Chinese plastics associations join effort to reduce marine debris

Three associations representing China’s plastics industry have become the latest signatories to the industry’s Global Declaration for Solutions on Marine Litter, a commitment to help find and implement solutions for keeping plastics out of the ocean.

The China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation (CPCIF), the China Synthetic Resin Marketing Association, and the China Plastics Processing Industry Association (CPPIA) have officially signed on to the global declaration under which plastic industry leaders commit to contribute to scientific research, knowledge sharing, and partnerships to develop post-use solutions that treat plastics as resources and keep them out of the marine environment.

“Plastics are essential to achieving a sustainable society, because they reduce waste, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions, all while improving the quality of modern life,” says CPCIF Chairman Li Shousheng. “We must continue working together to find post-use solutions that take advantage of these valuable materials so they don’t become litter or create ‘white pollution.’”

“We welcome and commend China’s plastics industry for joining global efforts to address marine debris,” says Steve Russell, Vice President of Plastics for the American Chemistry Council. “Marine debris is a complex, global problem, and China’s participation is a strong signal that this industry is committed to doing our part in providing solutions.”

To date more than 60 associations in 34 countries have signed the plastics industry’s global declaration, through which 185 projects have been planned, initiated, or completed since its launch in March 2011. These associations report on their progress annually. 

Earlier this year, CPPIA became a partner in the plastics industry’s Operation Clean Sweep® program, an effort designed to help companies that handle plastics raw materials properly contain these resources and prevent them from entering the marine environment.