Plastics Industry Association Releases Statement on Canada's "Toxic" Label for Plastics

It was recently reported that the Canadian government continued its push to label plastic a “toxic” material, publishing an order-in-council in the Canada Gazette Part II that opens the door for the creation of rules to officially ban certain types of plastic products.

Tony Radoszewski, president and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS, Washington, D.C., U.S.), warned that false labeling could have devastating effects on cross-border trade, jobs in the U.S. and Canada and working people depending on plastics for safety, convenience and affordability.

“Our two countries are powerful plastics economies. This development is a symbolic gesture to activists and threatens tens of billions of dollars of commerce,” says Radoszewski. “The idea that plastic is toxic is the true danger. Such a label could have ramifications far beyond some single-use items. It could fast-track more bans on other consumer products that are fully recyclable. Our main concern should be improving recycling.”

Radoszewski notes that banning a material that has transformed modern medicine in the name of public health is absurd, especially during a pandemic necessitating plastic gloves, masks, ventilators, vaccine packaging and more. “When we’re so close to real solutions, we shouldn’t pursue policies that reverse course on progress and punish ordinary people,” he says.

Radoszewski previously penned an op-ed in The Houston Chronicle about the potential effects of a false “toxic” label for plastics. PLASTICS also joined dozens of industries and their employees to urge the Canadian government to reconsider its actions.