The OLIP Interns had the pleasure of meeting Don Fusco, the Director of Government and Stakeholder Relations for Ontario at the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC). The CIAC represents Canada’s chemistry and plastics sector, and advocates for policy that supports research, innovation, sustainability, and jobs in this sector at both the federal and provincial level.
During our meeting, we learned about sustainable chemical plastic production. CIAC has Responsible Care Ethics, Principles, and Codes that guide technology and business practices to sustainability, which CIAC sees as important for the betterment of society, the environment, and the economy. This includes the Stewardship Code, through which companies are regularly required to review the value, impact, and safety of products, services and technologies they make and use.
The drive towards net-zero carbon emissions and the advancements in the circular economy of plastics are two major transformations in the sector that Mr. Fusco sees as important for maintaining sustainability. This includes research into advanced recycling, which breaks down plastics into basic molecules which can then be used to create new products. This system reduces the amount of plastic that ends up as waste. In addition, CIAC sees the chemistry industry as vital for finding solutions to reduce carbon emissions in other sectors such as housing, transportation, and agriculture.
We also discussed the complexity of plastic supply chains and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry.
Thank you CIAC and Don Fusco for the great discussion and for your support of our programme!