Statement

Plastic Makers Support Science-Based Solutions to Reduce Marine Debris

Unfortunately, California’s Current Legislative Proposals Miss the Mark

SACRAMENTO, CA (April 10, 2007) – The California legislature is considering three bills (AB 820, AB 904, AB 899) that would effectively ban or mandate substitutions for everyday plastic packaging products in an effort to reduce litter and marine debris.  While supporting the legislature’s goal of protecting the marine environment, the American Chemistry Council (ACC), which represents many of the nation’s leading plastics makers, opposes these measures and issued the following statement:

“We commend the legislature’s goal of reducing marine and land-based litter, but banning useful products and preferred materials is not the answer.  As proposed, these measures would limit purchasing choices and increase costs for California’s consumers and businesses while failing to address the state’s litter problem. We urge California’s lawmakers to redirect their efforts toward science-based solutions that focus on education, proper waste disposal and increased recycling opportunities.

“California’s plastics industry shares the desire to protect our oceans and communities. 
Through ACC, the plastics industry has contributed $100,000 to the Aquarium of the Pacific to construct a permanent exhibit aimed at educating young people on litter prevention and recycling.  We’ve been working to promote best management practices to help companies contain plastic materials throughout production, manufacturing and transport.  And ACC’s plastics division continues to work with California’s local governments and recyclers to help enhance recycling programs throughout the state.

“Unfortunately, the proposals currently under consideration disregard the research and recommendations of California’s own agencies.  A recent study conducted by the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) on the use and disposal of certain plastics concluded that bans ‘are generally not an effective long-term solution’ and ‘policy makers should use them only as a last resort.’ Instead the CIWMB recommended that the state implement increased litter education efforts, additional litter characterization studies and efforts to enhance product stewardship practices among manufacturers.

“America’s plastic makers recognize that litter and marine debris are a pressing challenge and agree that increased attention and specific actions should be taken to reduce and control litter throughout the state.  To be truly effective, actions to address litter must focus on education to prevent all types and all sources of litter. We stand ready to work with the State of California on reasonable anti-litter efforts such as coordinated public education, increased enforcement and other recommendations outlined by the CIWMB.

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