Global plastics industry launches action plan to reduce marine litter

Plastics industry leaders from across the world – including from organizations such as the Society of the Plastics Industry and the American Chemistry Council – met this week in Dubai to create a global action plan for solutions on post-consumer plastic and other litter in the world’s oceans.

Called the “Declaration for Solutions on Marine Litter”, the program has been adopted by 54 plastics industry organizations so far. It outlines a six-point strategy for industry action, and advocates close cooperation with a broad range of stakeholders to shape solutions for the marine environment. According to a press release, approximately 100 projects have been identified at present, which will be carried out in 32 countries. Among the activities is a partnership with The Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP), an advisory body to the United Nations system on the scientific aspects of marine environmental protection. “The plastics industry has committed to support GESAMP’s effort to evaluate the sources, fate and effects of micro-plastics in the marine environment,” the press release said.

“Plastics makers from around the globe agree that our products don’t belong in world’s oceans,” said Steve Russell, vice president of plastics for the American Chemistry Council. “We look forward to doing our part and working with partners to implement solutions that keep more valuable plastics in productive use through improved stewardship and expanded infrastructure to grow recycling and energy recovery.”

For more on this initiative, click on this link.