ACC and SPI Partner on Plastics Ambassador Program

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) and The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) have formed a partnership to develop a “Plastics Ambassador Program.”

This initiative builds upon the recycling and other proactive industry promotion initiatives of both associations and is designed to mobilize companies and their employees to promote the benefits of plastics and plastics recycling within their communities.

“By working together on the Ambassador Program, ACC and SPI are able to tap into the full strength of the plastics industry,” ACC Plastics Division Managing Director Steve Russell says. “Our industry is under significant attack, and we believe that our members and their employees are in a fantastic position to articulate the many benefits and value of our products.”

SPI President and CEO Bill Carteaux says, “Through the combined efforts of our members, the Plastics Ambassador Program can have a significant impact through encouraging industry employees to share the value of plastic in various activities at local, state and national levels.”

During the next 12 months ACC and SPI will conduct a pilot of the initiative, training employees and encouraging them to promote plastic recycling through community events, such as PTA meetings, city council meetings or by sponsoring a PlastiVan school visit. PlastiVans travel to schools and companies throughout North America, educating people of all ages about plastic’s chemistry, history, processing, manufacturing, sustainability and application. Additionally, companies and employees will be encouraged to reach out to the media and their elected officials to communicate the benefits of plastic products and the sustainable innovations recycling supports.

Working with government and community sectors, the plastics industry will continue its commitment to improved litter and marine debris prevention, recycling and research in developing innovative, environmentally friendly products, according to a press release issued by the ACC.