Plastic makers committed to ending plastic waste in the environment

Studies predict growth in plastic waste exceeds efforts to mitigate plastic pollution

Science magazine has published two studies: “Predicted growth in plastic waste exceeds efforts to mitigate plastic pollution” by Dr. Stephanie B. Borrelle and “Evaluating scenarios toward zero plastic pollution” by Dr. Winnie W. Y. Lau. The American Chemistry Council issued the following statement, which may be attributed to Joshua Baca, vice president of ACC’s Plastics Division:

“The American Chemistry Council (ACC) welcomes new research on ocean litter published in Science magazine. The studies, “Predicted growth in plastic waste exceeds efforts to mitigate plastic pollution” and “Evaluating scenarios toward zero plastic pollution” contribute to our growing knowledge on the sources of, and potential solutions to, plastic waste.

“Plastic makers are helping lead long-term, meaningful solutions to help end waste through increased collaboration, investment, and ongoing innovations in products and technology. We support many of the study authors’ recommendations to help make sure that all plastic is properly collected, reused, and/or recycled, and agree that these important changes must go beyond grassroots efforts to clean up plastic litter. Success will require commitment and action from many sectors, including the plastics industry, recyclers, government, retailers, and citizens.

Plastic contributes significantly to sustainability by helping improve hygiene, nutrition, safety and living standards around the world, so it’s critical that we maintain the societal and environmental benefits of plastic.

To do that, we must end plastic waste and instead be reusing plastic in ways that benefit people and the planet.”