SPI Launches New Special Interest Group Focused on Developing Bioplastics as Integral Part of Plastics Industry

September 16, 2008

Contact:
Barry Eisenberg
(202) 974-5210
beisenberg@plasticsindustry.org

Trade Association's Bioplastics Council to Begin Accepting New 2009 Membership Applications on October 1, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 16, 2008) – SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association today announced the launch of a new special interest group, the Bioplastics Council, in order to provide a forum for resin and additive suppliers, as well as processors and equipment suppliers, to promote the development of bioplastics as an integral part of the plastics industry.In announcing the launch of this new group, SPI President Bill Carteaux said, “Bioplastics have been developed for a range of commercial applications and the market for products made from these materials continues to expand as retailer and consumer demand for them increases. SPI has always represented the full spectrum of the plastics industry, and the Bioplastics Council serves the need for a place where interested stakeholders can collaborate on a variety of bioplastics initiatives.” The primary mission of the Bioplastics Council is:

• To educate the plastics industry, government and value chain.
• To articulate clear and consistent descriptions of the different bioplastics options.
• To provide strategic advice to the plastics industry, government and the value chain and promote harmonization of environmental policies.

The six founding member companies of the new group are Arkema, BASF Corporation, Cereplast Inc., DuPont, NatureWorks LLC and Telles (a Metabolix/ADM Joint Venture). New 2009 membership applications will be accepted beginning on October 1, 2008. Interested companies do not have to be an SPI member to join the Bioplastics Council.

Learn more about the group at its web site: http://www.bioplasticscouncil.org/. Membership and other inquiries should be addressed to SPI Vice President, Material Suppliers Council Melissa Hockstad (mhockstad@plasticsindustry.org or 202-974-5258). 

Founded in 1937, SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association promotes growth in the $380 billion U.S. plastics industry. Representing nearly 900,000 American workers in the third largest U.S. manufacturing industry, SPI delivers advocacy, market research, industry promotion, and the fostering of business relationships and zero waste strategies. SPI also owns and produces the international NPE trade show. All profits from NPE are reinvested into SPI’s industry services. Find SPI online at www.plasticsindustry.org and www.inthehopper.org.

"From resin suppliers and equipment makers to processors and brand owners, SPI is proud to represent all facets of the U.S. plastics industry," said William R. Carteaux, president and CEO, SPI. Our most recent economic reports show that the plastics industry as a whole is resilient, and has come through the recession significantly better than other U.S. manufacturing sectors."