AFPM responds to release of new Biden-⁠Harris administration strategy aimed at tackling plastic pollution

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rob Benedict, AFPM Vice President of Petrochemicals and Midstream, issued the following statement in response to the new government-wide strategy to combat plastic pollution. Paying particular attention to the elimination of single-use plastic, the strategy announces the Biden-Harris administration's goal to phase out federal procurement of single-use plastics.

"U.S. petrochemical manufacturers are committed to building a circular economy where valuable, essential plastics aren't wasted and do not pollute the environment. However, with its focus on product and procurement bans, we don't believe the government's recent announcement outlines the right way to achieve these goals. We are encouraged by the government's increased focus on facilitating a circular economy and we'd much rather work with them on such policies that encourage innovation and investments toward circularity.

"There are many advantages to plastic products, in terms of cost, lower-emissions intensity and lower resource intensity, to name just a few. Product and procurement bans overlook these advantages and the potential trade-offs from alternatives.

"To meet the needs of consumers, achieve circularity and eliminate plastic waste, we have to improve waste management and collection systems, utilize all technologies (including mechanical and advanced recycling), and design products and select feedstocks with maximum recyclability in mind. U.S. petrochemical manufacturers are invested heavily on all these fronts, in partnership with other participants in the value chain, and we would welcome policies that accelerate this progress."