Impact Plastics

Greetings,

 APC Monthly Newsletter                                                       August 2005

 

  • Hold the Date—APC Officers’ Work Session: FY 2006 Business Plan and Budget Development will be held September 7, 2005, (10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) in conjunction with the SCI Perkin Medal Dinner in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is open to all Operating Board members. 

 

I           Creating a Positive Issues Climate

 

Plastic Bag and Film Recycling Workshop a Huge Success at California Conference

At the California Resource Recovery Association’s (CRRA) annual conference in July, APC conducted an interactive workshop on plastic bag and film recycling that has ignited new interest in recycling opportunities in many of the state’s communities.  This event is regularly attended by a large number of anti-plastic activists, who, in recent years, have blamed plastics for alleged problems ranging from clogging local waterways to killing marine wildlife. In recent months, San Francisco’s proposed plastic bag fee has further sensationalized plastics issues in the press.  During the workshop, APC addressed one of industry’s key audiences – public agency recycling officials – to educate them on current plastic bag and film recycling efforts and enlist their help in increasing plastic bag/film recycling opportunities in California’s communities.  Feedback on APC’s involvement in the workshop has been overwhelmingly positive.  APC has been approached by numerous recycling coordinators interested in setting up plastic bag and film recycling programs for consumer and business entities instead of proposing onerous taxes or bans.  APC’s constructive recycling activities and related outreach are helping to preserve plastics’ favorability and markets for packaging products. Contact: Judith Dunbar, (703) 741-5598.

 

Japanese Auto Industry Recognizes Value of APC-Initiated Global Approach to Declarable Substances

In a recent letter from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), several Japanese entities have requested to participate in the Global Automotive Stakeholders Group (GASG).  Among them are three JAMA member companies (Toyota, Honda and Nissan), one parts supplier and one plastics/chemical company (Sumitomo Chemical).  APC initiated the formation of GASG in response to legislation adopted by the European Parliament (Directive 2000/53/EC - the "ELV Directive") in 2000, requiring substance disclosure from suppliers throughout the automotive value chain. GASG developed a globally harmonized list of declarable substances – and an approach for managing the list – significantly reducing compliance costs for APC members and other GASG participants. To continue maximizing the cost savings and efficiencies derived from global harmonization, GASG members, including APC, are actively pursuing participation from stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region.  Contact: Jim Kolb, (248) 244-8920.

 

APC Calls for Greenhouse Gas Reduction Credits for Plastics Recycling

In a June 14 letter to the Office of Policy and International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy, APC joined the American Forest and Paper Association, the American Iron and Steel Institute, and the Aluminum Association in calling for an “avoided emissions” reporting mechanism for recycling under the 1605(b) greenhouse gas inventory protocol.  In the case of plastics, the potential for greenhouse gas reductions exists both for recycling and for energy recovery.  By joining other material associations in this request, APC is taking action to prevent plastics from being disadvantaged in end markets as climate change policy continues to develop. Contact:  Mike Fisher, (703) 741-5599.

 

“Pool Rules” Signs Highlight Plastics’ Key Role in Water Safety

APC has become the exclusive sponsor of the National Lifeguard Association’s (NLA) “Pool Rules” signage program.  Woven among the rules are messages to gently remind consumers that the life vests, buoys, protective swim shoes, and shatter-resistant refreshment and personal care products they use pool-side are all made of plastics.  These two-foot by three-foot durable plastic signs will hang at pools and hospitality locations throughout the United States, reminding consumers for years to come of the many ways plastics help keep our families safe at the pool.  To request “Pool Rules” signs for your company’s plant communities (available to APC members at no cost) or for more information, contact: Rob Krebs, (703) 741-5626.

 

 

II         Advantaging Plastics in Markets

ACC/APC Achieves DOT/NHTSA Appropriations Milestone

ACC/APC’s Federal Relations Team has secured favorable appropriations language from the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee. The language instructs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to examine the safety aspects of plastic and composite intensive vehicles (PCIVs) and recommends $250,000 to begin program development. The Subcommittee also makes clear its support for DOT, DOE and industry’s working together “(to develop) safety-centered approaches for future light-weight automotive design.”  ACC/APC believes the language will hold up in conference and ultimately strengthen plastics’ position as a material of choice in sustainable automotive design.  Separately, talks with NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Research are progressing with regard to the development of a Safety Roadmap for PCIVs beginning in 2005.  APC’s strategy for promoting the use of plastics in the automotive market, where steel has traditionally held the upper hand, hinges on “taking the high road” by emphasizing innovative solutions through research.  Both of these efforts strengthen the plastics industry’s position in this regard. Contact:  Mike Fisher, (703) 741-5599.

 

III        Increasing Member Value

 

            3A. ACC Common Services

Key Automotive Supplier Association Endorses Responsible Care®

ACC’s Responsible Care program has been endorsed by the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) as an effective driver of environmental, health, safety and security (EHSS) performance and recommended for use by automotive manufacturers and their suppliers.  Through the efforts of ACC/APC member companies, OESA adopted on July 8 a resolution supporting Responsible Care as a suitable alternative to ISO 14001. A statement on OESA’s website notes that because most raw material and chemical suppliers are Responsible Care certified, OEMs’ (original equipment manufacturers) acceptance of Responsible Care as an ISO 14001 alternative would result in cost savings and efficiency gains for suppliers and their customers.  Efforts to encourage greater acceptance of Responsible Care as an ISO alternative are aimed at helping ACC/APC members to streamline EHSS practices and avoid duplicative certification processes.  Contact: Jim Kolb, (248) 244-8920.

 

ACC/APC Spearheads “Back Home” Meetings during August Recess

ACC’s Grassroots Department is seizing the opportunity to communicate with Federal lawmakers during the August legislative recess by facilitating meetings between ACC/APC member companies and lawmakers in their home districts.  This bridge-building component to the advocacy program brings site managers and company representatives together with members of Congress.  Meetings are currently scheduled with U.S. Senators Mark Pryor (AR) and Jim Bunning (KY), and U.S. Representatives Lynn Westmoreland (GA), Rick Boucher (VA), Geoff Davis (KY), Shelley Moore Capito (WV), and Tom Price (GA).  State meetings are planned with Washington State Representative Brandon Williams and California State Assemblymember Alberto Torrico.  Additional meetings are being planned throughout the summer and fall of 2005.  Contact:  Rudy Underwood, (770) 421-2991.

 

3B. APC’s Business Units

 

API, OSHA Form Alliance to Promote Worker Safety in the Truck Bed Liner Industry

The Alliance for the Polyurethanes Industry (API) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have formed a cooperative alliance to help reduce and prevent worker exposures to diisocyanates during the application of spray-on truck bed liners.  The API-OSHA alliance will assist the truck bed liner industry, where many companies are relatively small in size, by bringing together industry experts to address important worker safety issues, such as the proper use of personal protective equipment and respirators and the proper maintenance of equipment and ventilation booths. The alliance also will work to raise industry awareness of job hazards and the business value of a company’s commitment to employee health and safety. Contact:  Stephanie Bernard, (703) 741-5661.

 

PSPC and SIRC Enhance Global Styrene, Polystyrene Network

The Polystyrene Packaging Council (PSPC) and its upstream group, the Styrene Information and Research Center (SIRC), recently met with European counterparts (CEFIC and Plastics Europe) in Brussels as part of the International Styrene Industry Forum’s communications team.  Formed in 1997, ISIF is a network of styrene/polystyrene organizations from Canada, Korea, Japan, Europe and the United States that develops and shares technical, scientific and advocacy communications for the global styrenics industry.  In Brussels, PSPC and other participants outlined plans to broaden ISIF’s reach to support additional regions, such as China, India, and South and Central America, in their efforts to promote and defend styrenics products.  Coordinating internationally is an important part of how APC and its business units, such as PSPC, manage issues and leverage resources on a global scale.  Contact:  Mike Levy, (703) 741-5647.