Chem industry plastic waste initiative to launch before year-end – LyondellBasell CEO

HOUSTON (ICIS)–LyondellBasell hinted on Friday of substantial efforts planned by the US chemical industry to address the growing issue of post-consumer plastic waste.

“You should expect a pretty significant launch before year-end on an initiative on plastic waste that I think will clarify how serious the industry is on addressing this,”  Lyondell Basell CEO Bob Patel said during the company’s Q2 earnings call.

Patel, who is also chairman of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), noted that plastic waste solutions are key focus area for trade associations like the ACC, as well as trade groups around the world.

Patel added that LyondellBasell itself is working on the issue, and referenced the recycling joint venture Quality Circular Polymers (QCP) with company SUEZ.

“I think it’s a model or a platform we’ll be able to replicate elsewhere in Europe,” he said.