Page 32 - Plastics News July 2020

US Industry Association refutes attack on UK manufacturers urge government to secure
Plastics strong deal with EU

S Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) he Chemicals Business Association, Manufacturing
UPresident & CEO Tony Radoszewski refuted attacks TTechnology Association, and 100's of entrepreneurs
on the (Plastics) and small to medium sized firms have written directly
material and the to the PM to urge much closer collaboration with the
industry that have EU. Today marks the point of no return for needing to
played a critical agree an EU trade deal and prepare the country for that
role in the U.S. deal by the end of this year. The business alliance warns
response to the that the PM has taken a huge gamble with the
novel coronavirus. Coronavirus pandemic having created an enormous
At a briefing of economic shock across the UK and around the world.
Congress entitled Highlighting the Government's own analysis suggesting
"Plastic Production, that the downside of a no-deal exit, compared to
Pollution and Waste continuing with current arrangements, would be
i n t h e Ti m e o f approximately 8 % of GDP in 15 years time, businesses
Covid-19: The Life- are calling for a reset in the tone and transparency of
Threatening Impact the negotiations in the remaining six months. The letter
of Single Use Plastic calls for the PM to ensure that the UK achieves the best
on Human Health, possible trading arrangements with the EU and other
Radoszewski told countries. Specifically, it calls for these trading
the House Oversight and Government Reform arrangements to uphold the common high standards
Committee's Subcommittee on the Environment that currently applicable on both sides in the areas of state
the idea that single-use plastic medical products are aid, social and employment standards, environment,
'life-threatening' contradicts the advice of this climate change and tax. Critically the businesses, most
Subcommittee, which recently urged the President to of whom are on the front line of trading with the EU,
use all his power to increase production and c a l l f o r
distribution of 'masks, face shields, surgical gowns, c o n t i n u e d
isolation gowns, goggles, disposable caps, disposable a l i g n m e n t
shoe covers, and disposable gloves. w i t h E U
r e g u l a t o r y
"Plastic is one of the most advanced and useful
bodies that
materials humanity ever created, contributing to
longer, healthier lives for people across the globe. allow free flow
Without it, disease and hunger would be more of products in
common, not less," said Radoszewski, underscoring the such areas as
conflict between environmental groups seeking to ban pharmaceutic
al, medical,
hygienic single-use items and public health officials
recommending them to help Americans protect and chemical
themselves. s u p p l i e s t o
keep non-tariff
The only witness invited to highlight the importance of barriers to a
plastics in healthcare, Radoszewski expressed his m i n i m u m .
appreciation to Ranking Member Fred Keller (R-PA) for They are also calling for assurance of an equivalence
giving him the opportunity describe the plastic agreement with the EU for financial services that is
industry's effort to meet unprecedented demand for broader than the traditional arrangements and
personal protection equipment (PPE), as well as provides greater certainty. Peter Newport, CEO of the
components for ventilators and other medical devices. Chemical Business Association said “A smooth flow of
Addressing environmental concerns, Radoszewski chemical industry products is critical for the economy
explained, "All materials require energy and other to recover post Covid. They are the foundation of most
resources in their manufacture, and all produce waste. industries. A good EU trade deal with close alignment on
However, over its entire lifecycle in most applications, chemical regulation and standards is the only way to
plastic requires less energy and conserves more avoid chemical supply chain disruption and have a
resources than glass, paper or aluminum, saving fuel, negative impact on our economy.”
energy and money, especially for busy working
families."

July 2020 32 Plastics News