A new study in the journal Science Advances looks at the “Production, Use and Fate of All Plastics Ever Made.” We welcome this new study, and the opportunity it provides to context to the important discussions around plastics’ growth and post-use management. Let’s start with a fact that might be counter-intuitive: plastics are highly efficient […]
About Steve Russell
Vice President, Plastics Division | American Chemistry Council
Marine litter: Let’s stay focused on solutions
Earlier this week I had the privilege of speaking at the German Mission during the United Nations’ “The Oceans Conference.” The conference was designed to advance implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 to conserve and sustainably use our oceans, seas, and marine resources. And this obviously includes our shared goal of keeping plastics out of […]
Plastics-to-fuel turns “waste” plastics into a valuable resource – while saving other resources in the process
A new study by Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), part of the U.S. Department of Energy, found that converting non-recycled plastics into diesel fuel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 14 percent, water consumption by up to 58 percent, and traditional energy use by up to 96 percent compared to diesel production from traditional […]
How can we fix our nation’s infrastructure problems? Put competition to work
Virtually every day in the U.S., we are flooded with more and more reports about growing problems with the nation’s crumbling water infrastructure. While the problem was first brought to the public’s awareness in Flint, water systems are failing in countless other cities, from Cleveland, to New Jersey, to Massachusetts. Now, we are seeing more […]
Proposed marine debris legislation helps fortify industry’s ongoing work
On March 29 Senators Sullivan (R-AK), Whitehouse (D-RI) and Booker (D-NJ) introduced the bipartisan Saving Our Seas Act, which also included Senators Coons (D-DE), Inhofe (R-OK), Murkowski (R-AK), Peters (D-MI) and Tillis (R-NC) as cosponsors. In addition to reauthorizing National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris research program, the bill underscores the need for […]
Connecticut launches statewide campaign to increase plastic film recycling
On Tuesday, the Wrap Recycling Action Program (WRAP), in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environment Protection (DEEP) kicked off a statewide awareness campaign to increase the recycling of plastic wraps, bags and film packaging (collectively known as plastic film). A recent statewide survey showed why this CT WRAP campaign is so important: […]
Stronger, safer, sleeker: Modern plastics are changing how we get around
Plastics Make it Possible® visited the recent Los Angeles Auto Show to check out the latest innovations in the automotive world. From concept cars to models likely to show up in your driveway there was one common denominator: Plastics. It makes sense: lightweight and sturdy plastics help make cars lighter and more fuel efficient, and […]
Need a helping hand this holiday season? Plastics have your back
It’s no secret the holidays can be hectic. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering, or transporting Grandma’s (in)famous fruitcake across cold and busy roads, the time is ripe for potential mishaps. But here’s a not-so-well-known secret: plastics can help make the holidays a little safer and more manageable. For example, plastics help us keep foods […]
Can I recycle that? Comedian Rudy Mancuso has the answer
Who says you can’t have some fun while recycling? This America Recycles Day (November 15), our Plastics Make it Possible® campaign teamed up with comedian Rudy Mancuso to talk with millennials – and really anyone who would talk to him – about plastics recycling. Rudy hit the streets of New York City armed with a […]
The U.S. EPA adds its voice to plastics recycling and sustainability
We have a new partner in promoting a more holistic way of looking at plastics: the U.S. EPA. On America Recycles Day (November 15), ACC’s Plastics Division and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a partnership to promote sustainable materials management (SMM) for plastics. SMM offers a systematic approach to more efficiently using and reusing […]
- On the road with #ACCaugust 3.0
- In the zone: Appalachian region could become a major center of petrochemicals and plastics manufacturing
- Marine litter: Let’s stay focused on solutions
- Chemical industry achieves record-setting process safety gains
- How can we fix our nation’s infrastructure problems? Put competition to work
