Extrusion International USA 4-2022

36 Extrusion International 4/2022 36 INDUSTRY NEWS  The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) applauds bi - partisan, unanimous Senate passage of the Recycling Infra- structure and Accessibility Act of 2022 (S. 3742) sponsored by Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act (S.3743) sponsored by Chair - man Tom Carper (D-DE). “Both of these pieces of legislation highlight much- needed improvements to the recycling system in the United States,” said Matt Seaholm, President and CEO of PLASTICS. “Better data and better infrastructure are key to the imple- mentation of successful recycling. More accurate data will tell us exactly where recycling system deficiencies are, and improved infrastructure will aid in more efficient collection, sorting, and recycling of all materials.” Seaholm testified on June 30, 2022, before the House En - ergy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Envi- ronment and Climate Change as to the PLASTICS Industry’s significant investment in modernization and expansion of technologies to facilitate more effective recycling of mate- rials, more readily available and efficient recovery facilities, and the necessary capabilities to keep up with advance- ments that have transpired in plastic products over the past twenty years. Seaholm’s testimony before said committee also urged Congress to improve recycling rates by promot- ing market-end development to maintain a demand for re- cycled materials and create national standards and defini - tions relating to recycling. “The Plastics Industry Association looks forward to work- ing with the U.S. House of Representatives to ensure quick passage of these important measures in hopes that they can be signed into law by the President,” Seaholm concluded. Since 1937, PLASTICS, the only organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain, has beenworking tomake its members and the industry more globally competitive while advancing recycling and sustainability. To learn more about PLASTICS educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, networking opportunities and policy advocacy, and the largest plastic trade show in the Americas. The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) www.plasticsindustry.org  The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) announced that Dr. Perc Pineda has returned to fulfill the role of Chief Economist. A member of PLASTICS’ Senior team, Pineda will be an integral part of the association’s ability to continue generating original, scientific and da - ta-driven research for, and on behalf of, the members of PLASTICS. As PLASTICS’ primary expert on economics, statistics, and industry research, Pineda will provide regular updates on the impact of national and global economies to PLASTICS mem- bers and the public. Pineda will pro- duce various publications, including PLASTICS’ highly lauded annual Size & Impact report, analyzing the con- tributions of the plastics industry to the U.S. economy. Pineda will also be PLASTICS’ voice in the public, thought leadership and conference arenas, ad- dressing industry issues pertaining to the economy. “We are excited to have Perc return to the PLASTICS team,” said Matt Sea- holm, President and CEO of the Plas- tics Industry Association. “He brings a significant expertise that is unparal - leled in our industry. Perc’s invaluable ability to identify economic trends and forecast the state of the market- place is highly regarded and regularly anticipated by our members.” Prior to returning to PLASTICS, Pine- da served as Senior Economist of the Credit Union National Association, where he tracked macroeconomic trends, conducted economic research, wrote articles for industry publica- tions, and interfaced with the media. Pineda’s career experience also in- cludes teaching Macroeconomics at St. Francis College in New York, and Microeconomics, Finance, and Eco- nomics of Regulations and the Law at City University of New York. Prior to his academic endeavors, Pineda served as an analyst for the Interna- tional Monetary Fund. He holds both a Ph.D. and a Master of Philosophy degree in Economics from The New School (formerly The New School for Social Research), a master’s degree in Economics from American University, and a master’s degree in International Management from the University of Maryland. “The plastics industry’s value-add – its contribution to the economy – is a major force within all manufacturing sectors,” said Pineda upon his return. “I welcome the opportunity to, once again, provide economic, industry and market intel to the hundreds of PLAS- TICS member companies throughout the supply chain and to the industry at large.” The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) www.plasticsindustry.org Plastics Industry AssociationWelcomes Unanimous Adoptions Returning to Plastics Industry Association as Chief Economist