Tony Radoszewski, President & CEO of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) commended the Senate Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs for holding an upcoming hearing on plastic waste, issuing a statement on the continued importance of plastic to the modern economy and industry efforts to protect the environment, including oceans.
“Bills and initiatives our members support are all positive steps towards solving the problem of plastic and other waste in the environment,” said Radoszewski.
“Hardworking men and women in our industry are making healthcare, nutrition, transportation and many more products people need, and like everyone else, we don’t like litter or pollution. We’re always thinking of new ways to make our products more sustainable and to help Americans recycle more.”
Radoszewski thanked Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) for hosting today’s Subcommittee hearing, as well as Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), sponsor of the Save Our Seas Act 2.0 to study and prevent marine debris, who is scheduled to serve as a witness.
The CEO listed a range of other federal legislation his organization supports: the RECOVER Act to improve collection and sorting of recyclable materials; the RECYCLE Act to fund public awareness of recycling options; and the Plastic Waste Reduction and Recycling Act to develop new recycling technologies.
PLASTICS also leads marine debris initiatives such as Operation Clean Sweep and the Global Plastics Alliance. In addition, PLASTICS members are participants of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW) which fights against plastic waste and develop solutions.
“Our industry is taking the same innovative spirit we apply to developing new materials and products to our environmental efforts,” said Radoszewski. “We’re eager to work with Congress to conserve resources and decrease waste, and also to increase jobs and economic growth.”
The plastics industry supports nearly one million U.S. jobs, a half-trillion dollars in domestic economic value, and a positive international trade balance. Plastic itself is an energy-efficient material, crucial to light-weighting automobiles and airplanes, reducing fuel costs, and preventing food waste.
About Plastics Industry Association
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), is the only organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain, representing nearly one million workers in the $451 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.