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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPI DISCUSSES KEY INDUSTRY ISSUES IN PRIVATE RECEPTION WITH MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

WASHINGTON (June 17, 2005) - The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI) President Bill Carteaux and other SPI leaders briefed members of Congress and senior staff on industry concerns June 16, at a special Capitol Hill reception honoring Carteaux.

During the event, Carteaux emphasized that, while the industry remains a vital part of the U.S. economy, it is being severely impacted by the jump in energy costs, particularly natural gas costs. He urged prompt passage of a comprehensive energy bill including provisions that would increase drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf regions and help to drive down natural gas prices.

Skyrocketing energy costs were primarily responsible for the loss of more than 150,000 jobs in the plastics industry between 2000 and 2002, he pointed out, noting "this is the single most important cost component threatening our survival today."

He reminded lawmakers that the plastics industry is the fourth largest U.S. manufacturing segment, employing 1.4 million workers in nearly 20,000 facilities in every state.

Among those attending the event were Rep. Chris Chocola (R-IN), a key member of the Ways & Means Committee and the Manufacturing Caucus; Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI), a member of the Education and Workforce Committee and subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness; Katherine Harris (R-FL); Dean D'Amore, chief of staff to Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY), chairman of the Manufacturing Caucus; and James Min, chief of staff to Rep. Bill Thomas (R-CA), chairman of the Ways & Means Committee and one of the most powerful members of the House of Representatives.

"This began as a social event but turned into a wonderful opportunity to get our industry's message out to some of the most influential lawmakers on Capitol Hill," said Carteaux. "Making the needs of the plastics industry and the hardships facing our members known on the Hill is a critical step in influencing policy decisions."

Founded in 1937, The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc., is the trade association representing one of the largest manufacturing industries in the United States. SPI's members represent the entire plastics industry supply chain, including processors, machinery and equipment manufacturers and raw materials suppliers. The U.S. plastics industry employs 1.4 million workers and provides nearly $310 billion in annual shipments. For more information, visit SPI on the Web at www.plasticsindustry.org.

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