The urgency of the situation cries out for a more thoughtful solution than simply saying ‘No’ to a material that has brought numerous benefits to society at large.

Plastics Industry Association President and CEO Tony Radoszewski testified before the United States House Committee on Natural Resources on the impacts of plastic pollution on the oceans and wildlife. Here is an excerpt from his initial testimonial:

“Since they were first developed, plastics have grown to make hospitals safer, surgeries less invasive, patient care more sterile, safe and effective. Over the past century, plastics have also made cars, trucks and airplanes more efficient, environmentally friendly and safer.

We agree that there is a problem with plastic waste. The urgency of the situation calls for a more thoughtful solution than simply saying “No” to a material that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, is more efficient to produce than other materials such as metal, paper, and glass, and has delivered numerous benefits. To the society in general.

Industry itself has taken up this challenge by innovating: developing new chemistries, investing in new recycling and collection technologies, developing ways to convert plastic waste into energy, and creating the supply to meet the demand for recycled plastic content. Even so, the support of federal, state and local authorities is needed to guarantee that no bottle that is thrown in the containers ends up in a sanitary landfill ”.

Since 1937, PLASTICS has worked to make its members and the Industry more competitive globally while promoting recycling and sustainability.