Page 36 - Plastics News October 2020

Industry group asks Mexico to delay Plastics California's PCR mandate may become a model
bans
alifornia's decision to require post-consumer resin
anada's proposed ban on single-use plastics may Cin drink bottles could inspire other states,
Cnot run afoul of its trade deal with the United particularly in the Northeast, to pursue similar laws,
States and Mexico, but experts suggest it disregards according to an industry leader. The new California law
the "pause-and-check" spirit of the agreement. The
requires that plastic bottles covered by the bottle
Washington-based Plastics Industry Association added
deposit program contain at least 15% post-consumer
its voice this week to a chorus of complaints about the
proposal, which would classify certain manufactured resin by 2022. “This can be a model built for other
plastic items, including straws and carry-out bags, as states to follow,” said Sunil Bagaria, president of
"toxic substances" under the Canadian Environmental recycling company GDB International and chair of the
Plastics Division at the Institute of Scrap Recycling
Industries (ISRI). “This can be a national model – if
California can do it, then why can't we do it?” California
Governor Gavin Newsom on September 24, signed
Assembly Bill 793, which requires that plastic bottles
covered by the bottle deposit program contain at least
15% post-consumer resin (PCR) by 2022, 25% by 2025
and 50% by 2030. Both chambers of the legislature
passed the bill in August without any votes in
opposition. Newsom described the mandates as the
strongest in the world as the bill will help boost
domestic markets for recycled materials, reducing

Protection Act. Plastics industry leaders in Mexico are
urging the mayor of Mexico City to delay implementing
a ban on plastic bags and utensils. The association
echoed concerns raised last month by the U.S.-based
Vinyl Institute that the proposal could "undermine" the
U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which took effect in
July. Association president Tony Radoszewski said, "By
designating plastics as 'toxic,' the Canadian
government is recklessly making policy that could have
significant negative impacts on human health."
Mexico's exports of rubbers and plastics totaled $12.7
billion in 2018, mainly to the United States (77%). But
its sales of plastic sheeting, plastic housewares, and
polymer components are only part of the story. Mexico
is also ranked as one of the largest plastics consumers dependence on virgin plastics and accelerating the
in the world. In 2018, Mexico was the largest market for transition away from fossil fuels. “California has long
U.S. exporters of plastics products, totaling USD $17.9 led the way on bold solutions in the climate space, and
billion. Mexico's manufacturers incorporate a range of the steps we take today bring us closer to our ambitious
plastic materials within automotive components,
goals,” Newsom stated. “I thank the Legislature for
aerospace parts, medical devices, and consumer
taking these important steps to protect the planet and
goods, among other things. According to Mexico's
public health.” Groups issued statements in support of
National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI),
the bill signing, including the Association of Plastic
the value of total production in Mexico's plastics
industry grew by 6.9% in 2018. Recyclers (APR) and Californians Against Waste.

October 2020 36 Plastics News