However, in the current context, we know that the debate is particularly difficult: any substantive argument giving the feeling that it “serves the cause” of plastic often provokes hostile or even irrational reactions.
However, we dare to say that:
- yes, plastics can contribute to the emergence of a sober, resource and carbon-efficient world since over a full life cycle, they emit up to three times less greenhouse gases than their alternatives;
- yes, plastics provide safe, light and protective packaging. Oxygen and UV-tight, they protect our food, extend its shelf life and limit food waste;
- yes, plastics are at the heart of the energy transition, from the fields of photovoltaic panels and wind turbines they equip, to our homes which they insulate and protect;
- yes, the plastics used in agriculture (mulches, protective nets, irrigation sheaths, etc.) significantly reduce the consumption of water or phytosanitary products, and thus reinforce the protection of groundwater.
These are facts that no one can dispute and which, unfortunately, are largely inaudible in today’s environment.
Because, as we well know, plastic has become the hated symbol of “all disposable”, the signature of a consumer society based on single use.
This is the direct consequence of the very nature of plastic: durable and light, it is one of the materials best suited for reuse.
But durable and light, it becomes, also the source of persistent and mobile pollution when it is found scattered in nature.
It is therefore up to everyone to take their share and measure the challenges.
It is up to the principals, manufacturers and designers of the objects we make, to truly make eco-design an essential golden rule, by integrating environmental criteria from the product development phase.
It is up to users – consumers and businesses – to adopt and put into practice the essential virtues of an ecosystem integrating sustainable recycling.
It is up to public, national and international authorities to organize efficient waste collection and to integrate the major issue of ocean pollution into their political decisions. It is also up to them to convince emerging countries – those in Asia in particular – to implement efficient and credible management of their waste.
For our part, we assume our responsibilities.
At a time when the government is bringing in a bill against waste and for the circular economy, we wish to be resolutely part of the debate that engages our collective future.
Today, through this Manifesto, we are committed.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO :
Promote a Guideline Accepted Everywhere and by Everyone .
In the name of the environmental challenge which concerns us all for a low-carbon economy, we unequivocally support any initiative capable of enhancing the sorting gesture.
This is why we are in favor of the deposit principle: it gives value to the product and encourages us to become collectively responsible.
However, the success of this deposit system implies not to stem the investment dynamic carried by recycling players.
It is therefore up to the public authorities to ensure that, by 2022, all of the plastic packaging is collected in the yellow bins for recycling.
Contribute to the Objective of 100% Recycled Plastic by 2025 .
We are embarking on an exemplary trajectory with a first step which, from 2025, will result in the incorporation of 1 million tonnes of recycled plastics (MPR) in our products.
In the interests of total transparency, the monitoring of this commitment will be subject to the monitoring of a measurement tool carried by the European Commission (MORE), the results of which will be made public.
Support a Dynamic of Innovation and Industrial Transformation .
IPC (Innovation Plasturgie Composites) is our Technical Center, dedicated to R&D and innovation.
In order to accelerate the process – already initiated – of industrial transformation of our companies, we undertake:
– To devote 50% of its global budget to the development of the circular economy and to the deployment of accessible eco-design tools for all businesses;
– To create, from 2020, an incubator directly attached to this Center in order to host the most innovative startups, particularly in the fields of recycling and eco-design.
Fighting Effectively Against Releases of Micro-plastics in Marine Environments.
The global players in the plastic industry have launched Operation Clean Sweep to ensure product control during the production, transport or transformation processes, and in particular “plastic granules” characterized by their small size.
Also and at our level, we are making the commitment to generalize the good practices of Clean Sweep to all of our different factories, with the ambition to convert all of them to this program by 2025.
Inserting the Circular Economy at the Heart of Each Training
In order to involve our companies throughout the territory and to capture the young talents attracted by this challenge, we are committed to making the circular economy a structuring axis of each training in plastics processing and all the dedicated digital tools (SPOC, MOOC …).
REFS
Published on allize-plasturgie.org
[Manifeste] La fédération de la plasturgie et des composites s’engage