Washington D.C.— The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has released the following statement on Oregon’s new single-use plastics law, which bans restaurants and other food vendors from using expanded polystyrene food containers:
“Oregon’s new single-use plastics law is unnecessary given the state’s recently enacted extended producer responsibility (EPR) law,” said Matt Seaholm, PLASTICS President and CEO. “Rather than give the people of Oregon the chance to responsibly recycle materials, this law forces the costly replacement of recyclable containers with alternative materials that could create an even larger carbon footprint. The plastics industry wants to keep plastic out of the environment and in the economy; we are committed to eliminating waste, but a ban like this is potentially worse for the environment and increases costs for business owners and consumers.”
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is the only organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $468 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the sixth largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE2024: The Plastics Show