Sustainability Leadership Discussion Paper launched

The Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association (PACIA) launched the Sustainability Leadership Discussion Paper at the association's annual general meeting in Melbourne.

The landmark document outlines the benefits and challenges for the industry when incorporating sustainable practices into the industrial environment. It encompasses the use of materials and resources, particularly water and energy, greenhouse emissions, and waste and recycling.

The paper will gather industry information on sustainability practices within the industry and will help in the development of a sustainability framework for the plastics and chemicals industries.

PACIA chief executive Michael Catchpole said the discussion paper is the first step in the development of the Sustainability Leadership Framework and will form the basis of consultation with PACIA members and employees and PACIA's stakeholders including local communities, people who use the industry's products and services, government and peak environmental groups.

"Taking leadership on sustainability will position the plastics and chemicals industries at the forefront of opportunities, but it will also increase the expectations and scrutiny of the industry by stakeholders," Catchpole said.

"Global and national issues such as climate change, security and water shortages are also directly impacting on Australian plastics and chemicals businesses, most obviously through higher costs for energy, raw materials and increasing regulation. These issues are converging to present major challenges to companies that must respond and adapt, implement change and remain profitable.

"To respond to these challenges, the plastics and chemicals industries must transform to maximise the economic, social and environmental value that they deliver to Australians by acting beyond the plant fence, looking creatively at products, technology and materials, multiplying the value created along supply chains and taking a sustainable business approach."

Workshops will be held nationally to gather the information until November 2007. The discussion paper is available in hardcopy and also online at www.pacia.org.au.