site design by Artizan

Our Industry


The Polymer Industry in Ireland is a vibrant, growing and successful part of the Irish economy. Today there are 179 firms operating in the polymer and plastics processing sector in the Republic of Ireland, with a further 30 plus in Northern Ireland. There is a healthy mix of indigenous SME’s and large multinationals, often working closely and collaborating on new projects and innovations.

We are a major employer with Direct Employment in the polymer running at over 6,500 people in the Republic, which represents approx. 4% of the total Irish manufacturing workforce

The economic downturn from 2008 till 2013 brought many difficulties for the industry, but it has recovered strongly over the past 18 months. The industry has a direct turnover of €1.7bn, with approximately €1.25bn of exports.  IBEC has estimated that the total value added to the Irish economy each year is €789 m.
 
The growing confidence of the Polymer industry in Ireland is clearly demonstrated by the sector showing the sharpest rise in orders for new processing equipment in a decade.