SPI POLICY ON DEGRADABLE PLASTICS

WHEREAS, The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI) does not support the use of mandates by any public policy body to influence markets for material specific plastics products, and;

WHEREAS, for nearly three decades, policy makers have attempted to solve solid waste and litter challenges with laws mandating the use of "degradable" plastics, and;

WHEREAS, some resins are proven to biodegrade as per ASTM International standards, "degradable" plastics are still oftentimes a misunderstood and misnamed technology, and;

WHEREAS, SPI believes that legislation or regulations mandating "degradable" plastics should not be used as a replacement for the failure of individuals to properly dispose of plastics products.

THEREFORE, be it resolved that, it is the policy of the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc., to support fully the following:

Ongoing efforts of individual companies and institutions to develop "degradable" plastics where they are proven to meet the desired outcome and are compatible with the production, transportation, application, use and intended waste disposal method or existing recycling infrastructure for these products, and;

The ability of individual companies to utilize proven degradable technologies for specific applications that are consistent with the labeling guidelines of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and adopted by individual states, and;

Reliance upon appropriate scientific, consensus building organizations to develop and produce universally recognized technical standards for materials, products, systems and services applicable to the plastics industry.

Approved by the SPI Board of Directors, October 13, 2006

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