’s adoption rate of augmented reality (AR) in training sessions increased by 45% between 2021 and 2023

Technological Adoption and Innovation Interpretation

The plastics industry’s rapid 45% surge in adopting augmented reality for training signals a clear shift towards high-tech upskilling, making workers' skills as adaptable as the polymers they craft.

Workforce Skills and Training

68% of plastics industry companies are investing in upskilling initiatives to enhance workforce capabilities
45% of plastics manufacturers reported a skills gap in automation and digital skills
The plastics sector is projected to spend over $3 billion globally on workforce training by 2025
52% of plastics industry employees believe reskilling opportunities have improved their job satisfaction
60% of plastics companies have implemented digital learning platforms for employee training
The average time spent on upskilling in the plastics industry increased by 25% over the past two years
70% of plastics companies consider upskilling in sustainability and eco-friendly manufacturing crucial for future growth
38% of plastics manufacturing workers have undergone reskilling programs related to COVID-19 safety measures
85% of plastics industry leaders see digital skills as essential for future competitiveness
40% of plastics companies reported difficulty in finding skilled workers, prompting a focus on reskilling existing employees
55% of plastics industry training programs now include modules on sustainable manufacturing practices
The plastics industry’s annual training investment per employee averages $1,200, with some companies investing up to $3,000
65% of plastics companies report an increase in productivity after implementing upskilling programs
47% of plastics industry workers have expressed interest in reskilling to adapt to Industry 4.0 technologies
The adoption of online training modules in plastics companies grew by 70% between 2020 and 2022
32% of plastics industry employees have participated in cross-training programs to support flexibility and workforce resilience
80% of plastics companies are considering partnerships with educational institutions to facilitate upskilling initiatives
75% of plastics industry managers believe that reskilling can reduce turnover rates
Virtual reality (VR) training is being adopted by 30% of plastics companies for complex process training
50% of plastics manufacturing workers see digital literacy as a key skill for career advancement
The demand for specialized skills in bioplastics is expected to increase by 40% over the next five years
60% of plastics industry trainers report challenges in keeping curriculum aligned with rapidly evolving industry technologies
Over 90% of plastics companies believe that reskilling is necessary to meet regulatory compliance standards for environmentally safe manufacturing
The number of reskilling programs targeting machine operators in plastics increased by 55% in 2022
72% of plastics industry workers are willing to participate in voluntary upskilling initiatives if offered incentives
The plastics industry's investment in AI and automation training is expected to reach $500 million globally by 2024
43% of plastics organizations have developed internal mentorship programs to facilitate skills transfer and upskilling
Plastics industry workers aged 50+ are 25% more likely to participate in reskilling programs than younger workers, aiming to extend their careers
35% of plastics companies are using gamification techniques as part of their upskilling strategies
The pace of digital transformation in plastics manufacturing has increased by 60% since 2019, necessitating rapid upskilling efforts
82% of plastics industry HR managers see upskilling as a key component of company resilience strategies during economic downturns
Reskilling initiatives targeting green manufacturing practices in plastics have grown by 50% in the past year, reflecting industry shift toward sustainability
54% of plastics companies provide online certification programs to validate skills acquired through upskilling
28% of plastics workers have transitioned to new roles in digital process control after participating in reskilling programs
The average duration of upskilling programs in plastics manufacturing is approximately 6 months, with shorter modules being more prevalent
65% of plastics industry companies see ongoing learning programs as essential for innovation
Companies investing in AI-based training tools in plastics report a 30% reduction in onboarding time for new employees
Reskilling programs aimed at production managers in plastics have improved leadership effectiveness scores by 20%
Plastics companies that partner with technology providers for training see 40% faster adoption of new manufacturing techniques
33% of plastics industry employees participate in cross-disciplinary training to enhance versatility and innovation
78% of plastics industry HR managers prioritize reskilling for Industry 4.0 competencies in their strategic planning
Investment in virtual training solutions in plastics manufacturing increased by 65% from 2020 to 2022, driven by pandemic-related shifts
Survey data shows that 59% of plastics industry workers have completed at least one formal upskilling or reskilling course in the past year
42% of plastics industry firms are developing internal digital literacy assessments to customize upskilling programs
The number of plastics manufacturers implementing autonomous quality control systems increased by 50% in 2022, requiring specialized reskilling efforts
47% of plastics industry supervisors have undergone leadership development programs focusing on change management and upskilling
The global plastics industry’s upskilling expenditure is expected to reach over $4 billion annually by 2026, reflecting rapid technological evolution
67% of plastics companies have seen a direct link between employee upskilling and improved safety records
The integration of robotics into plastics production lines has increased demand for technical upskilling by 60% over the past three years
54% of plastics organizations offer micro-credentials or badges to recognize completed upskilling and reskilling efforts, increasingly popular among workers
73% of plastics industry professionals agree that continuous learning is vital for navigating technological disruptions
Customized reskilling programs targeting specific job roles in plastics increased retention rates by 15%, according to industry reports
The use of simulation-based training in plastics processing has doubled since 2020, helping workers master complex equipment safely
58% of plastics companies report that upskilling their workforce has contributed to successful adoption of Industry 4.0 practices
The average age of employees participating in plastics industry upskilling programs is decreasing, with a 10-year drop since 2018, indicating wider inclusion
65% of plastics firms are exploring AI-driven personalized learning paths to improve training effectiveness
The number of partnerships between plastics companies and vocational training centers increased by 35% from 2021 to 2023, emphasizing collaborative upskilling efforts
The automation of plastics recycling processes has led to a 50% increase in demand for reskilled technicians specialized in sustainable practices
Investment in data analytics skills within the plastics industry has grown by 45% over the last three years, reflecting a focus on smart manufacturing
62% of plastics industry professionals express confidence that continuous upskilling will help future-proof their careers
84% of plastics companies believe that reskilling initiatives have positively impacted innovation and product development
Industry reports indicate that plastics companies implementing comprehensive upskilling programs see a 20% decrease in downtime due to equipment or process errors
The proportion of plastics industry workers with digital manufacturing skills increased by 30% between 2019 and 2023, driven by upskilling efforts
66% of plastics companies have incorporated AI and machine learning topics into their employee training curriculums, reflecting technological integration
The value of cross-functional skills in plastics industry staff has grown by 55% over the past four years, as industries seek more versatile talent
48% of plastics organizations report increased employee engagement as a result of active upskilling and reskilling programs, leading to higher retention

Workforce Skills and Training Interpretation

As the plastics industry rapidly shifts toward digital, sustainable, and automation-driven paradigms, a notable 68% of companies are investing in upskilling initiatives—highlighting that in this sector, staying qualified means staying competitive, because in a world where 70% see sustainability training as crucial for growth and 85% deem digital skills indispensable, those who ignore reskilling risk being left to scrap the past.