Cope Plastics Achieves Dual Women-Owned Certifications in 2025

Alton, IL — October 16, 2025 — Cope Plastics, Inc., a third-generation, family- and woman-owned distributor and fabricator of performance plastics, is proud to announce a significant dual certification milestone in 2025: the company has been recertified by the National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC) and has also earned its first-ever certification by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). 

Cope Plastics has maintained its NWBOC certification since 2012, and its 2025 recertification reaffirms the company’s long-standing status as a woman-owned and woman-led organization. The addition of WBENC certification this year further expands Cope’s participation in national supplier diversity programs and strengthens its partnerships with customers who prioritize diverse, qualified suppliers. 

“Achieving both certifications in the same year is incredibly meaningful to our organization,” said Jane Saale, President of Cope Plastics. “NWBOC certification has been part of our journey for over a decade, and earning WBENC certification for the first time marks an exciting new chapter. Together, they represent both our history and our future.” 

The NWBOC certification, first awarded to Cope Plastics in 2012 and reaffirmed in 2025, validates that the company is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by women, with the appropriate governance and decision-making authority in place. 

The WBENC certification, widely recognized as the gold standard for women-owned business certification in the United States, involves a rigorous review process including detailed documentation and an on-site evaluation to verify ownership, management, and operational control by women. 

“Our 2025 NWBOC recertification and first-time WBENC certification together demonstrate the authenticity of our women-owned status,” said Roxanne Wittman, Senior Director of Finance & Purchasing and Board Member of Cope Plastics. “These certifications open new doors while reinforcing the values that have guided our company for decades.” 

By partnering with women-owned businesses certified through NWBOC and WBENC, corporations and government agencies strengthen supplier diversity initiatives, promote inclusive economic growth, and support women in leadership across industries. 

About Cope Plastics 

Founded in 1946, Cope Plastics, Inc. is a woman- and family-owned leader in the distribution and custom fabrication of performance plastic materials. Headquartered in Alton, Illinois, with locations across the country, Cope serves industries including agriculture, construction, food processing, transportation, and energy. 

Guided by its mission — Making Things Possible with Plastic since 1946 — Cope Plastics combines decades of expertise with innovation, integrity, and strong customer partnerships. 

About NWBOC 

Founded in 1995, the National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC) was the first national certifier of Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) in the United States. NWBOC provides certification for women-, minority-, and veteran-owned companies to support supplier diversity and equitable access to business opportunities. Certification confirms that a business is truly owned, operated, and controlled by women. Learn more at www.nwboc.org. 

About WBENC 

Founded in 1997, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is a national organization dedicated to supporting women-owned businesses through certification and access to supplier diversity opportunities. WBENC provides third-party certification to verify that a business is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by women and meets established standards for governance, management, and operational authority. 

Through its certification process and national network, WBENC connects women-owned businesses with corporate, government, and institutional partners committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and sustainable economic growth. Learn more at www.wbenc.org and www.buywomenowned.com.