Plastics in the ocean and micro plastics were the burning issues on the agenda during the bi-annual ICCA Board of Directors meeting in Colorado on 5 June. Board members from the World Plastics Council (WPC) were also invited to the meeting in order to align global industry efforts to reduce and eliminate plastic waste. Following discussions, a group of five chemical companies has taken on the development of an umbrella strategy for a coordinated, forward approach on tackling plastics waste.
One of the components of this strategy is to leverage global industry involvement with the NGO ‘The Ocean Cleanup’ and its founder Boyan Slat. Board members acknowledged that Slat provides solutions – in the form of installations – to clean up most of the ocean waste and were united in exploring engagement in an industry-association sponsorship. There was recognition that the issue is broader than just micro plastics in the ocean, and should cover all areas, including a global communications campaign and efforts to accelerate knowledge in science. A detailed way forward on the recommended umbrella strategy developed together with the plastics industry will be presented at the next ICCA Board meeting, taking place in Amsterdam on 26 October.
Fuente: ICCA