According to official statistics, 193 companies with about 20,100 employees operate in the plastics processing industry in the State of Hesse. 42 of these with about 6,1000 employees are affiliated through the plastics processing specialist department.

The plastics processing industry produces packaging material, construction supply articles, semi-finished products (such as plates, foils, tubes, etc.) technical components (such as for vehicle and engine construction) and articles of daily use.

The Plastics Processing Specialist Department represents the trade-specific interests of the plastics processing industry in the State of Hesse. It also concludes its own labor contracts.