On June 11, 2026, Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling traveled from Washington D.C. to Mountain Top, Pennsylvania. He did not come to tour a Fortune 500 headquarters or a newly built facility. He came to see how a 200-person polymer film manufacturer had built something the federal government considers worth studying: a workforce development model that is changing what American manufacturing can look like.

That visit meant something to us. But more importantly, it should mean something to you as a customer.

The problem every manufacturer faces

The skilled trades pipeline in American manufacturing has been shrinking for decades. Companies that depend on offshore sourcing have felt it differently, through tariff exposure, quality variance, and lead times measured in weeks rather than days. But domestic manufacturers face their own version of the same challenge: finding, training, and retaining the skilled people who keep production consistent and reliable.

When a key operator leaves, production slips. When institutional knowledge walks out the door, quality suffers. When a manufacturer cannot staff its lines, your order is the one that gets delayed.

We decided a long time ago that the answer was not to accept that reality. It was to build our own pipeline.

What we built

Crestwood Creators is a fully employer-funded talent pipeline created and operated entirely by i2M. We identified high-potential students at Crestwood High School, one mile from our plant, and built a direct, hands-on path into skilled manufacturing careers. i2M designs the curriculum, funds the program in full, and hires its graduates. No tuition. No debt. A skilled career on day one.

That program launched in 2025. Twelve students have come through it so far.

We also partnered with Luzerne County Community College to connect higher education directly to manufacturing careers through a registered apprenticeship program, with another twelve active apprentices building the technical skills our operation depends on.

And because we know that good people sometimes cannot take good jobs due to circumstances that have nothing to do with their ability, we built childcare and transportation programs to remove those barriers entirely.

What this means for you

Every one of these programs exists for one reason: to ensure that the people building your product today are still here for your next order, and the order after that.

Workforce stability is supply chain stability. When you source from a manufacturer that invests in its people the way we do, you are not just buying film. You are buying the consistency that comes from a team that knows your spec, understands your quality requirements, and has been trained specifically to meet them.

That is what vertical integration really means. Not just controlling the process from compound to finished film, but controlling the human side of the operation with the same intentionality we bring to the technical side.

What the Secretary saw

Secretary Sonderling put it this way after his visit:

“You see a business that has been here for a long time using cutting-edge technology and training the local workforce. It’s exactly what I wanted to see. A partnership between high schools, community colleges, and industry all working together to make sure we could build these American-made products made by American workers.”

We are proud of that recognition. But we are prouder of the team that earned it and the customers who have trusted us long enough to see what that investment delivers.

If you are evaluating domestic sourcing options, or reassessing a supply chain that has been exposed to tariff risk or offshore disruption, we would welcome the conversation.

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MOUNTAIN TOP, PA – On June 11, 2026, Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling and Acting Assistant Secretary on Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office Curt Coccodrilli traveled from Washington, D.C. to tour the manufacturing facility of i2M, a vertically integrated advanced polymer film manufacturer headquartered in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania. The visit highlighted i2M’s nationally recognized workforce development model as an example of the business, community, and education partnerships the administration believes are essential to the future of American manufacturing.

“You see a business that has been here for a long time using cutting-edge technology and training the local workforce. It’s exactly what I wanted to see – a partnership between high schools, community colleges, and industry all working together to make sure we could build these American-made products made by American workers.”

-Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor, Keith Sonderling

Secretary Sonderling’s visit focused on several workforce initiatives i2M has developed and fully funded, including Crestwood Creators, an employer-funded talent pipeline that identifies high-potential students at Crestwood High School – located one mile from the i2M facility, and provides them with a direct, hands-on path into skilled manufacturing careers. i2M designs the curriculum, funds the program in full, and hires its graduates. Students enter careers with no tuition debt and no experience gap.

“Investments like these allow us to continue driving results for our customers. Our commitment to American manufacturing is a long-term one because it gives us the agility to respond faster, the integrated capabilities to bring ideas from concept to production, and the ability to be a stronger partner to the customers who trust us with their business. These investments reflect our confidence in the future of U.S. manufacturing and our commitment to delivering value for customer partners for years to come.”

The visit also covered i2M’s partnership with Luzerne County Community College (LCCC), its registered apprenticeship program, and its childcare and transportation initiatives designed to remove everyday barriers that prevent qualified workers from accessing manufacturing careers.

“I want other manufacturers to know that these innovative solutions are possible. They’re available, and they generate extraordinary results long term for the business,”

-Alex Grover, CEO, i2M

The visit was covered by Plastics News, the leading trade publication for the plastics industry: plasticsnews.com/public-policy/pn-i2m-labor-department-visit, as well as by FOX56 News in Wilkes-Barre, PA: fox56.com/news/local/secretary-sonderling-tours-i2m-oversees-workforce-manufacturing-development-in-nepa

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The +Vantage Vinyl program recognizes companies at three levels: Verified, Silver, and Gold, based on the depth and advancement of their sustainability performance. Verified represents a proven commitment to core sustainability requirements. Silver indicates high compliance and advanced practices beyond the basics. Gold, the highest designation, is reserved for companies demonstrating industry leadership with top-tier performance and multiple advanced sustainability achievements. i2M’s Gold certification places it in that top tier, reflecting a rigorous, documented standard of excellence aligned with targeted United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

“We view sustainability as a standard that shapes how we operate, innovate, and compete every day,” said Alex Grover, CEO of i2M. “Achieving Gold-level verification is a reflection of the discipline and accountability our team brings to that mindset. We’ve made deliberate investments in doing this the right way, and we’ll continue pushing forward to raise the bar for what responsible manufacturing looks like in our industry.”

“Congratulations to i2M for their successful verification to +Vantage Vinyl,” said Jay Thomas, VSC Executive Director. “Continuous improvement of sustainability is a critical initiative of the vinyl industry. By verifying to +Vantage Vinyl, i2M has demonstrated their commitment to the environmental, social and governance tenets of the program’s Guiding Principles. We look forward to our continued collaboration and partnership in the +Vantage Vinyl program.”

About the Vinyl Sustainability Council
The Vinyl Sustainability Council (VSC), founded in 2016 in partnership with the Vinyl Institute, is a collaborative platform for companies, organizations, and other industry stakeholders to come together to advance the U.S. vinyl industry’s contribution to sustainable development. Through its +Vantage Vinyl™ verification program, the VSC aims to drive continuous improvement across all three aspects of sustainability – environmental, social and economic performance. For more information, please visit https://vantagevinyl.com/.

For more information about +Vantage Vinyl, visit: www.vantagevinyl.com.

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MOUNTAINTOP, PA, 31 January 2024 – i2M, a trailblazer in the plastics industry and one of the top female-led plastics manufacturers in North America, has unveiled its latest groundbreaking innovation – ReNew™ DigiFlex. This revolutionary product – a high-performance, digitally printable calendered vinyl film is made with 25% recycled content, marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind in the pressure-sensitive films industry.

ReNew™ DigiFlex was born from i2M’s mission to manufacture high-quality products that have a smaller carbon footprint and reduce plastic waste. Developed through years of research and testing, ReNew™ DigiFlex isn’t just about recycling post-industrial plastic; it’s about repurposing it into a high-performance solution that mirrors the physical properties of virgin products. Users can expect features such as UV resilience, excellent lay flat, and a smooth printable surface. A pressure-sensitive, calendered vinyl, ReNew™ DigiFlex finished applications range from decal film, labels, signage, overlaminates, and floor graphics.
This launch comes on the heels of i2M receiving the 2023 Recycler of the Year Award from the Vinyl Sustainability Council, recognizing its outstanding contributions to sustainable practices in the industry. In 2023 alone, i2M successfully recycled an impressive 15 million pounds of post-industrial and post-consumer vinyl.

Commenting on the launch of ReNew™ DigiFlex i2M CEO, Alex Grover said;

“With the launch of ReNew™ DigiFlex, we’re translating words into action. We’re here to show the world that when you select an i2M vinyl product, you don’t have to choose between sustainability and performance. You get the best of both. I am incredibly proud of the development team that spent years bringing this product to fruition and can’t wait to demonstrate what recycled vinyl can do – we’re just getting started.”

As the plastics industry grapples with sustainability challenges, i2M takes a bold step forward with ReNew™ DigiFlex. This product is not only about applications and features; it’s about creating a future where innovation and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

This year and beyond, i2M will continue to take action to meaningfully reduce its carbon footprint and execute targeted strategies that reduce plastic waste and preserve our Planet’s valuable natural resources.

For more information on ReNew DigiFlex©, i2M products, or other sustainability initiatives please visit ReNew DigiFlex™ | Sustainable Printable Vinyl Film

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MOUNTAINTOP, PA, 06 December 2023 – i2M, a trailblazer in the plastics industry and proudly standing as the sole female-led manufacturer and gravure printer of vinyl films, has secured the prestigious 2023 Recycler of the Year Award for its groundbreaking ReNew Champions Post-Consumer Plastic Recycling Program, bestowed by the Vinyl Sustainability Council (VSC) on December 4th.

i2M’s ReNew Champions Program, acknowledged by the VSC, is designed to address the environmental impact of end-of-life vinyl pool liners. This initiative redefines the industry’s approach to end-of-life vinyl pool liners. It offers a unique solution to prevent these materials from contributing to landfills.

The VSC award committee commended i2M for the exceptional growth of the ReNew Champions program. “The company demonstrated a remarkable 228% increase in total bin count, strategically placing nearly 100 bins along the East Coast. The expansion to include recycling used vinyl liners and pool floats showcased i2M’s commitment to advancing sustainable practices within the industry” said Jay Thomas, Executive Director of the VSC.

As one of the largest female-led privately held plastics manufacturing businesses in the United States, this prestigious award is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the company’s visionary CEO, Alex Grover, and the entire i2M team. Alex’s action-oriented perspective and pioneering approach to sustainability paired with the team’s dedication are fundamental to i2M’s core values of innovation, agility, and sustainability. Commenting on the award win Alex said;

“We are thrilled and honored to receive the 2023 Recycling Award for our ReNew Champions Post Consumer Recycling Program.” This award demonstrates the i2M team’s steadfast commitment to our sustainability projects. Our mission at i2M is to promote innovation and sustainability in the plastics sector, and this award is a testament to our dedication to that goal. In addition to being an acknowledgment, it represents our continued work and upcoming plans to change the perception of how our sector views environmental responsibility. As we work toward our objectives and make a constructive contribution to a more sustainable future, we feel privileged to be at the forefront of this transformation.”

While celebrating this remarkable achievement, i2M’s dedication to sustainability, innovation, and employee-centric* initiatives comes to the forefront. Sustainability is an integral part of the company’s identity and is evident in every aspect of its operations and product offerings. The 2023 Recycling Award serves as a testament to the enduring values that drive i2M, solidifying its position as a pioneering force in the plastics manufacturing industry.

i2M’s swimming pool brand, Swimmingly, takes a revolutionary approach to sustainability. It introduces the first and only high-performance, sustainable pool film, ReNew™. Sustainably produced with recycled content, ReNew™ not only contributes to a circular economy but also meets the growing demand for environmentally conscious pool products. This initiative aligns with i2M’s broader goal to manufacture products that reduce plastic waste and demonstrate game-changing environmental stewardship.
Beyond pool films, i2M is committed to integrating sustainable practices across its entire product range. The company’s diverse portfolio includes rotogravure printed decorative laminates, calendered heavy-duty films, and high-precision options—all purposefully manufactured in the U.S.A.; aligning with i2M’s commitment to domestic production and reduced supply chain impact. To support these practices, formulations prioritize To support these practices, formulations prioritize the incorporation of recycled content in products, actively diverting plastic from the waste stream.

Heading into 2024 and beyond, i2M will continue to take action by meaningfully reducing its carbon footprint by 2030, and executing targeted strategies that reduce plastic waste and preserve our Planet’s valuable natural resources.

For more information on the ReNew Champions program, i2M products, or other sustainability initiatives please visit www.i2M.com

About the Vinyl Sustainability Council The Vinyl Sustainability Council (VSC), founded in 2016 in partnership with the Vinyl Institute, is a council created to advance the vinyl industry’s efforts in addressing sustainability. The VSC is a collaborative platform for companies, organizations, and other industry stakeholders to come together to create a sustainable development path for the industry. For more information, please visit vantagevinyl.com/vinyl-sustainability-council/.

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Why this topic matters to engineers now

Pressure to include recycled content in polymer films is rising, driven by customer sustainability goals, procurement requirements (e.g., “minimum 25% recycled”), and market differentiation. For engineers, the practical question isn’t whether recycled PVC is “good” or “bad,” but where it behaves comparably to virgin PVC, where it introduces tradeoffs, and what controls reduce risk.

Real-world example: content as a lever for performance + project outcomes

50%

Recycled Content

LEED Gold

Project Certification

Roof Walkway

Application

A notable case involved a PVC roofing walkway containing 50% recycled content used on a commercial project that achieved LEED Gold. The film delivered durability (protecting the roof membrane) while reducing carbon footprint versus virgin alternatives, illustrating how recycled content can support project-level goals without trading away functional performance when the product and validation match the application.

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