Canadian plastics industry encourages members to reduce plastics packaging

The Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA), Mississauga, Ontario, has announced a new commitment to reduce plastic waste. The group says all CPIA member companies and resin manufacturing sites operated by CPIA members will participate in Operation Clean Sweep Blue by 2022. The program will recognize companies that are excelling within the existing program and allow companies to showcase and share data and metrics, which will be helpful reporting tools as Operation Clean Sweep continues to grow, CPIA says.

Operation Clean Sweep is an international program designed to prevent resin pellet, flake and powder loss and the potential introduction of pellets to the environment, including oceans and waterways. According to the association, the program focuses on the steps before plastic becomes a hygienic package, a safety helmet or a critical medical device. Operation Clean Sweep helps each segment of the plastics industry, including resin producers, transporters, bulk terminal operators and plastics processors, the group says.

The new commitment follows the CPIA and the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC), Ottawa, Ontario, June announcement regarding a goal to reuse, recycle or recover 100 percent of plastics packaging by 2040.

“It’s in everyone’s interest to retain and expand plastic’s benefits, but we can do so while also keeping plastics out of our natural environment. CPIA and the plastics value chain is an innovative partner to help reduce waste,” says Carol Hochu, president and CEO of CPIA.

Since 1943, the CPIA has served as the national voice for and leader in plastics industry sustainability across Canada and beyond, representing the interests of the plastics value chain including resin and raw material suppliers, processors/converters, equipment suppliers, recyclers and brand owners.

Learn more about Operation Clean Sweep Blue here.