The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) partnered with Keep Orlando Beautiful, to conduct a community cleanup event at Eagle Nest Park during the Association’s second annual National Plastics Conference in Orlando, Florida.

The event was a collaboration through the Community Impact Task Group of PLASTICS’ Future Leaders in Plastics Committee (FLiP)—a professional development initiative for plastics industry professionals under the age of 40. The task group’s mission is to foster collaboration, provide an outlet to give back, and positively impact the environment and communities in which the plastics industry serves.

“PLASTICS takes pride in supporting the communities in which we serve and in advancing the responsible use of plastic as a sustainable resource,” said Leslie Jutte, Senior Director of Industry Engagement. “Our industry continues to focus on keeping plastic waste out of the environment and ensuring it remains part of a thriving circular economy. We urge consumers to join us and be proactive in recycling, because every properly disposed item helps build a cleaner, more resource-efficient future.”

Working together and utilizing logistical support and materials provided by Keep Orlando Beautiful, 40 volunteers spent the afternoon removing waste in Orlando, collecting more than 154 pounds of mismanaged waste, including over 7 pounds that were able to be recycled.

“Cleaning up litter in our community has a positive impact on all of our residents – both human and wildlife. That impact is multiplied when we work together with our friends, family, and coworkers,” said Madison Szathmary, Keep Orlando Beautiful Coordinator, City of Orlando. “When we come together as a community to document and clean up litter, we can help to reduce our waste and Keep Orlando the City Beautiful!”

“I’m thrilled to participate in the FLiP annual clean-up for the fourth consecutive year,” said Madeline Peters, Regional Manager, Gardner Business Media. “I love this event because it showcases our industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship and demonstrates how much we can accomplish through collective action. FLiP’s Community Impact Task Group provides meaningful opportunities for people in the plastics industry to give back and positively impact the environments in which we serve. As guests in Orlando, we’re proud to demonstrate our dedication to this mission while leaving a positive impact on this great city.”

In addition to partnering with Keep Orlando Beautiful, the cleanup was supported by the following sponsors:

• Accede Mold & Tool
• Advanced Blending Solutions
• Dart
• Epsilyte
• Milliken
• MoldMaking Technology
• MSI Mold Builders
• Nexus Circular LLC
• PLASTICS Equipment Council
• PolyQuest