The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada’s (CIAC) new Plastics Division is pleased to announce it has officially joined the American Chemistry Council (ACC), Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and 29 other international trade associations in Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS). This important occasion reflects another strong commitment by North America’s plastics industry to product stewardship and reducing plastic resin loss.
Launched in the early 1990s, OCS, which has over 500 participating members, is a plastic stewardship program for facilities that handle plastic materials. The purpose of OCS is to support the proper handling and disposing of plastic pellets, flakes, and powders, and avoiding spills. CIAC also will participate in Operation Clean Sweep Blue, an enhanced OCS program, which provides greater reporting and stronger metrics on practices related to plastic resin loss.
“We welcome CIAC’s participation,” said Patrick Krieger, Director, Sustainability & Materials at PLASTICS. “Their operation of OCS in Canada helps ensure that the plastics industry of North America has the tools necessary to move toward zero plastic resin loss.”
The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada’s new Plastics Division represents the entire plastics industry value chain from resin producers and raw material suppliers to processors, converters, and recyclers. The Division is committed to promoting responsible plastic production in Canada while working towards reducing and eliminating plastic pollution from the environment.
“CIAC is pleased to join Operation Clean Sweep. Working to unify North America’s plastic industry on the importance of product stewardship and responsible operational practices while focusing our efforts to effectively and efficiently address the issue of plastic pollution is a priority for the industry, and we look forward to working together and reducing plastic pellet loss,” said Elena Mantagaris, Vice President, CIAC Plastics Division.
“Industry collaboration is essential in tackling marine debris, both at home and globally,” said Joshua Baca, ACC’s Vice President of Plastics. “We’re working to enhance the rigor and transparency of our pellet stewardship program, and we’re pleased to have CIAC join us in this important value chain initiative.”
For more information about Operation Clean Sweep®, please visit: www.opcleansweep.org.
About the Plastics Industry Association
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), is the only organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain, representing over one million workers in the $432 billion U.S. industry. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members and the industry more globally competitive while advancing recycling and sustainability. To learn more about PLASTICS’ education initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, networking opportunities and policy advocacy, and North America’s largest plastics trade show, NPE: The Plastics Show, visit plasticsindustry.org. Connect with PLASTICS on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
About the American Chemistry Council (ACC)
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people’s lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®; common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues; and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $553 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation’s economy. It is among the largest exporters in the nation, accounting for ten percent of all U.S. goods exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation’s critical infrastructure.
About the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada
The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada is the association for leaders in Canada’s chemistry and plastic sectors—adding C$54 billion and C$28 billion respectively to the Canadian economy. The Association represents close to 200 members and partners across the country. We provide coordination and leadership on key issues including innovation, investment, plastics, taxation, health and safety, environment, and regulatory initiatives.
