Industry Commits To Zero Resin Loss Into The Environment

KERTEH, 8 DECEMBER 2022 – The Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA) launched the Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS) programme in the country to drive the local plastics industry and its stakeholders towards zero plastics resin loss into the environment. 

Speaking at the launch event, MPMA Vice President Mr. CC Cheah highlighted the significance of this programme not just locally but globally. “The historic resolution at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) 5.2 in March 2022 for the development of an internationally legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution demonstrated the commitment globally to ensure that mankind addresses the issue of plastics pollution urgently and effectively. With the OCS programme in place locally, it will further propel Malaysia’s commitment as a nation towards the global common goal of eradicating plastics pollution.”

The OCS programme is a product stewardship programme initiated by the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), and is now an international voluntary programme for the global plastics industry to adopt. By signing up for the programme, companies are to commit to the implementation of good housekeeping and containment practices to avoid leakage of plastics resin in the form of either pellets, flakes or powder out of their premises. It is open not only to plastics manufacturers, but also its stakeholders throughout the supply chain, such as raw material producers, recyclers, logistics service providers and more. 

The launch event attended by 80 industry players was held in collaboration with PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG) as the major plastics resin producer in Malaysia and the first company in Malaysia to sign up for OCS.

“We are delighted to be the first Malaysian company to sign up for the OCS programme. This further strengthens our commitment as a responsible polymer producer. PCG has taken active steps to embark on sustainability-driven initiatives, in line with PCG’s Sustainability Agenda. Through our collaboration with MPMA, we are positive that our participation in OCS will further accelerate the nation’s journey towards a circular economy,” said PCG Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Ir. Mohd Yusri Mohamed Yusof.

Following the launch, MPMA will be organising a series of information sharing and engagement sessions with its members and stakeholders to drive the adoption of OCS in the country. “We look forward to an encouraging participation from the industry. Taking care of our premises and ensuring minimal potential impact to the environment from our own processes would be the least that we can do as we move towards a more sustainable and circular plastics industry,” added Cheah. 

To know more about OCS in Malaysia, please visit https://mpma.org.my/sustainability/operation-clean-sweep

About Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA)

The Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA), established in 1967, is a progressive trade association providing leadership and quality service to its members and the plastics industry with due care to the environment. MPMA is the official voice of the Malaysian plastics industry, representing its members and the industry in Government interaction, spearheading the plastics industry's growth and providing the platforms to assist members to be globally competitive. One of MPMA's current focus is on plastics and sustainability whereby activities involve communication, education and public awareness.  

In 2011, MPMA signed the Declaration of the Global Plastics Associations for Solutions on Marine Litter which operates as the Global Plastics Alliance (GPA). The GPA is committed to take action and make measurable progress to contribute and execute sustainable solutions locally and regionally to address the issue of marine debris. 

In 2013, MPMA received the Special Acknowledgement Award as Leading Contributor towards Environmental Sustainability from the Department of Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in conjunction with the Malaysia Environment Week 2013.

The MPMA has about 750 members, representing about 60 percent of plastics manufacturers in the country, and accounting for 80 percent of the country's total production of plastics products.

For more information on MPMA, visit http://mpma.org.my/. 

This content is provided by MPMA

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