Extrusion International 5-2023-USA

29 Extrusion International 3/2022 • The brand-new NPE Circularity Hub where attend- ees will experience the plastics circular economy, from raw materials to go-to market consumer products • Influential women in the plastics industry will share their success stories with those attending the Women in Plastics Breakfast • More than 355 first-time exhibitors bringing to NPE2024 new products and perspectives • The inaugural NPE Opening Night Party featuring the band Pop Rocks, games, food and drinks NPE2024 attendees will gain exclusive access to the entire plastics supply chain, including machinery and equipment, raw materials, recycling and sustainability, automation and robotics, 3D and 4D printing, inspec - tion, design, and more. NPE exhibitors service vital mar - kets such as automotive, consumer products, recycling, packaging, medical, and building and construction. “NPE2024 is at the forefront of the plastics future. If you want to further your career, grow your company or keep up with new trends and solutions, NPE2024 is where you need to be in May 2024. We encourage you to register today and start planning and customizing your experience as we continue to reveal all the excit- ing things happening at the event,” concluded Steve London, NPE2024 Committee Chair. NPE.org Operation Clean Sweep Blue Verification Launches to Help Achieve Zero Plastic Resin Loss The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the American Chemistry Council (ACC) announced the launch of Operation Clean Sweep ® (OCS) Blue Verifica - tion, a new program designed to further the plastics in - dustry’s goal of keeping plastic in use and out of the en- vironment. The launch of OCS Blue Verification brings a new level of rigor and transparency to the more than 500 facilities in the U.S. under the OCS Blue program through an external, facility-level inspection program. Operation Clean Sweep was founded by the Plastics Industry Association in 1991 and is managed in partner- ship with the American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Divi- sion. The industry-led program is dedicated to helping companies move toward zero plastic resin loss and is active in more than 60 countries worldwide. OCS mem- bers in the U.S. represent a diversity of the plastics value chain, ranging from companies making and distributing plastic, to transportation companies moving plastic, and processors manufacturing final products. “Preventing pre-production plastic from entering the environment is a top priority for PLASTICS’ members and the entire industry,” said PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm. “OCS Blue Verification underscores this commitment and ensures all OCS Blue members are held to rigorous management practices while working towards a future where all plastic remains in the circular economy.” “America’s plastic makers have led the charge to be good stewards in resin and pellet management,” said America’s Plastic Makers President Ross Eisenberg. “We are taking significant measures to increase trans - parency and knowledge sharing that will lead to safer, cleaner communities in the U.S. and abroad.” OCS Blue’s required management practices demon- strate significant leadership in industry-led, voluntary stewardship to protect the environment, preserve wa - ter quality and wildlife, and strengthen worker safety. OCS Blue Verification is a new mandatory requirement for all material suppliers and processors in OCS Blue and is uniquely available to OCS Blue members in the U.S. To become OCS Blue Verified, a facility must demon - strate that it has successfully implemented 29 required management practices ranging from robust risk assess- ments to comprehensive employee training and data reporting. OCS Blue Verification inspections will be con - ducted by trained and approved OCS Blue Verifiers that meet eligibility requirements. The first verification cycle extends through the end of 2025 and continues every three years moving forward. PLASTICS and ACC encourage resin producers, con - verters, shippers, distributors and recyclers – anyone who handles plastic resins – and credentialed press to register for a webinar on OCS Blue Verification to be held on October 25, 1-2 p.m. ET. For additional informa - tion and to join OCS Blue: ocs@plasticsindustry.org www.smart-extrusion.com