The plastics industry has about 260 projects around the world planned, underway or completed in its effort to combat marine debris under the Declaration of the Global Plastics Associations for Solutions on Marine Litter.
Progress during the five years since the Global Declaration was signed, and details of some of the projects will be discussed May 24 at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).
Keith Christman, managing director of plastic markets at ACC's plastics division and World Plastics Council member, will discuss the 2016 progress report on marine litter solutions and the nearly 165 percent increase in the number of projects since the Global Declaration's announcement in 2011, along with Nick Mallos, director of the Ocean Conservancy's Trash Free Seas Alliance.
The presentation will be Webcast live from Nairobi at 5 a.m. EST on the United Nations Environmental Program's YouTube channel.
“We're very pleased with the continued growth in the work we're doing on marine litter,” said Steve Russell, vice president of plastics for the American Chemistry Council in a news release. “Since our last report, we've increased the number of industry associations participating as part of the Global Declaration and demonstrated that, united, we can help make a difference.”
Since its launch at the 5th International Marine Debris Conference with 47 plastics associations, the Global Declaration has grown to include 65 plastics industry trade associations from 34 countries supporting projects in six key areas aimed at contributing to sustainable solutions: education, research, public policy, sharing best practices, plastics recycling/recovery, and plastic pellet containment.
“Marine litter is a complex environmental challenge that requires joint efforts at the local, regional and global level,” said Karl-H. Foerster, executive director of PlasticsEurope in a news release. “We look forward to continue developing and executing programs that address marine litter, and work with governments, non-governmental organizations, researchers, and other stakeholders. It is critical that we have these partnerships and continue to bring additional stakeholders to the table to tackle this very serious issue.”
