The largest Australian plastics industry trade association has released a discussion paper aimed at establishing plastics' place in the debate over sustainability.
Michael Catchpole, chief executive officer of the Melbourne-based Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association, said the plastics industry is ``under pressure'' from customers and retailers who want more transparency and information about products.
He said the industry must change to maximize the economic, social and environmental value it delivers to Australians. Plastics manufacturers and processors face ``major challenges'' to respond, adapt, implement change and remain profitable.
Global and national issues, such as climate change, security, and water shortages, directly impact Australia's plastics and chemical businesses, mainly through higher costs for energy, raw materials and cheap imports. The industry also is hampered by small, local-scale production and older plants.
Catchpole said PACIA's ``Sustainability Leadership Discussion Paper for Industry'' will ``increase expectations and scrutiny of the industry by stakeholders.''
PACIA will hold workshops through to November to gather industry response to the paper.
PACIA has more than 1,000 members throughout Australia, with combined annual sales of A$24.6 billion (US$22.1 billion).