Proactive steps by plastics associations across the world to deal with marine litter challenges

28-Nov-11

Following up on their meeting and joint declaration on plastics and marine debris back in March, over 30 global plastics industry leaders met again in Dubai 14 to 17 November, 2011 to chalk out plans ahead for 2012 onwards. The group issued a news release from Dubai and stated they had identified 100 projects in 32 countries that are aimed at addressing the issue from all parts of the world. The group is inviting assistance from other stakeholders and has formed 3 main teams 1) the Americas, 2) Europe & Africa and 3) Asia and Australia which will coordinate activities of the sub groups. The global group also agreed to take the United Nations Environment Programme efforts seriously and act responsibly to provide factual science based data to the experts team set up by UNEP . The global plastics industry heads have stated they are determined to use scientific data, conduct research and play a constructive role in building new partnerships to create solutions to the issue of marine litter. Plastics makers from around the globe agree that our products don't belong in world's oceans. It was restated that plastics are valuable resources even after use. The heads of national associations including major new players from Gulf region have stated they would like to partner & share information on marine litter. They agreed to implement solutions that keep more valuable plastics in productive use through improved stewardship and expanded infrastructure to increase collection & recycling and help conserve resources and strive to protect the environment as responsible sector of society. Amongst some of the noted participants who deliberated for 3 days at Dubai were Dr. Abdulwhab Al- Sadoun Sec. Gen. of GPCA, Dr. Wilfried Haensel from Plastics Europe, Mr. Steven Russel fro ACC USA, Mr. Katsuura from Japan, Mr Vijay Merchant from Plastindia Foundation, Mr Farad Alkhoidari SABIC,Mr Peter Bury from PACIA Australia, Ms Cathy Cirko from Canada, Mr. Laurence Jones from Borogue,Mr Alcantara from Braskem Brazil, Mr Khairuddin from Petronas Malaysia,Mr Bruder from Germany IKV, Mr Zhao from China, Mr Johanasson from UK PE and Mr Douw Steyn Plastics South Africa and several others.