Extrusion International 6-2023-USA

29 Extrusion International 3/2022 Break Free Act Lacks Collaboration Needed to Achieve Real Sustainability Goals The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) announced its strong opposition and disappointment in the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act of 2023, as reintroduced in the U.S. Congress. “Instead of working towards com- promise and common-sense policies, this new iteration of the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act is even worse and less collaborative than previously, moving further from a re- alistic proposal,” said Matt Seaholm, President and CEO of PLASTICS. “The plastics industry stands ready to work with both sides of the aisle to develop real solutions to the en- vironmental concerns this measure supposedly addresses. We believe there are answers to the environ- mental challenges we face, such as investments in recycling infrastruc- ture and greater demand for re- cycled content through minimum requirements and stronger end-mar- kets. Plastics is the preferredmaterial in many applications because it uses less energy and fewer resources to manufacture and transport, in ad- dition to its ability to be reused and recycled – but this misguided legis- lation overlooks scientific facts and would likely unintentionally lead to an increase in greenhouse gas emis- sions. The Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act would negatively im- pact the American economy, harm the over one million men and wom- an who are employed by the plastics industry and hurt other industries re- liant upon them as an essential part of the supply chain. Instead of one- sided proposals that don’t move us forward, we need to work together to craft sound policy that will actually help our environment,” concluded Seaholm. Facts About Plastic: • Of the materials used for con- sumer products, plastic has the low- est GHG impact; An independent study from McKinsey & Co. found plastics help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10 to 90%. • The overwhelming majority of plastic waste will not be addressed by this legislation; more than 90% of plastic in the oceans comes from 10 river systems in Southeast Asia and Africa – not from the U.S and not subject to this legislation. • Plastics only make up 12% of municipal solid waste, and packag- ing only makes up 5%. • Thousands of facilities across the United States are involved in the manufacturing of plastics; this leg- islation could prompt many to shut- ter and move offshore to countries with less environmental safeguards. The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) www.plasticsindustry.org Op-ed on Recycling is Real Featured The Times of San Diego has fea- tured an op-ed written by Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) President and CEO, Matt Seaholm, defending plastic recycling and highlighting PLASTICS’ new advo- cacy campaign, Recycling is Real. “Recycling is real. Tens of thou- sands of Americans go to work ev- ery day making it happen and that is exactly what our industry’s new ini- tiative, Recycling Is Real, can show you. We have traveled across Amer- ica and filmed ordinary people do - ing extraordinary things, including right here in California. We show that it is possible for that bottle you used today, or even the bum- per on your car from years past, to stay in our economy and out of the environment, giving it another life, sometimes more than once.” To read the full op-ed: https://timesofsandiego.com/ opinion/2023/10/29/plastics-industry- is-committed-to-making-californias- new-recycling-law-work/ Matt Seaholm www.smart-extrusion.com