Extrusion International 3-2026-USA

28 Extrusion International 3/2026 28 INDUSTRY NEWS Operation Clean Sweep® Releases 2025 Global Impact Report Highlighting Industry Progress „Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS)“, a globally recognized resin steward- ship program jointly administered by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the American Chem- istry Council (ACC)'s Plastics Divi- sion, released its 2025 Global Impact Report, highlighting industry-wide progress to prevent plastic resin loss and keep materials out of the envi- ronment. The report underscores the continued growth and impact of OCS as a global, industry-led stew- ardship program focused on mini- mizing plastic pellet, ake, and pow - der loss across the value chain. OCS is active inmore than 60 coun- tries and brings together companies across the supply chain – from ma- terial suppliers and processors to logistics and transportation provid- ers – to implement tested strategies that prevent plastic resin loss while also strengthening operational per- formance. The annual Global Impact Report highlights continued international growth and expanded adoption of enhanced program elements, includ- ing OCS Data Reporting and Veri- cation—advancing transparency and supporting facilities in working toward the goal of zero resin loss through independently veri ed OCS management practices. Key highlights from the 2025 OCS Global Impact Report include: • More than 6,000 companies worldwide participate in OCS • More than 300 external inspec- tions were conducted across Inter- national OCS Programs in 2025 • The logistics sector saw the fast- est membership growth, reinforcing the importance of resin handling and loss prevention across the full supply chain • OCS members represent over 65% of U.S. plastic resin production capacity • U.S.-basedOCSmembers trained more than 35,000 workers on zero resin loss and prevention strategies "The plastics industry understands the importance of preventing plas- tic pellet loss and OCS continues to lead in advancing responsible envi- ronmental stewardship,” said Pat- rick Krieger, PLASTICS Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Policy. “The 2025 OCS Global Impact Report highlights how resin loss prevention is being implemented worldwide, with growing participation across the supply chain demonstrating that real progress depends on coordinat- ed, collaborative action.” "OCS reects our industry's shared commitment to responsible resin handling at every stage of produc- tion and transport," said Adam Peer, senior director of Plastics Packaging at the American Chemistry Council. "With the majority of U.S. resin pro- duction capacity represented by OCS members, and independent veri ca - tion strengthening the program, we are turning the goal of zero resin loss into everyday practice." To read the 2025 OCS Global Impact Report: opcleansweep.org/about/ global-impact-report-2025/ plasticsindustry.org New Analysis Examines Shifting U.S.-Japan Trade Dynamics Amid Rising Tariffs and Global Uncertainty The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda, has released a new economic analysis exploring how recent changes in U.S. trade policy are reshaping global plastics trade – framed through a cross-border con- versation with international trade expert Professor Shujiro Urata. The analysis examines the evolv- ing U.S.-Japan trade relationship against a backdrop of higher tar- iffs, shifting supply chains, and increased global economic uncer- tainty. New data show U.S. plastics trade declined in 2025, while import duties surged – signaling a more complex trade environment driven by rising costs and changing sourc- ing decisions. Dr. Pineda writes, “While the smaller trade de cit may appear positive on the surface, the data suggest a more complex picture – one shaped by reduced trade ows, higher costs, and shifting sourc- ing decisions rather than stronger underlying competitiveness. The broader global trade environment has shifted, forcing countries to re- assess commercial relationships as supply chains adapt to new tariffs, geopolitical risks, and slower glob- al growth. For the plastics industry, that means the U.S.-Japan trade relationship is no longer just about bilateral ows – it is increasingly about resilience, competitiveness, and strategic alignment in a chang- ing global economy.” The conversation also explores how changes in exchange rates, in- vestment trends, industrial policy, and consumer demand are inuenc - ing global trade and supply chain alignment. www.plasticsindustry.org Dr. Perc Pineda