Plastics have an image problem with some people these days.
But there is a different story to tell, and Tom Salmon, the leader of Berry Global Group Inc., wants his company to help lead the narrative about the benefits of plastics in everyday life.
The Evansville, Ind.-based company wants the plastics industry to take what it calls "a more collaborative role in educating consumers of the benefits plastics can provide."
Part of the company's work involves creation of an internal program called Plastics Ambassadors, which aims to "lead education and advocacy among its employees and internal stakeholders" about the benefits of plastics, the company said.
"It is time for us to tell a new story. A new story about the progress that plastics has supported. The promise plastics holds for everyday lives around the world. And the potential to transform the human experience," Salmon said in a statement.
"It's time for us to speak with a strong and unified voice about the Possibilities of Plastics," he continued.
Berry indicated the company is working with resin suppliers and "other partners" to help educate consumers about the benefits of plastics.
Berry provided details about the new initiative March 28 following a presentation earlier in the month by Salmon at the World Petrochemical Conference in Houston.
"Plastics in health care, food preservation, agriculture and an array of other industries, is creating products that help save and improve lives every day," the CEO said in his statement.
"And in terms of sustainability, the impact of lighter weight plastics that require less energy and carbon emissions to produce, as well as growing rates of recyclability and use of recycled resin, these facts reflect how plastics is making a substantial positive contribution around the world," he said.
During the conference presentation, the company said, the CEO spoke about the difference between how the plastics industry views itself and how those on the outside view the plastics industry. He could not be reached for additional comment March 28.
A major topic grabbing headlines these days is the concern about the amount of plastics entering the world's oceans. Use of single-use plastics, such as straws and cups, are increasingly becoming a focal point of environmental groups pushing for changes in consumer behavior.
Industry supporters, however, often point to how plastics have impacted seemingly everybody's lives, including areas such as convenience, safety and health care, for example.