WASHINGTON—Sustainability is a popular topic, and it is the focus of the upcoming keynote address at the 63rd annual Center for the Polyurethanes Industry technical conference.
The Oct. 5-7 conference, set for the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center in Denver, will kick off with Joshua Baca, vice president of the American Chemistry Council's Plastics Division, who will talk plastics and sustainability, as well as America's Plastic Makers' commitment to making sustainable change.
"Polyurethanes and plastics are critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating eco-friendly products that help build a better tomorrow, yet plastics are facing an existential threat," said Lee Salamone, senior director, CPI. "Joshua is leading advocacy efforts on behalf of the industry to fight this threat while working to put plastics at the forefront of action to advance the circular economy."
Baca will offer an update on ACC's recently announced federal policy for "accelerating a circular economy, the formation of the durable goods leadership initiative that showcases the role durable plastics play in enabling a lower-carbon future, and support for a United Nations (UN) agreement focused on ending plastic waste."
Baca, who joined the ACC in September, previously worked in public affairs at the American Beverage Association, where he launched sustainability and recycling initiatives.
"Environmental sustainability is a core tenet of ACC. From lightweighting our cars, insulating our homes and helping build renewable energy infrastructure, plastics are enabling a more sustainable future," Baca said. "Plastics, such as polyurethanes, have been shown to have a comparative net benefit for the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions overall.
"And when it comes to what's best for our environment, America's Plastic Makers are invested in keeping plastics out of landfills and in a circular economy. I look forward to sharing my insights on key advocacy issues as well as the great work our industry is doing to promote a more sustainable future."
The 2021 Polyurethanes Technical Conference currently is set as an in-person event. Should plans change, information will be posted on the CPI website.