The Maritime Association for Clean Seas (MACS) has launched a series of guides aimed at helping the commercial shipping sector implement sustainable plastic procurement practices. These guides address significant industry challenges, including inconsistent plastic terminology, difficulties in adopting alternatives, and varying supplier requirements. The guides aim to foster a standardized approach to plastic use, supporting the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) goals to reduce marine plastic pollution by 2030.
MACS’ Sustainable Plastic Procurement Working Group developed these resources by gathering insights from maritime stakeholders, encompassing 53 participants from 28 organizations. The guides provide a clear framework for reducing unnecessary plastic consumption and improving procurement decisions. Key publications include a Working Group Report, a Maritime Plastics Taxonomy for consistent terminology, and practical frameworks for assessing lower-plastic solutions.
A public consultation period will allow maritime industry members, suppliers, and experts to provide feedback from July 16 to August 16, 2026. This initiative encourages collaboration among various stakeholders to address plastic dependency in the maritime value chain. The ultimate goal is to transition from ambitious plans to actionable strategies that minimize plastic usage in shipping operations.
