Plastics Industry Association launches plastics awareness campaign

The Plastics Industry Association, Washington, has launched a new campaign to raise awareness regarding the potential environmental and economic harm caused by a new rule proposed by the General Services Administration (GSA). The federal agency is seeking comments on a proposed rule that could ban the federal government and its agencies from purchasing single-use plastics.  

According to the GSA, the proposal concerns reducing single-use plastics, including those used in packaging and shipping required for the delivery of products under GSA contracts and items included on the contracts. For this proposal, plastic materials that are used and then immediately disposed of once the item is delivered are considered single-use plastics. The administration is accepting comments until Sept. 6.  

“A proposal such as this from GSA would run counter to the administration’s environmental goals to reduce emissions,” says Matt Seaholm, president and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association. “If this policy were to move forward, not only would it cost taxpayers millions and millions of dollars, it would force the use of products and materials that likely have a much larger environmental footprint than the plastic products the administration would be looking to phase out.”  

The launch of this educational campaign will include information made available by the association that emphasizes the implications and potential impact that a rulemaking like this could have. Additionally, the association says the rule could lead to high costs, beyond just the plastics industry, potentially harming infrastructure, construction, shipping, consumers and national parks.  

“Our industry is investing billions of dollars to recycle more plastic waste in the U.S.,” Seaholm says. “We would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the administration to develop effective recycling solutions that reduce plastic waste through smart investments in infrastructure, technology and education.”   

More information on the GSA rulemaking can be found on the association’s website.