The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has launched a new campaign in an effort to raise awareness regarding the potential environmental and economic harm that could be caused by a new rule proposed by the General Services Administration (GSA). The federal agency is currently seeking comments on a proposed rule which could ban the federal government and its agencies from purchasing single-use plastics.

“A proposal such as this from GSA would run counter to the administration’s environmental goals to reduce emissions,” said Matt Seaholm, President and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS). “If this policy were to move forward, not only would it cost taxpayers millions and millions of dollars, it would force the use of products and materials that likely have a much larger environmental footprint than the plastic products the administration would be looking to phase out.”

“Our industry is investing billions of dollars to recycle more plastic waste in the U.S.  We would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the Administration to develop effective recycling solutions that reduce plastic waste through smart investments in infrastructure, technology, and education.”

The launch of this educational campaign will include information made available by PLASTICS that emphasizes the implications and potential impact that a rulemaking like this could have, in addition to extreme costs, beyond just the plastics industry, potentially harming infrastructure, construction, shipping, consumers and even national parks.

More information on the GSA rulemaking can be found on PLASTICS’ educational website This Is Plastics.