News Release

ACC and SPI Announce Partnership for A Plastics Ambassador Program

ARLINGTON, VA (September 17, 2008) – Working together in what both organizations describe as a successful model for the future, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) today announced the formation of a partnership for a “Plastics Ambassador Program.” This collaborative initiative builds upon recycling and other proactive industry promotion initiatives of both associations, and is designed to mobilize companies and their employees to promote the benefits of plastics and plastics recycling within their communities.

“By working together on the Ambassador Program, ACC and SPI are able to tap into the full strength of the plastics industry.  Our industry is under significant attack, and we believe that our members and their employees are in a fantastic position to articulate the many benefits and value of our products,” said ACC Plastics Division Managing Director, Steve Russell.

“The plastics industry is under attack today from all fronts, and it's time to mobilize our workforce to help educate the public about plastics' many contributions to a sustainable world, thereby making them the materials of choice for a modern, more energy-efficient society," said SPI President and CEO Bill Carteaux." Through the combined efforts of our members, the Plastics Ambassador Program can have a significant impact through encouraging industry employees to share the value of plastic in various activities at local, state and national levels.”

Over the next twelve months ACC and SPI will conduct a pilot of the initiative, training employees and encouraging them to promote plastic recycling through community events such as PTA meetings, city council meetings or by sponsoring a PlastiVan™ school visit. PlastiVans™ travel to schools and companies throughout North America, educating people of all ages about plastic’s chemistry, history, processing, manufacturing, sustainability and application. Additionally, companies and employees will be encouraged to reach out to the media and their elected officials to communicate the benefits of plastic products and the sustainable innovations recycling supports. 

From life saving medical equipment, to solar panels, to light-weight auto parts that help Americans save energy, plastics are essential to daily life in America. Working with government and community sectors, the plastics industry will continue its commitment to improved litter and marine debris prevention, recycling and research in developing innovative, environmentally-friendly products.

Founded in 1937, SPI is the plastics industry trade association representing the third largest manufacturing industry in the United States. SPI's member companies represent the entire plastics industry supply chain, including processors, machinery and equipment manufacturers and raw materials suppliers. The U.S. plastics industry employs 1.1 million workers and provides nearly $379 billion in annual shipment.