CPIA, SPI AND ACC WELCOME PAC AS FIRST SUPPORTER MEMBER OF OPERATION CLEAN SWEEP

TORONTO, WASHINGTON and CINCINNATI, Dec. 9, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The board of directors of the Packaging Association (PAC) and the leaders of their PAC NEXT initiative announced today the signing of an Memorandum of Understanding to begin promoting Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS) to resin pellet handling operations within their membership. Originated by the Society of Plastics Inc. (SPI) more than 25 years ago, OCS is now a joint program of SPI and the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and is licensed to the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) to administer and promote in Canada. OCS is an environmental stewardship program that has been implemented by almost 200 U.S. companies, 70 Canadian companies, and close to a dozen international plastics organizations around the world including the CPIA.

The global plastics industry is committed to its role as an environmental steward. Ensuring that spilled resin pellets – the raw material from which plastic products are made – do not make their way into local waterways, lakes or oceans is a priority. Resin pellet loss can occur in manufacturing plants where pellets may be inadvertently washed down drains or lost during transportation. The goal of OCS is to help resin pellet handlers implement systematic housekeeping and pellet containment practices towards achieving zero pellet loss.  

"We're excited to be working with SPI, ACC and CPIA to help promote the OCS program and to ensure our members engaged in resin pellet handling sign onto the OCS program" said James Downham, PAC President and CEO. "PAC and PAC NEXT urge all of their members who handle resin pellets to take the OCS pledge to prevent the loss of resin pellets into the environment. We all agree that plastic pellets don't belong in the environment, and this program can help us practice better pellet stewardship across our industry."  

SPI President and CEO Bill Carteaux added, "Our organization is pleased to have PAC and PAC NEXT as a supporter to promote OCS among its membership. Protecting the environment takes industry cooperation, and we are delighted to share a program that has helped hundreds of other companies keep resin pellets out of waterways and pursue zero waste."    

CPIA President and CEO Carol Hochu said, "CPIA is delighted with the support from PAC and PAC NEXT and looks forward to working together, building and expanding upon our current efforts to enlist more and more companies into the OCS program.

ACC's Vice President of Plastics Steve Russell added, "Industry collaboration is essential in tackling marine debris, both at home and globally.  PAC's support of OCS helps further unite the value chain on essential best practices for keeping pellets out of our waterways."

The OCS program and manual contain guidelines to help plant operations managers reduce pellet loss to the environment. The OCS manual and customizable implementation tools are available online at no cost to companies wishing to implement the OCS program. Learn more about the program and sign onto the OCS program at www.opcleansweep.org for plants operating in the U.S.  and through the CPIA website www.plastics.ca/ocs for plants operating in Canada.

CPIA

The Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) is the national voice of the Canadian Plastics Industry. With over 2400 companies employing 76,000 workers, Canada's $18-billion plastics industry is a sophisticated, multi-faceted sector encompassing plastic products manufacturing, machinery, moulds, and resins. CPIA has a dedicated effort to by working collaboratively with stakeholders to divert plastics from landfill through greater recycling and energy recovery of plastics.

PAC and PAC NEXT

Founded in 1950, PAC is a not for profit, material and package neutral corporation. PAC is a vital partner and catalyst for the North American packaging value chain with over 380 corporate and 2170 associate members. In 2011 PAC NEXT was launched with a vision of A World Without Packaging Waste. Our goal is to minimize recovery costs, while maximizing the recovery rates of discarded packaging materials.

SPI

Founded in 1937, SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association promotes growth in the $373 billion U.S. plastics industry. Representing nearly 900,000 American workers in the third largest U.S. manufacturing industry, SPI delivers advocacy, market research, industry promotion, and the fostering of business relationships and zero waste strategies. SPI also owns and produces the international NPE trade show. All profits from NPE are reinvested into SPI's industry services.

ACC

The American Chemistry Council's Plastics Division represents leading companies dedicated to providing innovative solutions to the challenges of today and tomorrow through plastics. Ongoing innovations from America's Plastic MakersTM have led to medical advances and safety equipment that make our lives better, healthier and safer every day.   And, advances in plastics are helping Americans save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease waste. Because plastics are such a valuable resource, the Plastics Division is leading efforts to "reduce, reuse, recycle and recover," including through outreach, education and access to advances in recycling technology.

A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=22593