Who Is resource Plastics?
Resource Plastics is the leading U.S. plastic recycling and compounding facility located in the Chicago area. Our 175,000-square-foot plant in Alsip, Illinois, processes more than 100 million pounds of post-industrial plastics each year.
Through a full-cycle recycling process, we transform scrap plastics into high-quality raw materials — including regrind and recycled resin — supplied to manufacturers across the United States and overseas.
Founded in 1994, Resource Plastics has over 30 years of experience in post-industrial plastic recycling. What began as a small startup has grown into an industry leader, built on values of honesty, ingenuity, hard work, and exceptional customer service.
Our Mission and Values
Our Mission
At Resource Plastics, our mission is to advance sustainability by giving new life to plastic waste — essentially, making tomorrow’s products possible today. We are dedicated to keeping plastics out of landfills and within the circular economy by turning discarded materials into valuable new products.
Our Values
Our company is built on core values: honesty, dedication, innovation, and quality service. We believe that outstanding customer service is the foundation of long-term success.
Our Approach
By combining these values with state-of-the-art recycling processes, we help customers meet their goals while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Our History
and Growth
1994 –
Founding
Resource Plastics began in 1994 as a one-man brokerage of plastic raw materials in Illinois What started as a raw idea by three young entrepreneurs quickly took shape, laying the foundation for our future in plastic recycling
1996 –
New Partners
In early 1996, current owners Robert Murphy and William Steinhaus joined the venture, establishing operations in a modest 6,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Posen, IL With a used Rapid grinder and a single forklift, the recycling business kicked off, initially processing mostly PVC and polystyrene plastics
1998 –
Expansion
By 1998, Murphy and Steinhaus had become sole owners of Resource Plastics, spurring further expansion of the company. We purchased additional granulators, moved into a larger warehouse, hired new employees, and began running a second shift to meet growing demand.
2004 –
New Facility
After a decade of growth, we outgrew our original space. In 2004, Resource Plastics relocated to an 85,000 sq. ft. former fencing factory in Blue Island, IL. The much larger facility quickly filled with new equipment – from Cumberland granulators to conveyor systems and balers – along with millions of pounds of raw material for recycling
2005 –
Diversification
In 2005, we launched a sister company, RPI Extrusion Co., to further “close the loop” in our recycling process. RPI Extrusion kicked off in an adjacent 35,000 sq. ft. space, operating multiple profile extruders to toll manufacture new plastic products (like lawn edging and brick paver edging) using 100% recycled material supplied by Resource Plastics
2014 –
Major Expansion
Continued success led to another major expansion in 2014. Resource Plastics (along with RPI) moved to a state-of-the-art 175,000 sq. ft. facility in Alsip, Illinois. This modern plant features 19 loading docks, a rail spur for freight, heavy industrial power, and plenty of room for future growth.
2022 –
Plastics Family Americas (PFA)
Resource Plastics joins Plastics Family Americas (PFA) the industry’s largest wholesale, value-add distributor of plastics. A privately-held company with roots going back nearly 100 years, PFA is comprised of 200+ locations from over 35 historical brands.
Our Team
and Culture
At Resource Plastics, our success is built on people. Nearly 100 skilled employees at our Alsip, IL facility drive excellence in plastic recycling and compounding every day. Many of our team members have been with us for decades, reflecting the strong, family-like culture that sets us apart.
From administrative staff and quality control specialists to shipping, receiving, sorting, grinding, and extrusion operators, every employee plays a vital role in transforming post-industrial scrap into high-quality recycled resin.
We invest in training, safety, and innovation so our employees can grow while contributing new ideas. This commitment creates a culture where loyalty and expertise fuel continuous improvement—and where we work together as a community to advance sustainable plastics solutions for manufacturers across Illinois and beyond.
