Plastics are everywhere in the Lehigh Valley economy. The region's food and beverage producers need bottles and containers, its pharmaceutical and medical device companies need precision molded components, and its sprawling distribution centers move millions of packages wrapped in protective films every day.
Pennsylvania is one of the largest plastics manufacturing states in the country, with hundreds of facilities producing everything from engineered components to flexible packaging. Below are ten plastic manufacturers that stand out for capability, reliability, and service to Allentown-area businesses.
Why Plastics Matter to the Lehigh Valley Economy
The Lehigh Valley has become one of the busiest logistics and manufacturing corridors on the East Coast. Food processors, beverage companies, and consumer goods brands located near Allentown all depend on steady supplies of plastic packaging. Proximity to suppliers reduces freight costs and lead times, which is critical for high-volume products with tight margins.
Trends in Plastics Manufacturing
Sustainability is driving major change. Manufacturers are increasing post-consumer recycled content, designing mono-material packaging that is easier to recycle, and lightweighting products to reduce resource use. Medical-grade plastics and cleanroom molding are growing alongside the region's life sciences sector. Automation and real-time process monitoring are improving consistency and reducing scrap.
Benefits of Partnering with Experienced Manufacturers
Established plastic manufacturers offer design assistance, material selection expertise, tooling management, and rigorous quality systems. These capabilities help customers avoid costly defects, accelerate product launches, and meet regulatory requirements for food contact and medical applications. Many also offer warehousing and just-in-time delivery programs.
Our Picks: The 10 Best Plastic Manufacturers in Allentown
1. Brentwood Industries
Headquartered in Reading, Brentwood Industries is a respected manufacturer of engineered plastic products for water and wastewater treatment, cooling towers, stormwater management, and thermoformed components. Its engineering-led culture and Pennsylvania roots make it a trusted regional partner for industrial customers.
2. Graham Packaging
Based in Pennsylvania, Graham Packaging designs and manufactures custom blow-molded plastic containers for food, beverage, household, and automotive products. Its innovation in lightweight bottles and barrier technologies helps brands reduce costs while protecting product quality.
3. Tekni-Plex
Tekni-Plex, with its headquarters in the Philadelphia suburbs, produces packaging materials, medical tubing, and specialty compounds. Its healthcare and consumer packaging solutions are highly engineered, and its materials science capabilities support demanding applications.
4. Berry Global
Berry Global is one of the world's largest plastic packaging manufacturers, producing containers, closures, films, and nonwovens. Its broad product range and national manufacturing footprint make it a dependable source for high-volume customers in the Lehigh Valley.
5. Amcor
Amcor is a global leader in flexible and rigid packaging with a strong commitment to recyclable and reusable designs. Food, pharmaceutical, and personal care companies rely on Amcor for packaging that protects products and supports sustainability goals.
6. Sealed Air
Sealed Air, maker of Cryovac food packaging and Bubble Wrap brand cushioning, serves food processors and logistics operations throughout the region. Its automated packaging systems are especially relevant to Lehigh Valley fulfillment centers.
7. Plastipak
Plastipak manufactures rigid plastic containers and is a leader in recycled PET production. Beverage and consumer goods companies value its vertical integration from recycling to finished bottles.
8. Sonoco
Sonoco produces a diverse range of consumer and industrial packaging, including plastic containers, closures, and thermoformed trays. Its packaging design services help brands differentiate products on crowded retail shelves.
9. Silgan Holdings
Silgan Holdings manufactures closures, dispensing systems, and containers for food, beverage, and personal care products. Its dispensing pumps and sprayers are widely used by health and beauty brands.
10. Pexco
Pexco specializes in custom plastic extrusions and engineered components for medical, transportation, and industrial markets. Its ability to deliver tight-tolerance profiles makes it a strong partner for specialized applications.
How to Choose a Plastic Manufacturer
Define your product requirements first, including material type, tolerances, volume, and regulatory needs such as food contact or medical certification. Compare manufacturers on molding or extrusion capabilities, in-house tooling, quality certifications, and recycled content options. Ask about lead times, minimum orders, and how they handle design changes. Visiting a facility can reveal a great deal about process discipline and cleanliness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of plastic manufacturing are common in Pennsylvania?
Injection molding, blow molding, extrusion, and thermoforming are all widely used across Pennsylvania, serving packaging, medical, automotive, and industrial markets.
Can plastic packaging be sustainable?
Yes. Manufacturers are increasing recycled content, designing recyclable mono-material packaging, and reducing material weight, all of which lower environmental impact while maintaining performance.
How long does it take to develop a custom molded part?
Timelines vary with complexity, but most projects move through design review, mold building, sampling, and approval before production begins. Working with a manufacturer that offers in-house tooling and prototyping can shorten the process considerably.
Final Thoughts
Plastics manufacturing is a vital link in the Lehigh Valley supply chain. The companies above combine engineering expertise, production capacity, and a growing commitment to sustainability, making them excellent partners for Allentown businesses of every size.