If you want to know one of the predominant colors for plastics today, say
"green." That's because two of the major associations in the plastics industry
are trying to help their members ensure they have environmentally friendly
operations.
For
example, the Society of Plastics Engineers (http://www.4spe.org ) is organizing a special
Global Plastics Environmental Conference. It will be held February 23-25 at the
Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Atlanta.
On tap for the convention are several technical papers on the environment as
well as other topics. Among the papers to be presented: Biocomposites From Waste
Plastics; Automotive Parts Using Recycled Automotive Paint Waste; and What Makes
a Pigment Environmentally Friendly.
Technical tracks at the Conference will cover such topics as automotive
issues, biodegradeable materials, regulations, packaging, and appliances. One of
the keynote speakers will be Dr. Neil Mayne, director of technical and
environmental affairs of Plastics Europe.
The Conference is sponsored by the organization's Plastics Environmental
Division, which was organized in 1991. Check the association's website for
registration information.
Meanwhile, the Society of the Plastics Industry (www.socplas.org), another trade group, has a
special program called Operation Clean Sweep. Organized in cooperation with the
American Plastics Council,its goal is to help plastic resin-handling operations
implement good housekeeping practices and pellet-containment practices.
Promoting Zero pellet loss is a priority for the initiative. Spilled pellets
get into local waterways and eventually land in the ocean. Beyond cleaning the
environment, the initiative could also lead to fewer plant accidents, most of
which are caused by slips and falls. Of course, the initiative could also help
resin companies avoid the heavy fines associated with pellet loss. California,
for example, has fines up to $10,000 per incident for violation of storm water
regulations.
For more information, see www.opcleansweep.org.
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