Plastics industry representatives from across the world have signed a declaration to address and clean up the millions of tons of floating plastic garbage polluting the seas and oceans which destroy the food chain. At a two-day conference recently held in Dubai, a “Declaration for Solutions on Marine Litter” has been adopted by 54 plastics industry organizations. The action plan has identified 92 projects in 32 countries, in addition to the global activities supported by all signatories, and the progress will be reported next year. The declaration outlines a six-point strategy for industry action, and advocates close cooperation with a broad range of stakeholders to shape solutions for the marine environment. Areas where such initiative is already being carried out Vacances Propres in France, Keep America Beautiful in the US, Cool Seas in the UK, and the International Beach Cleanup in South Africa. They will serve as a catalyzer for further action in other regions. Recognizing that solutions to marine litter will require global cooperation, the plastics industry is inviting other interested stakeholders, to join in these actions and others to prevent marine litter. Dr. Abdulwahab Al Sadoun, Secretary General, Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), said the meeting was “a great step forward by these plastics industry representatives through committing to the global action plan for solutions on marine litter”. “The global plastics industry is determined to do our part and to play a constructive role in building new partnerships to shape solutions to the issue of marine litter,” added Laurence Jones, VP Corporate Support, Abu Dhabi Polymers (Borouge). Among the activities that the industry is implementing within the joint declaration is a partnership with The Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP). GESAMP is an advisory body to the United Nations system on the scientific aspects of marine environmental protection. The plastics industry has committed to support GESAMP's effort to evaluate the sources, fate and effects of micro-plastics in the marine environment. “We are proud to join the GESAMP initiative as one part of our industry's effort to better understand and prevent marine litter,” Dr. Sadoun added. Wilfried Haensel, executive director of PlasticsEurope said the meeting was “a great step forward by these plastics industry leaders through committing to the global action plan for solutions on marine litter.” He added “the global plastics industry is determined to do its part and to play a constructive role in building new partnerships to create solutions to the issue of marine litter.” “Plastics makers from around the globe agree that our products don't belong in world's oceans,” said Steve Russell, vice president of plastics for the American Chemistry Council. “And, plastics are valuable resources even after use. We look forward to doing our part and working with partners to implement solutions that keep more valuable plastics in productive use through improved stewardship and expanded infrastructure to grow recycling and energy recovery.” __
