>PACIA
Annual Report 2004
Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association Incorporated
>Contents
Our Vision
President’s Report .................................................................. 3
PACIA’s vision for the industry in Australia
is that it be vibrant and diverse, valued and
respected by its customers, suppliers,
employees, shareholders, the wider
community and government – and that PACIA
plays a central role in achieving that vision.
Chief Executive’s Report ........................................................ 4
Chemicals HSE Council .......................................................... 8
Regulatory Affairs
Our Position
The Plastics and Chemicals Industries
Association (PACIA) is the pre-eminent
national body representing the plastics,
chemicals, adhesives and sealants industries
in Australia.
PACIA represents Australia’s fourth largest
manufacturing sector – a sector that has
a turnover of $24.6 billion annually and
provides direct employment for more
than 81,000 people.
The plastics and chemicals sector provides
essential materials to so many industries –
products that are the building blocks of
a modern industrial economy.
Through the Responsible Care and Plascare
programs, PACIA assists its members to
ensure that the plastics and chemicals
industries are leaders in health, safety and
environmental performance improvement.
Responsible Care®
Community Advisory Panels
Plastics Council ...................................................................... 12
Polyurethanes Industry Group (PURD) ................................. 16
Recycling Expanded Polystyrene Australia (REPSA) .............. 17
Sustainability Covenants......................................................... 17
®
PACIA is proud to represent those companies
whose product and process innovations have
contributed so substantially to improving the
quality of life enjoyed by all Australians.
2
Trade and Commercial Affairs Council .................................. 19
External Board and Advisory Board Participation ................. 22
Reputation Management Council .......................................... 23
> P r e s i d e n t’ s R e p o r t
The evidence of PACIA’s
effectiveness can also be
found in the strong
relationships it has built
with Federal and State
Governments
Mike Dwyer
President
The conclusion of my term as President of PACIA provides
an opportunity to review the role the association undertakes
on behalf of its members and its relationships within the
wider industry, with governments and with the community.
PACIA has established itself with its
members and other stakeholders as the
pre-eminent body within the chemicals
and plastics sector. Evidence of this can
be garnered from its relationships with
member companies and the support those
companies provide in the management
of issues, framing of legislation and the
development of standards and practices
designed to make our industry more
sustainable. The evidence of PACIA’s
effectiveness can also be found in the
strong relationships it has built with
Federal and State Governments and
agencies and in the benefits this has
brought to members through increased
consultation and reduced regulation.
Notwithstanding this we are also exploring
ways of leveraging the strengths of other
industry associations where that will
provide a greater benefit to our members.
This effectiveness is the result of the
direction set by successive Boards, the
Issues Councils and the staff, headed by
former Chief Executive Martin Jones, and
his successor, Michael Catchpole. For
the year in review, and the period that
preceded it, I would like to pay particular
acknowledgement to Martin’s dedication
in redirecting PACIA to ensure that its
activities had one purpose – to bring
benefit to members.
And as I have stated often during my
time as President, the members who
benefit most are those who engage with
PACIA, who work with the Secretariat in
the management of issues, and who
provide their expertise for the betterment
of their business and the wider industry.
Once again, we are indebted to the
companies whose executives are active
on PACIA’s Board, Councils and working
groups, because they provide the
knowledge and strength that underpins
the work of the Secretariat.
In a broader context, the positive effects
of this collaboration can be seen in
the report presented to the Federal
Government in August 2004 by the
Chemicals and Plastics Leadership Group
(CPLG). This group drew on the
individual and collective expertise of
many involved in the chemicals and
plastics sector to present a comprehensive
report to government as a conclusion
to the Action Agenda process begun
in 1999. The task that now confronts
PACIA and other industry bodies, member
companies and government is the
implementation of the recommendations
contained in the CPLG report.
Once again, I trust that this Annual Report
will give Members an appreciation of
PACIA’s role and its achievements and
a reason to look to the future with
optimism – tempered as always by a
clear understanding of the challenges
we all face.
I would like to conclude by thanking my
colleagues on the Board, the executive
and staff of PACIA, and many friends
within the industry for their support
during my term as President,and as
a director over the past four years.
Mike Dwyer
President
3
> C h i e f E x e c u t i v e’ s R e p o r t
That dual focus on service
to members and partnerships
with all stakeholders will
be maintained – and indeed
extended wherever possible.
Change is a constant – at least that’s the experience of
our industry, if not of our industry association. After more
than three very productive years at the helm, former
CEO Martin Jones stepped down late in the financial year
to resume a career in the corporate sector.
Martin left PACIA in good shape, with
key executives and staff committed to the
provision of the very highest levels of
service to member companies and with
the association having forged strong and
productive partnerships with government.
That dual focus on service to members
and partnerships with all stakeholders will
be maintained – and indeed extended
wherever possible.
Reaffirming national role
As the year closed, the Board confirmed
my appointment as Chief Executive and
shortly thereafter also signed off on a
restructuring that recognises the national
role played by PACIA’s executives in the
management of issues and programs for
the benefit of members. The restructure
reflects a pro-active, national role for the
senior executives and builds on their
current responsibilities and expertise.
The new appointments are as follows:
• Margaret Donnan: Director, Industry
Development – Chemicals (formerly
Manager Regulatory Affairs)
Michael Catchpole
Chief Executive
• Peter Bury: Director, Industry
Development – Plastics (formerly
Plastics Manager)
• Stephen Holland: Director,
Corporate and Community Relations
(formerly Manager NSW and
Manager Responsible Care)
• Brian Gallagher: Director, Trade and
Economic Policy (formerly
Commercial Affairs Manager)
4
The restructure has also resulted in
promotions and reassignments for some
existing staff:
• Honi Walker has been appointed
Manager Public Affairs and will assume
some of the duties previously done
by the Director Public Affairs.
• Elise Kimpton has been appointed
Manager Administrative Support
and will continue to serve as PA
to the CEO.
• Jenny McLean has been appointed
to the position Administration
Coordinator – Chemicals.
Further changes and new appointments
will occur in coming months as we seek
to maximise the effectiveness of the
association in its dealings with members,
government, other industry groups,
media and the wider community.
And just as we must adapt to changes
within the Secretariat, so we will also
experience in the new financial year
changes at Board and Council level, with
Mike Dwyer stepping down as President
and Noel Williams taking up that role,
and Barry Kelly succeeding Noel as
Chair of the Chemicals HSE Council.
Action Agenda progress
In reviewing the year, a number of issues
and achievements stand out. Mike
Dwyer has reported on the closing
stages of the Action Agenda process,
which culminated in the Final Report of
the Chemicals and Plastics Leadership
Group (CPLG), presented to the
Australian Government soon after the year
ended. This report is based on the findings
of the CPLG and its Working Groups and
can be read in full at: www.cplg.org.au.
From the report it can be seen that the
Action Agenda process has produced
results, most notably in the area of
regulatory reform, but also in increased
government understanding of and support
for improved skills training programs and a
more accessible system to support
innovation within manufacturing industry.
For the next year and beyond, there will
be a specific focus for PACIA and its allied
industry associations, based on the CPLG’s
report. The aims will be:
• to continue the progress made in
regulatory reform, particularly through
a systematic review of regulations
impacting on the industry, and of
options for greater efficiencies within
regulatory agencies;
• to remove the Tariff Concession Scheme
and extend government assistance for
infrastructure development to include
existing manufacturing sites as well as
new sites;
• to replace the existing R&D tax
concession scheme with an alternative
that provides funds to support earlystage research and development, and
to assist SMEs to access existing R&D
funding programs;
• to introduce programs to specifically
address skills training needs for existing
industry employees and to attract new
employees with the skills and motivation
required to build the industry.
Issues and achievements
To return to the achievements of the year,
and as noted in the President’s Report,
there is recognition within PACIA that
these are due to the work done by staff
and to the cooperative relationships built
with members, industry partners and
government. Key actions and achievements
for the year are covered in full in the
Issues Council reports, but have included:
• Passage through Federal Parliament of
the Industrial Chemicals (Notification
and Assessment) Amendment
(Low Regulatory Concern Chemicals)
Bill 2004
• Agreement on integrated dangerous
goods and hazardous substances
regulations and the development of
workable, consistent regulations on
major hazards and dangerous goods at
the State level
• Development of the Responsible
Care® External Verification program
and of measures to enhance site and
supply chain security measures
• Successful negotiation of amendments
to the NSW water treatment legislation
to clarify the extent of liability on
persons certifying a process of
disinfection in water cooling towers
• Improvements to the PACIA Carrier
Accreditation Scheme to remove
duplication with other general transport
accreditation schemes, reduce audit
costs and improve transport safety
• Implementation of a Sustainability
Covenant with the Victorian EPA and
recognition by government of the
industry’s commitment to sustainable
development
• Reinforcement of PACIA’s position on
free trade negotiations, particularly
measures relating to anti-dumping
and/or countervailing action, phased
tariff reductions and effective rules
of origin
• Compilation of the PACIA 2003 Safety
Surveys for Chemicals and Plastics
members to assist individual companies
to improve their HSE performance
• Application of National Packaging
Covenant principles in conjunction
with government and industry partners
to ensure no levies or bans were
introduced on plastic bags
• Development of a global "Framework
for the Use of Degradable Plastics"
and initiation of a program to establish
standards for degradables
• Release of the landmark policy
“Eliminating Plastic Waste from landfill
using Supply Chain Stewardship”,
demonstrating the industry’s leadership
in waste management
• Assistance to small to medium sized
member companies to access
government assistance, grants and
awards for new product and process
innovation, and cleaner production
initiatives
• Negotiation for government funding
of free Occupational Health and Safety
audits to assist members to implement
safer workplace practices
• Organisation of a successful National
Conference, including support from
the Victorian Government for
international speakers on sustainability
and chemicals regulation
Councils and committees
PACIA’s Issues Councils and related
working groups have contributed to all
of these achievements. Groups such as
the Regulatory Affairs Networks provide
a forum for members and feedback to
PACIA on those issues requiring immediate
action. The recently-formed Responsible
Care® sub-committee of the Chemicals
5
> C h i e f E x e c u t i v e’ s R e p o r t
Council and the network linking Responsible
Care coordinators will also assist in the
implementation of this crucial industry
program, as will the sub-committee
responsible for implementation of the
Plascare™ program. PACIA’s special
interest groups have also been active in
representing the interests of their members.
Reports by these groups are included
within this Report.
In addition to the Councils and committees,
PACIA has also worked with the national
Community Advisory Panel to develop the
CAP’s role as an adviser to the association
and member companies. The CAP is
currently reviewing its role, membership
and responsibilities and will present a
report to the PACIA Board at the end of
this year recommending measures that
could increase its effectiveness as a
representative community advisory body.
PACIA also acknowledges the dedicated
work done by members of community
advisory panels at state and local level and
continues to work with those groups to
address health, safety and environmental
issues involving both the industry and
community.
Managing change
An assessment of the achievements and
changes for the year would be incomplete
if it did not note changes in staff at PACIA
and the recruitment of people who bring
valuable knowledge and skills to the
organisation. In addition to former CEO
Martin Jones, these staff departed during
2003-04:
• Margaret Matthews left PACIA having
served for several years in senior roles,
including Director Business
Development and then State Manager
in Western Australia
6
• Ashley Van Krieken resigned having
worked as Commercial Affairs Manager
for some years, first in the Melbourne
office and then as the inaugural
manager of the Canberra office
• Ruth Pieronczik took over the role of
Accountant and has worked hard to
move PACIA’s accounts to a new
system and to produce timely reports
for the Board and Councils.
• Brenda Bayens resigned as Accountant,
a role which she had filled for nine
years and through several transitions
at PACIA
• Kin-Chun Ip replaced Debbie Liew
as EPS Industry Coordinator and will
continue to work with Kathryn Fisher
and members of the REPSA group.
• Robert Muirhead, who worked closely
with members and the Victorian EPA
to establish the ground-breaking
Sustainability Covenant between
PACIA, its members and the EPA
As this report was being prepared, the
Secretariat was in the process of filling
other positions and seeking to provide
additional resources to service members in
New South Wales and Western Australia.
• Karen Cooper, who worked with
plastics members as Member Relations
Executive in New South Wales
• Debbie Liew, who joined PACIA as
a volunteer and then secured work
first with the EPS group and then with
an external organisation to further
her career
The future
PACIA’s role and its direction will be
guided by the needs of its members.
Those needs will be conveyed through
the Board, Issues Councils, interest
groups and committees, and the member
companies which have a stake in the
future of our industry. I look forward to
working with members and my colleagues
to ensure that our industry benefits from
the changes we are experiencing and
successfully meets the challenges that
lie ahead.
On behalf of members, I would like
to acknowledge the contributions of
all of these staff to the work and the
achievements of PACIA during their
time with the organisation. I would also
welcome the following appointments.
Michael Catchpole
Chief Executive
• Dalreen Thomas, who worked for
some years as an Administrative
Assistant on a range of programs,
including Responsible Care
• Brian Gallagher took over the
commercial affairs and Canberra role
from Ashley Van Krieken and his
extensive experience in government,
and particularly in trade and industry
matters, has already been reflected
in his work with the Trade and
Economic Affairs Council.
PACIA Board and Meeting Attendance 2003-2004
Mike Dwyer, Viscount Plastics Pty Ltd (President)
Attended 4 meetings
Noel Williams, Dow Chemical (Australia) Limited (Vice President)
Attended 3 meetings
Peter Brooksbank, Marplex Australia Pty Ltd (Treasurer)
Attended 3 meetings
Barbara Gibson, Orica Australia Pty Ltd
Attended 3 meetings
Hutch Ranck, DuPont (Australia) Ltd
Attended 1 meetings
Peter Hood, Coogee Chemicals Pty Ltd
Attended 3 meetings
John Gillam, CSBP Limited
Attended 4 meetings
Tony Dunkerley, Ariel Industries Pty Ltd
Attended 3 meetings
Ross McCann, Qenos Pty Ltd
Attended 2 meetings
Keith Bettles, Wacker Chemicals Australia Pty Ltd
Attended 2 meetings
(Appointed 28/01/04)
PACIA Organisational Chart
Chief Executive
Michael Catchpole
Director,
Corporate &
Community
Relations
Stephen
Holland
Director,
Industry
Development –
Plastics
Peter Bury
Administrative
Assistant
(vacant)
Director,
Trade &
Economic
Policy
Brian
Gallagher
Director,
Industry
Development –
Chemicals
Margaret
Donnan
Administration
Coordinator –
Chemicals
Jenny
McLean
Regulatory
Affairs
Officer
Carlos
Santin
Personal Assistant
Manager Admin Support
Elise Kimpton
Manager
Industry
Development
(Sustainability)
(vacant)
Member
Relations
Manager, Vic
Fiona
Wilkes
PURD
Co-ordinator
Fiona Wilkes
Manager
Public Affairs
Honi
Walker
Accountant
Ruth
Pieronczik
EPS Industry
Co-ordinator
Kathryn Fisher
EPS Industry
Co-ordinator
Kin-Chun Ip
7
>Chemicals HSE Council
“This reform is one of the
significant outcomes of the
work of the Chemicals and
Plastics Leadership Group
and was achieved only with
the invaluable assistance
of member company
representatives on the
LRCC Working Groups.”
Rainer Koch (Bayer AG),
Margaret Hartley (NICNAS)
and Mark Hyman (DEH)
2004 PACIA National Conference
Nick Munafo
and Graham Dickinson
(Ciba Specialty Chemicals Pty Ltd)
Robert Zapp
(BASF Australia Limited)
8
The Chemicals HSE Council replaced the Health, Safety
and Environment – Operations Council in November 2002
and assumed responsibility for oversight of the regulatory
reform agenda and the Responsible Care® program.
The broad coverage of the Council has
seen it take a leadership role on behalf
of PACIA in the management of many
issues critical to our industry. The
achievements for the year include:
NICNAS Low Regulatory Concern
Chemicals: Helped drive NICNAS
reforms – in June 2004, Federal
Parliament passed the Industrial
Chemicals (Notification and Assessment)
Amendment (Low Regulatory Concern
Chemicals) Bill 2004. This reform is one
of the significant outcomes of the work
of the Chemicals and Plastics Leadership
Group and was achieved only with
the invaluable assistance of member
company representatives on the LRCC
Working Groups.
NICNAS Fees: Successfully lobbied
with other industry groups for a
reduction in NICNAS fees for 2004-05
from the proposed 9.5% to 5.1% - a
reluctant but necessary compromise to
ensure further progress with the Low
Regulatory Concern Chemicals (LRCC)
initiatives this year, as well as other
reforms for greater international
harmonisation.
Industry Security: PACIA has provided
leadership for chemicals members and
with Federal and State governments in
dealing with emerging issues of security
and potential for diversion of chemicals
in our current threat environment in
Australia. PACIA has released a
Responsible Care® Site and Supply Chain
Security Guidance Note and has been
working closely with government and
members on security-sensitive
ammonium nitrate.
New MSDS code: Following the
declaration by NOHSC of the new
MSDS Code in April 2003, PACIA has
actively worked with the chemical
industry to prepare them for the new
requirements which come into effect
in 2006, by developing and providing
training sessions on the new MSDS
Code throughout the year.
Key NOHSC representations:
PACIA is now represented on the three
critical tripartite NOHSC committees
which impact on our industry – the
Chemical Standards Sub Committee,
the Dangerous Goods Implementation
Reference Group, and the Major Hazard
Facilities Implementation Reference Group.
This places PACIA in a central role to
influence chemical regulations nationally.
Simplified chemicals regulatory
framework: PACIA has actively worked
with jurisdictions and union representatives
to drive a NOHSC decision to integrate
as far as possible the Hazardous
Substances and Dangerous Goods
regulations to achieve a simplified
chemicals regulatory framework. This will
be a major activity for PACIA moving
forward as we seek to promote best
practice regulation and national uniformity.
National Dioxins Program: PACIA
made several comprehensive
submissions on behalf of the industry
regarding the National Dioxins Program
to ensure sound science was reflected
in the final reports. The findings of these
studies show levels of dioxins in Australia
are amongst the lowest in the world. The
Australian Government in conjunction with
State and Territory governments will now
be able to formulate a range of actions
involving PACIA. This work is a significant
scientific development and will help
Australia meet its international obligations
under the Stockholm Convention ratified
on 20 May 2004.
Review of Carrier Accreditation
Scheme: PACIA’s Carrier Accreditation
Scheme has grown rapidly in its four years
of operation, more than doubling the
number of accredited carriers in the last
three years. During 2003-04, PACIA
reviewed and upgraded the PACIA Carrier
Accreditation Scheme, which provides a
comprehensive audit of carriers against the
essential elements for the safe transport
of chemicals. This review improved the
robustness of the scheme and removed
duplication with other general transport
accreditation schemes. This will drive an
increased take up of the scheme by
industry, further reducing audit costs and
improving transport safety.
Improvements in MHF and DG
regulatory frameworks: PACIA
has worked with Federal and State
governments and industry and community
stakeholders to drive improvements in
chemicals regulatory frameworks, including
agreement to integrate dangerous goods
and hazardous substances regulations
and the ongoing development and
implementation of workable, consistent
regulations on major hazards and
dangerous goods at the State level.
Regulatory Affairs networks prove
effective: In 2003 PACIA launched a new
Queensland Regulatory Affairs Network
to provide Queensland members with an
opportunity to network and be briefed
on national and local regulatory issues
impacting on the industry. This has proved
to be extremely successful and well
attended by member companies. PACIA’s
Regulatory Affairs networks, which now
operate in Victoria, New South Wales,
Western Australia and Queensland, have
grown in popularity and are recognised for
the quality of written and verbal information
and the calibre of external and internal
speakers. These networks and the
accompanying Regulatory Affairs Updates
are highly valued by members.
Increased demand for training
courses: PACIA’s training courses on
Management of Dangerous Goods and
Hazardous Substances continue to be
well-regarded within our industry. The
program has been reviewed and refined
to meet market demand and has grown
in demand by 15% in 2003-04 when
compared to 2002-03, particularly in
Victoria and New South Wales.
Illicit drugs: PACIA has provided
leadership for members and Federal and
State governments in dealing with the
growing problem of illicit drugs in our
community. PACIA has responded to
emerging issues identified by law
enforcement bodies and Federal Health
agencies, and members endorsed the
inclusion of an additional eleven chemical
precursors in the PACIA/SIA Code of
Practice for Supply Diversion into Illicit
Drug Manufacture. This successfully
avoided some of these chemicals needing
to become licensed as Schedule 7 poisons.
Range of submissions on HSE issues:
PACIA has prepared many submissions to
state, national and international agencies
on HSE issues on behalf of our members
to ensure the views and issues of the
chemical industry are clearly understood
by government.
Sustainability Covenant with the
Victorian EPA: PACIA has signed a
Sustainability Covenant with the Victorian
EPA in January 2004. Several member
companies have already delivered
sustainability programs under the
covenant. Speakers at the PACIA National
Conference also explained how
sustainable business practices can bring
bottom-line benefits.
2003 Safety Survey for Chemicals
members: PACIA has compiled the
PACIA 2003 Safety Surveys for Chemical
members, which again provide valuable
benchmarking data to help individual
companies improve their HSE
performance and share safety initiatives.
Bulk Bag Working Group: The Bulk
Bag Working Group was initiated by
industry at an EPA workshop in 2002,
and includes member representatives
from Nufarm, Kodak, Huntsman, Akzo
Nobel, PPG, Alcoa, Holden and industry
groups, the Victorian Waste Management
Association, PACIA and AiG. The working
group is now seeking alternative disposal
methods or recycling options for the bags,
which are cost competitive with current
landfill charges. Funded by EPA, the group
recently commissioned a report
investigating alternatives to landfill. The
report outlined many options that were
technically possible, especially in the
area of recycling and energy recovery.
However, there were no options
currently available in Victoria that are price
competitive with prescribed industrial
landfill costs. Findings of the report have
prompted the group to further investigate
encouraging a market driven solution that
is economically competitive.
Improved plant registration scheme:
PACIA successfully negotiated improved
operational arrangements for plant
9
>Chemicals HSE Council
“PACIA has provided
leadership for chemicals
members and with Federal
and State governments in
dealing with emerging issues
of security and potential for
diversion of chemicals…”
registration under the WorkCover NSW
Multiple Registration Scheme. PACIA
led a large delegation of member
companies in a series of meetings with
the regulatory agency over the year.
Amendments to water treatment
legislation: PACIA successfully
negotiated amendments to the Public
Health (Microbial Control) Regulation
2000 to clarify the extent of liability on
persons certifying a process of disinfection
in water cooling towers. The PACIA
National Water Treatment Group was
active in negotiations with the NSW
Department of Health over the course
of the year to achieve this result.
Responsible Care®
Accreditation Scheme has
The PACIA Responsible Care program
completed its first year under the revised
codes. Tasks completed during 2002-03
included:
grown rapidly in its four
• Publication of the report of the 2002
Benchmark Self-Assessment Program
“PACIA’s Carrier
years of operation, more than
doubling the number of
accredited carriers…”
Margaret Donnan
Director, Industry Development Chemicals (PACIA)
• Development of a new External
Verification policy. This will be
introduced in late 2004 as an
independent third party validation of
the program
• Drafting of an Importers Responsible
Care Code aimed at companies
whose core business is importation of
chemical products
• Conduct of a review of security
provisions in the Responsible Care
program, and draft guidelines
developed on security
• Establishment of a Responsible Care
Coordinators ‘e-network’
10
Community Advisory Panels
National Community Advisory
Panel: A new National Community
Advisory Panel (CAP) was established
in 2002-03 for a two-year period,
comprising non-government, academic
and community representatives. During
the year, the CAP representatives
assisted in providing a community
perspective to the development of the
PACIA Greenhouse Policy, as well as
broadening discussion on Responsible
Care initiatives such as External
Verification and Security, and the
emerging debate on Extended Producer
Responsibility (EPR).
State based Community Advisory
Panels: PACIA and member companies
worked with active Community Advisory
Panels at Coode Island and Altona
(Victoria), and Western Sydney and
Botany (NSW) throughout the year.
Margaret Donnan
Director,
Industry Development –
Chemicals
(formerly Regulatory Affairs Manager)
Stephen Holland
Stephen Holland
Director, Corporate
and Community Relations
(formerly NSW Manager &
Responsible Care Manager)
Chemicals HSE Council 2003-04
Noel Williams
(Chair) Dow Chemical (Australia) Limited
Patrick Hanrahan
Orica Australia Limited
Lloyd Eldred
Patrick Corporation Ltd
Colin Hackett
International Sales & Marketing Pty Ltd
Volker Maier
Nufarm Aust Ltd
Cameron Schuster
CSBP Limited
John Power
Huntsman Chemical Co Australia Pty Ltd
Sarah Denny
Basell Australia Pty Ltd
(Appointed February 2004)
Nicole Lambert
GE Betz Pty Ltd
(Replaced Derek Stott October 2003)
Christina Sobieralski
BASF Australia Limited
Barry Kelly
Basell Australia Pty Ltd
(Appointed April 2004)
Michael Wilson
BOC Ltd
Michael Catchpole
PACIA
Grant Robinson
Coogee Chemicals Pty Ltd
Margaret Donnan
PACIA
Greg Baker
Qenos Pty Ltd (replaced Ivan Wilson
January 2003)
PACIA National Community Advisory Panel 2003-04
Ms Cheryl Batagol
(Chair), Batagol Consulting Group
Mr Paul Leadbeter
Environmental Lawyer
Ms Patricia Warn
Communications/Journalist/Speech Writer
Dr Mark Tweeddale
Risk Assessment Consultant
(resigned 2004)
Dr Sue Graham-Taylor
History/Conservation/Environmental,
WA Museum
A/Prof Kees Sonneveld
Packaging Academic, Victoria University
Ms Tricia Caswell
Environmental/Sustainability/Academic,
RMIT University (resigned 2004)
Mr Guy Pearse
Environmental Policy,
Australian Public Strategies
Prof Michael Moore
Toxicologist, Qld Health Scientific Services
Ms Belinda Lamb
Education, National Youth Science Forum
Dr Greg Simpson
Scientist, CSIRO
Dr Routh Beilin
Office of Environmental Program,
Melbourne University
PACIA Ammonium Nitrate Working Group
Cameron Schuster
CSBP Limited
Alan Rawiller
Orica Australia Limited
Alex Mandl
Dyno Nobel
Ross Martelli
CSBP Limited
Christina Sobieralski
BASF Australia Limited
Richard Morony
Consultant
Paul Harrison
Orica Australia Limited
Lloyd Eldred
Patrick Corporation Ltd
Margaret Donnan
PACIA
John Hargrave
(Chair), Dow Chemical (Australia) Limited
Joe Rundle
Clariant (Australia) Pty Ltd
Nick Munafo
Ciba Specialty Chemicals Pty Limited
Brian Parkinson
Huntsman Chemical Co Australia
John Issa
Cintox
Jeff Simpson
Haztech Environmental
Christina Sobieralski
BASF Australia Limited
John Frangos
Toxikos
Susan Birdsall
Bayer Australia Pty Ltd
David Winkler
CSIRO Molecular Science
Ken McDonald
Chemoch
Michael Brazel
Orica Australia Limited
David Bieniak
Huntsman Advanced Materials
Con Georgantis
Atofina (Australia) Pty Ltd
Margaret Donnan
PACIA
Efkan Koch
Ciba Specialty Chemicals Pty Limited
Paul Verren
Asia Pacific Specialty Chemicals
Ian Swann
International Sales & Marketing
Robert Ward
DuPont (Australia) Ltd
PACIA NICNAS Task Force
Responsible® Care sub-committee members:
Cameron Schuster (CSBP)
Michael Wilson (BOC)
Volker Maier (Nufarm)
Vicky Dobson
(ATOFINA)
Terry Howell
(FBT Operations)
Paul Thomas
(Dow)
Grant Robinson
(Coogee)
11
Plascare
>Plastics Council
PACIA delivered an
environmental milestone with
the policy release
“Committed to the
Elimination of Plastic Waste
from Landfill using Supply
Chain Stewardship”.
Detmark introduces new
recycled-content plastic bags
Peter Bury Director,
Industry Development - Plastics
Plastics in Automotive
Seminar 2004
The PACIA Plastics Council strengthened the depth and
positive impact of its programs during the year in review.
The successful development of strategic partnerships with
other industry sectors and governments as well as the
release of targeted research and policies improved benefits
and services to members in Occupational Health and
Safety, Product Stewardship, Innovation, Recycling and
Waste Management and Training.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Plascare™: The ongoing benefit to
members of a targeted Occupational
Health and Safety management program
was once again demonstrated by the
solid support and involvement in the
Plascare program during the year. While
covering a wide range of needs, it also
continued focusing on the priority areas
of manual handling and risk management.
The combination of expertise and
practical examples from members, state
agencies and specialists provided Plascare
participants with valuable information and
tools to improve their own workplaces.
Safety Survey: The annual safety
survey was once again completed and
allowed members to review their progress
throughout the year. The lead indicators
showed the majority of companies in
the survey pool either maintained or
improved their performance. This held
for both the companies who had
participated in the previous year’s report
and the latest survey, as well as the
22 new companies participating in this
survey. The benchmarking report
provided the opportunity for each
company to also consider its relative
progress amongst its peers.
Workplace Safety Audits
PACIA delivered to members free
workplace safety audits funded by
12
Worksafe Victoria. These audits,
conducted by David Shipley and Bill
McKenna, were very highly valued by
members in identifying workplace
occupational health and safety issues and
prioritising them for corrective action.
Industrial Waste Handling
Guidelines
The long-awaited “Guidelines for Handling
Industrial Waste” were released by
Worksafe Victoria during 2003. PACIA
chaired a joint working party comprising
EPA, Worksafe, Unions, VWMA and PACIA
members to develop the guidelines
which provide a valuable and practical
resource for creators, transporters and
processors of industrial waste. This guide
is the first of its kind in Australia and can
be applied by PACIA members in all States.
The Plascare and Training SubTeam of the Plastics Council had
responsibility for these programs and
during the year evolved into the Plascare
Sub-Team with the closing out of training
projects. Subsequently the Plascare
Sub-Team was strengthened during the
year with broader membership and
has developed a strategy to continue
delivering OHS programs that members
need. Once again David Shipley has
been effective in working at the coal face
with member visits and resolving a range
of workplace concerns.
The Plascare and Training Sub-Team during
the year comprised:
Kevin Sheahan (Victorian ILA and Kangan
Batman TAFE; Chair, Training),
Corey Quinn (RMAX; Chair, Plascare),
David Armstrong (Husky), Louis Carvalho
(LJ Wallace), Paul Crowe (Wickham
Tooling), Terry Daniel (Viscount),
Robert Fowler (Astron), Chris Howard
(Engineering Polymers), Hugh McTavish
(Martogg), Lindsay Pritchard (Schiavello),
David Wong (Worksafe Victoria),
David Shipley (PACIA consultant).
PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP
Elimination policy
PACIA developed and delivered an
environmental milestone on plastic waste
during 2003 with the launch of the policy
“Commitment to the Elimination of Plastic
Waste in Landfill using Supply Chain
Stewardship”. This sets out the
contribution of plastics through the various
life cycles as well as options to overcome
the barriers to eliminating plastic waste
at end of life. The policy has been well
received by Federal and State
governments and is a focal point for
members developing partnerships with
other sections of the product chain,
governments and other stakeholders.
National Packaging Covenant
Covenant Council: The PACIA CEO
and Plastics Manager represented the
60 member signatories at the peak National
Packaging Covenant Council. One of the
main tasks has been preparation for a
second Covenant at a time when
uncertainty exists regarding its future.
The Plastics Council developed a Position
Paper for NPC Mk2, the basis for
negotiation with other industry and
Council stakeholders, and PACIA was on
the drafting team for the Consultation
Proposal for Strengthening the Covenant.
The Plastics Manager provided technical
and advocacy support for many member
companies in developing Action Plans and
reports including successful advice and
intervention for several companies who
faced government penalty action over
the past year. The Plastics Manager also
provided industry support and governance
over Action Plans to the Covenant Council
as part of the Review and Evaluation
working group.
Covenant Industry Association:
The CEO and Plastics Manager also
represented members on the NPC
Industry Association which appointed a
new Public Officer, enabling strengthening
of reporting and communication for
signatories, including PACIA members.
The NPCIA also commissioned a
consultant to report on 200 Action Plans
which demonstrated the achievements of
signatories as well as opportunities for
improvement.
Program support: PACIA both
introduced and supported a range of
NPC projects during the year on behalf
of members. These ranged from funding
support at State level for market
development grants, to the first national
program tackling all rigid plastic packaging
recycling including technical trials for
Polypropylene and Polystyrene. Funding
support was also provided for a Resource
Map to identify the location and volume
of waste materials for recycling business
planning.
Recycling Survey and Report. This report
remains the definitive insight into the state
of Australian plastics recycling and is one of
the data sets most sought after and used
by industry, government, research and
community groups and non-government
organisations both here and overseas.
The report demonstrated a continued
growth in plastics recycling for the fourth
successive year, with the overall plastics
recycling rate at 13.4% for the 2002
calendar year. Importantly, the plastic
packaging recycling rate was found to
be 24%. This year the report delivered
further value to members with the
“Polymer Re-Use and Capability Report”
highlighting greater detail for the main
commodity plastics. Additional reporting
of results in the areas of Municipal,
Commercial & Industrial and Construction
& Demolition, and on the Short, Medium
and Long term life cycles of products, has
all added significant value for members,
governments and others.
PACIA’s Year 4 Action Plan was completed,
accepted and further assessed as excellent
by the peer governance review group.
Plastics Waste Management
Sub-Team of the Plastics Council
managed these issues. The members are:
Rod Campbell (Qenos, Council Chair),
Meredith Banks (Visy Recycling), John
Buckley (Viscount Plastics), Norm Cook
(DuPont), Nick Harford (Visy Recycling*),
Robert Fowler (Astron), David Hadley
(BASF), Paul Reynolds (Polystyrene
Australia), Con Stavropoulos (Basell).
Members were joined for the recycling
survey work by: Kathryn Fisher (REPSA),
Linda Terry (Australian Vinyls) and Fiona
Wilkes (PURD). (*Denotes members since
retired from Sub-Team.)
Waste Management and Recycling
PACIA National Plastics Recycling
Survey 2003: The Waste Management
Sub-Team of the Council commissioned
independent consultants Nolan ITU to
produce the 2003 National Plastics
Degradable Plastics
PACIA took a leadership position with selfregulation for degradable plastics during
the year. The increasing use of these
materials has created the opportunity
or members to grow their businesses
13
>Plastics Council
PACIA took a leadership
position on self-regulation for
degradable plastics in a
market where managing
expectations is as important
as managing products.
At a time of uncertainty over
the future of the National
Packaging Covenant, PACIA
provided strong
representation for signatories
at all levels of this key
agreement.
in a market place where managing
expectations is as important as managing
products. A strategic partnership with the
Federal Government’s Department of
Environment and Heritage has helped
create a program targeting industry selfregulation and has released a new
website and regular newsletter for
objective information to all stakeholders.
PACIA convened the first degradable
plastic industry meeting with supply chain,
recyclers, composters and governments
to progress self-regulation and overcome
barriers and problems. The “Common
Framework for the Use of Degradable
Plastics” was developed with global
industry associations and adopted in
Australia. Work commenced on
Australian Standards with PACIA
involvement in background preparation
and three PACIA representatives on
the newly-formed Committee.
A key driver behind much of this activity
has been the continuing campaigns on
supermarket plastic bags. PACIA was on
the steering committee which delivered
the new report “The Impacts of
Degradable Plastic Bags in Australia”.
PACIA also ensured the scope covered
the broader applications for degradables
and the discussion paper released in
December provided a valuable basis
for product stewardship programs.
LITTER
The increasing concern of plastics as
a major part of the litter stream has
resulted in improved planning, guidance
and activity in this complex area. The
media and political activity around plastic
bags highlights the business of litter
campaigning and the evolving need for
industry to engage with the right
partners, conduct targeted research and
assist with education for product chains,
14
governments and community groups
to target litter elimination. Marine litter
became another strong focus for activity
and PACIA provided input and feedback
into the Federal Government’s program
in this area.
PACIA became one of the founding
members of a Global Litter Group
established by international plastic
industry associations to exchange
information and best practice examples.
This greatly improves our ability to
support members with litter related
matters. In the same way, PACIA has
continued our sponsorship and
governance support for the Victorian
Litter Action Alliance (VLAA), including
funding for the Victorian Litter Champion
position who has established
communications systems and balanced
messages regarding litter behaviour
and management.
INNOVATION
Plastics Council maintained and
strengthened its support for new product
development and the business of
innovation. The innovation mentoring
and support model reinforced work
being done by the CPLG working group
and increased the opportunity for the
model to be adopted and a pilot
program commenced.
TRAINING
Plastics apprenticeships
Moves to address the declining skill base
in the plastics industry were boosted by
the planned introduction of a formalised
plastics apprenticeship scheme for
Victorian workplaces. PACIA contributed
to a group driving this proposal, including
a lobbying effort by members to state
award parties.
Industry Liaison Agent
The Industry Liaison Agent (ILA) in
Victoria provides targeted and costeffective training to chemical and plastics
companies. PACIA is one of the key
groups on the governance body for the
ILA, funded by the Office of Training and
Tertiary Education and has been pleased
with the delivery of much valued training
to members.
Training guide
The Plastics Council also developed and
released for PACIA members the “Training
Guide for the Plastics Industry” during
2004. This guide provides a clear
understanding to members of the
structure for training and the opportunities
to become involved, including access to
funding assistance.
Plastics 101
The Plastics Manager also developed and
road tested a basic Plastics 101 course
for senior secondary school students.
This was well received and provided an
interesting outline of the history and range
of polymers, their contribution to a
modern, healthy lifestyle and the ways that
waste is managed.
New South Wales Reference Group
PACIA continued to strengthen the
commitment for delivering programs and
benefits to members in New South Wales
by implementing the NSW Plastics
Reference Group. This group has already
identified a range of key issues faced by
members and started to develop a
program to increase support using the
strength of members and partnerships
with government agencies.
Members of the NSW Plastics Reference
Group are: David Armstrong (Husky),
Amanda Clifton (Le Mac), Terry Daniel
(Viscount), John Germon (Thermoplastic
Foam Industries), Don Parker (Anchor
Plastics), Peter Stewart (Marplex),
Kevin Toohill (Techplas Extrusions),
Kevin Wallace (LJ Wallace),
Stephen Holland (PACIA),
Peter Bury (PACIA ).
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
The PACIA 2004 National Conference
delivered two specific sessions for plastics
industry members based on the work
through the year of the Plastics Council.
“Degradable Plastics by Design” delivered
up to date advice from the Federal
Government on Standards development
and expectations, and design experts
showed how applying good design
principles can help to deliver sustainable
product outcomes. Members were also
brought up to speed with progress
towards another National Packaging
Covenant and how they can engage
and have their say.
Plastics Council 2003-04
Rod Campbell
(Chair) Qenos Pty Ltd
David Armstrong
Husky Injection Molding Systems
ANZ Pty Ltd
Meredith Banks
Visy Recycling
John Buckley
Viscount Plastics Pty Ltd
Norman Cook
DuPont Australia Ltd
Ian Dagley
CRC for Polymers
Robert Fowler
Astron Plastics Pty Ltd
David Hadley
BASF Australia
Nick Harford*
Visy Recycling
Paul Reynolds
Polystyrene Australia
Con Stavropoulos
Basell Australia
Peter Bury
Director, Industry Development –
Plastics
(formerly Plastics Manager)
Mark Stevens*
Austrim Nylex (Films & Fabrics)
Kevin Sheahan
Kangan Batman TAFE
Martin Jones
PACIA
Peter Bury
PACIA
*Denotes members resigned
from Council
15
>Plastics Council
REPSA
PURD continues
to seek increased involvement
from companies in the
Polyurethanes sector
PURD is the Polyurethanes Industry Group of PACIA
PURD represents the diverse sectors in
the Polyurethane Industry on significant
issues affecting each sector of the
industry. Current PURD membership
covers most of the raw material and
systems suppliers. Also strongly
represented are flexible foam
manufacturers and there is a good
representation from other polyurethanes
industry sectors.
PURD was formed in the 1960s as a
self-funding industry group to deal with
issues of significance to companies in the
polyurethanes industry. The PURD
Management Council believes the
industry must be represented by a
strong, active, high profile industry body
that can influence Governments and
Regulators for the benefit of the industry.
Through its membership of PACIA,
PURD provides such a position for
polyurethanes industry members.
PURD Actions and Achievements
for 2003/04
Michael Catchpole (PACIA),
Tim Holding
(Minister for Manufacturing & Export)
and Mick Bourke (EPA) sign the
Paint Back Agreement
Mike Dwyer (PACIA),
Mick Bourke (EPA)
and John Thwaites
(Minister for Environment & Water)
sign the Sustainability Covenant
16
Recycling
Expanded Polystyrene
Australia
HCFC/HFC regulation
PURD has followed the passage of new
legislation for Ozone Protection and
Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management
and been heavily involved in consultation
with the Australian Greenhouse Office
as to how this will be applied to the
polyurethane foam sector and its
customers. PURD maintains information
with regard to HCFC and HFC usage in
the foam sector.
Safe Handling of Isocyanates
PURD conducted training on this topic
and also maintains a manual of
Emergency Response Information for
TDI which is shared with the supply
chain and emergency services. Safe
handling of isocyanates is regularly
discussed by PURD.
Air Quality Regulations (Vic)
PURD worked with the Victorian EPA
to understand the new air quality
regulations as they apply to the foams
sector, particularly for methylene chloride
and isocyanates.
Furniture foam
PURD considered issues regarding the
furniture foam industry and met with the
Furniture Industry Association of Australia
to discuss issues of common interest.
PURD at the PACIA National
Conference 2004
PURD chaired a conference session
regarding Plastics Developments in
Automotive. This noted some of the
achievements of the plastics industry
and the challenges ahead.
GGAP Proposal
PURD submitted a proposal for funding
for a project to look at potential
reductions in greenhouse gas through
increased energy efficiency, to be
achieved by better use of building
insulation using polyurethane. Use of
this product has declined recently.
PURD Membership
PURD membership increased during
2003-04 and PURD also allowed
companies considering membership to
visit PURD meetings. PURD continues
to seek increased involvement from
companies in the Polyurethanes sector.
All enquiries regarding PURD and
its activities should be directed to:
Fiona Wilkes, PURD Coordinator
at PACIA: fwilkes@pacia.org.au
or phone 0417 99 77 74.
Recycling Expanded Polystyrene Australia (REPSA)
The Expanded Polystyrene Division of
PACIA, or Recycling Expanded Polystyrene
Australia (REPSA), is comprised of 31
member companies from all areas of
the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) industry.
From manufacturers to raw material
suppliers, these companies are
represented under the REPSA banner.
The following committees are active
within the EPS Division of PACIA:
• EPS Packaging Group
• EPS Panel Group
• EPS Pod Group
• EPS Block Group
The collection and recycling of EPS from
both the packaging and manufacturing
sector continues to be the primary focus
of the packaging group. Considerable
work has been done to improve and
expand on the EPS collection network
operating nationally. An additional four
collection sites will be established in the
next twelve months in regional areas.
REPSA continues to work closely with
established centres to ensure service
is efficient and cost effective for
manufacturers and users of EPS.
A joint partnership with a large electrical
appliance manufacturer has been
established for the collection of its EPS
packaging. This trial will commence in the
coming months and sets a new
benchmark for companies, allowing them
to take a greater role in developing
environmentally responsible practices.
Funding of the panel tests continues to
be shared by panel manufacturers and
EPS manufacturers around Australia.
Through the REPSA group, promotion
of the Code of Practice (COP) continues
to be promoted to councils and the
building sector. Since the introduction
of the COP and the establishment of
recommendations for the use of EPS
pods on building sites, council complaints
have almost disappeared and the sector
continues to grow.
The EPS panel division has carried out
extensive fire testing to ensure the longterm use of EPS panel. Tests conducted
by the CSIRO has validated the use of
EPS panel as cost effective building
material suitable for most building
applications. The objective is to promote
the responsible use of EPS and maintain
its position as the preferred core material
for insulated sandwich panel in the
Australian Market.
An additional full time staff member,
Kin-Chun Ip, has joined the REPSA
team to assist in the development
and implementation of projects for
each sector.
Industry and Sustainability at
PACIA’s National Conference
The opening session on Industry and
Sustainability at the 2004 conference was
introduced by the Victorian Minister for
Environment and Water, John Thwaites,
and was followed by two prominent
speakers – Dr Andreas Kicherer, head
of BASF’s global Eco-efficiency Group,
and Mr Tom Burke CBE, a prominent
UK-based environmental advisor. EPA
Victoria Chairman Mick Bourke joined
the two speakers for a panel discussion
on the key sustainability issues affecting
industry.
Exports, Tim Holding, and senior officials
of the Department of Industry, Innovation
and Regional Development after the
PACIA conference.
Kathryn Fisher
EPS Business Coordinator
Sustainability Covenants
In January 2004 the Victorian Minister for
Environment and Water, John Thwaites,
launched a three-year Sustainability
Covenant between PACIA and EPA
Victoria.
More than 100 people attended the
launch. PACIA members who provided
displays illustrating their ongoing
sustainability activities included ATOFINA,
Ciba Specialty Chemicals, Detmark Poly
Bags, Dow Chemical, Linpac Rotational
Mouldings, Shell Chemicals and the Vinyl
Council of Australia.
The Sustainability Covenant requires
the two partners to meet defined
commitments that will help improve
the sustainability of the chemicals and
plastics industries in Victoria. A number
of successful initiatives are already
underway.
Cleaner Production Pilot Program
Ausmalt Packaging, Bostik Findley,
Camatic, Johnson Matthey Pigments
& Ceramics and Viscount Plastics
participated in a Cleaner Production Pilot
program funded by EPA Victoria. The
pilot identified a range of attractive cleaner
production opportunities that will be
pursued by the individual participants.
Based on this experience, PACIA and EPA
Victoria plan to offer an enhanced cleaner
production program in future years.
After the conference, Dr Kicherer
conducted two seminars for BASF
customers, PACIA members, government
agencies and academics on June 2. The
seminars generated wide interest and
attracted 60 participants.
Eco-efficiency is a tool to compare the
end-user costs and environmental
impacts of competing products. The
seminars were intended to increase
understanding of state-of-the-art life cycle
assessment tools – one of the key
commitments under PACIA's sustainability
covenant with EPA Victoria.
Mr Burke and PACIA Chief Executive
Michael Catchpole also met with the
Victorian Minister for Manufacturing and
Sustainability Measurement Tools
Under the Sustainability Covenant, PACIA
and EPA Victoria committed to developing
guidance materials and tools to help
companies understand the life cycle
impacts of their products and operations.
The tools will be developed by the EPA
in partnership with experts in the area
and tested with PACIA members.
The work will be funded by the Victoria
Department of Industry, Innovation and
Regional Development.
This program was launched on July 4 at a
Dulux Australia site in Melbourne by the
Victoria Minister for Manufacturing and
Exports, Tim Holding. Dulux, EcoRecycle
Victoria and other stakeholders have
been involved in Paintback™, a recycling
trial designed to test the best way to
safely retrieve and recycle paint from
the community.
Bob Muirhead
Manager Sustainability Covenants
17
>Plastics Council
PACIA Awards
The winners of PACIA’s annual awards
were announced at the PACIA National
Conference 10th Anniversary Dinner at
Scienceworks (Melbourne) on May 31.
The Environmental Award, sponsored by
CSBP Ltd, went to Echo Projects for an
innovative project to remediate a badly
contaminated site in Tasmania.
Molding Systems ANZ Pty Ltd, went to
Solar Safety Management for their range
of photo-luminescent “EXIT” signs and
similar products.
The Health and Safety Award, sponsored
by Orica Australia Pty Ltd, went to FBT
Operations (Vic), for their work with
Degussa Peroxide Ltd and Solvay Interox
Pty Ltd to achieve best practice in safely
storing, handling and distributing industrial
strength hydrogen peroxide in Victoria.
The inaugural Sustainability Award for
Chemicals, sponsored by Dow Chemical
(Australia) Ltd, also went to Echo Projects
for their site remediation project.
(Note: In the office environmental policy
approved by the board we committed
to report our environmental performance
in the Annual Report. The following section
satisfies this requirement.)
The inaugural Sustainability Award for
Plastics, sponsored by Husky Injection
PACIA Office Environmental Performance
Under its Sustainability Covenant, PACIA
is committed to improving the
environmental performance of its own
operations. PACIA first developed an
office environmental policy in consultation
with EPA Victoria, members and the
Community Advisory Panel. The policy
served as the basis for developing an
environmental action plan for the
Melbourne office.
The ecological footprint for the Melbourne
The Ecological Footprint is a measure
of how much productive land and water
an individual or a group requires to
produce all the resources it consumes
18
office was 61.1 ha (5.1 ha per employee)
at the start of 2004, the baseline chosen
for future performance comparisons.
the office. PACIA has also purchased 5%
Green Power to further reduce its office
ecological footprint.
Electricity consumption contributed 43%
to the office footprint. Over 80% of the
electricity used is due to air-conditioning
and heating – the focus for improvement
in 2004.
PACIA already recycles virtually 100% of
office waste paper, plastics, bottles and
printer consumables, so further effort in
this area would not reduce the office
ecological footprint by a significant amount.
The 2004 office action plan focuses on
saving electricity by reducing airconditioner
use and other power-saving measures in
and to absorb all the waste it generates,
using prevailing technology.
EPA Victoria has developed online
calculators to enable individuals,
households, schools and offices to
calculate their ecological footprints and
identify opportunities for improvement.
www.epa.vic.gov.au
> Tr a d e & C o m m e r c i a l A f f a i r s C o u n c i l
The council aims to add
value to the business
activities of PACIA Members
by developing solutions
The PACIA Trade and Commercial Affairs Council
coordinates PACIA’s interests and involvement in industry
assistance and support policies and programmes,
international trade policies and commitments, environmental
and energy issues and policies and general economic
policy and budget issues of concern to the plastics
and chemicals sectors.
The council aims to add value to the business activities of PACIA Members by
developing solutions to global, regional, national and state trade and business issues
affecting the broader membership.
PACIA Canberra Office
PACIA’s Canberra office provides a
contact point for Government to deal
with the industry, and for PACIA members
seeking access to government Ministers,
advisers and senior departmental officials.
left:
Rod Cooper (Echo Projects) dual Winner
of inaugural Sustainability Award for
Chemicals and the Environmental Award
Zoran Ovuka (Solar Safety Management)
Winner of Sustainability Award
for Plastics
The Canberra Office also maintains
contact with Opposition Shadow Ministry
members and minor party spokespersons
in relevant areas of national policy. Key
portfolios of interest for PACIA include:
• Trade
• Industry, Tourism and Resources
• Environment and Heritage
• Education and Training
• Treasury, and Finance
The agenda during 2003-04 has been
very full and activities and achievements
are listed below.
Bob Muirhead (PACIA),
Krista Milne (EPA)
and Matt Lowe (EPA)
above:
Tim Holding
(Minister for Manufacturing & Export)
opens PACIA 2004 National Conference
Dr Steven Kates (Chief Economist ACCI)
PACIA 2004 National Conference
TRADE
Australia and United States Free
Trade Agreement
PACIA argued strongly in its submission
to the Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade (DFAT) on the US FTA that
duty rates on around 90 tariff items
should be phased to zero where local
industry sought time to restructure.
Notwithstanding consultation up to the
week the decision was announced in
early February, the US and Australian
governments decided to move to three
rates from the commencement of the
free trade agreement on all but a few
manufactured products. The outcome
of the Agreement in relation to Rules
of Origin and Anti-Dumping were
consistent with the industry’s submission.
Australia-China Trade and
Economic Framework (TEF)
Since the government announced the
signing of a TEF with China in October
2003, and the commencement of the
feasibility study into a free trade
agreement in January 2004, Council
members and the Director, Trade and
Economic Policy have been committed
to consultation with the Departments
of Foreign Affairs & Trade, and Industry,
Tourism & Resources in relation to
issues of concern in the context of the
negotiation and possible implementation
of an FTA with China.
19
> Tr a d e & C o m m e r c i a l A f f a i r s C o u n c i l
PACIA has also sought,
as part of the Feasibility Study,
analysis of import and export
trade trends and opportunities
which might have an
impact on the chemicals
and plastics sectors
PACIA’s submission to the Feasibility Study
argued the importance to the industry of:
• Tariff reductions phased in over
several years to enable industry to
restructure
• Effective Rules of Origin to avoid
circumvention of duties on imports
from third countries
• Effective anti-dumping and other
safeguard measures against increased
import pressures
The Council and Director, Trade and
Economic Policy (DTEP) continued to
consult with DFAT in relation to concerns
(shared by a broad cross-section of
manufacturing industry) that the
commitments made by the Government
in the context of the TEF, and the
administration of anti-dumping by
Customs, may erode much of the
effectiveness of the Economies in
Transition (EIT) provisions of antidumping legislation in relation to China.
PACIA has also sought, as part of the
Feasibility Study, analysis of import and
export trade trends and opportunities
which might have an impact on the
chemicals and plastics sectors.
Multinational Issues
PACIA maintains a close liaison with
DFAT in relation to the Doha Round
Multilateral Trade Negotiations, with
a close watching brief on progress in
market access negotiations, in relation to
anti-dumping and sectoral developments
in relation to chemicals and plastics.
20
As a member of the International Council
of Chemicals Associations (ICCA), PACIA
is involved in a range of international
issues and industry concerns in relation
to European Union 'REACH' legislation
for chemicals regulation, the Global
Harmonised System and sectoral trade
issues in the WTO and other fora.
PACIA has opposed initiatives in the
ICCA to develop a free trade Sectoral
Agreement for the chemicals sector.
The APEC Chemicals Dialogue provides
a useful forum for the discussion of
issues of concern in relation to trade
in chemicals. In addition to the issues
above, it also has an interest in improved
transparency and reductions in non-tariff
barriers in chemicals trade. In this
context, PACIA has expressed a particular
interest in initiatives to reduce customs
clearance procedure costs and the way
this is addressed in the APEC economies.
INDUSTRY POLICY
Anti-Dumping
PACIA coordinated work with the
Anti-Dumping Task Force, a network
of manufacturing industry representatives
and consultants to coordinate and consult
with government on anti-dumping policy
and administration. The task force
successfully sought amendments to
legislation late in 2003 to improve
procedures and strengthen remedies
where anti-dumping action is taken in
relation to an Economy in Transition.
Nuisance tariffs
In its Pre-Budget submission, and in
discussions with Treasury, PACIA has
sought removal of the ‘nuisance’ tariffs
on Tariff Concessions Orders, or TCOs.
Notwithstanding commitments to do so
when ‘fiscally responsible’, the nuisance
tariffs were not addressed within the
2004 budget.
PACIA, in association with other intensive
energy user industry associations, lobbied
successfully to secure policies favouring
energy security and reduced greenhouse
emissions, recognising that Australian
industry must maintain its access to energy
and will compare prices.
Certain Inputs to Manufacture
PACIA has developed a coordinated
approach to AusIndustry in relation to
duty-free concessional tariff rates available
for ‘Certain Inputs to Manufacture’ where
specified national benefit criteria are
demonstrated. Initially this work
has focused on engineering plastics
and polymers.
The Senate Standing Committee on
Environment, Communications,
Information Technology and the Arts
(which reported on an ALP/Greens Bill in
the Senate to ratify the Kyoto Protocol);
the WA Greenhouse Strategy (March
2004), and the NSW Greenhouse
Strategy (June 2004).
Energy Market Reform
PACIA, with other energy intensive
industries, has established a standing
forum with the Department of Industry,
Tourism & Resources to ensure that the
considerable changes to the energy
market that will be introduced over the
next few years will accommodate the vital
interests of major energy users in the
production, distribution and development
of the energy infrastructure.
PACIA made three submissions to public
inquiries relating to environment/
greenhouse gas policy:
During 2003-04, PACIA conducted two
Energy Management in Practice courses,
consistent with its support for the
Greenhouse Challenge program.
Trade and Commercial
Affairs Council 2003-04
Dr Stephen Bell
(Chair), Qenos Pty Ltd
Ian Blandford
Huntsman Chemical Company
Australia Pty Ltd
Murray Winstanley
Australian Vinyls Corporation Ltd
Stewart Murrihy
Orica Australia Ltd
Nick Munafo
Ciba Specialty Chemicals Pty Ltd
Barry Kelly
Basell Australia Pty Ltd
Steve Sandler
Aker Kvaerner
Colin Grundy
Akzo Nobel Chemicals Pty Ltd
Stephen Morris
BASF Australia Ltd
Jim Hall
Marplex Australia Pty Ltd
Sharon Smith
KPMG (joined January 2004)
Bernard Lee
Nufarm Ltd (joined February 2004)
ENVIRONMENT
The Prime Minister’s statement on
‘Securing Australia’s Energy Future’ in
June 2004 provided the Government’s
longer-term commitment and strategy on
energy and its approach to greenhouse
gas emissions directly linked to energy
production.
Martin Jones
PACIA (resigned May 2004)
Michael Catchpole
PACIA (joined May 2004)
Ashley Van Krieken
PACIA (resigned November 2003)
Brian Gallagher
PACIA (joined November 2003)
21
>External Boards and Advisory Groups
PACIA staff and executives from member companies represent the interests of the industry
on a range of boards, councils, committees and advisory groups.
Organisation
Participant
Association / Company
ACTDG
AMSA Chemicals Operations Working Group
AMSA National Plan Management Committee
ACCI Environment Reference Group
ACCI General Council
ACCI Industry Policy Group
ACCI Economic and Fiscal Committee
ACCI Tax Committee
ACCI Trade and International Affairs Group
ACCI OHS Consultative Forum
APEC Chemical Dialogue Committee
APVMA Industry Liaison Committee
Australian Industry Greenhouse Network (AIGN)
Australian Industry Group National Environment Policy Group
Australian Industry Group Environment Working Group
Auto-on-Collins
Bulk Bag Working Group
CCI (WA) Chemical Industries, Environment Management C’tees
Chemicals and Plastics Leadership Group (Chairman)
Chemicals and Plastics Leadership Group Investment WP (Chairman)
Coode Island Community Consultative Committee (CICCC)
Coode Island Marstel Consultative Community Group
Greenhouse Challenge Joint Consultative Committee
Hazardous Chemical Advisory Committee (NSW)
Hazardous Household Waste Advisory Group (WA)
Hazardous Waste Act Policy Reference Group
International Council of Chemical Associations Board (ICCA)
ICCA Technical Advisory Group
ICCA Trade Policy Group
ICCA Trade & Environment Working Group
ICCA Technical Group – Endocrine Disruption and Children’s Health
Industry Taskforce on Anti-Dumping
Industry Training Council (WA)
Jurisdictional Recycling Group (WA)
Major Hazards Advisory Committee (VIC)
MHF Industry Consultative Committee (NSW)
Manufacturing Industry Skills Council
Manufacturing Industry Skills Council
Manufacturing Learning Australia Board (MLA)
Manufacturing Learning Victoria Board (MLV)
National Dioxins Program Industry Reference Group
National Registration Authority (NRA)
NEPM Air Toxics Committee
NICNAS Industry Government Consultative Committee (IGCC)
NICNAS LRCC Taskforce
NICNAS LRCC Working Group
Robert Cairney
Terry Hosken
Margaret Donnan
Brian Gallagher/Carlos Santin
Michael Catchpole
Brian Gallagher
Brian Gallagher
Brian Gallagher
Brian Gallagher
Margaret Donnan
Michael Catchpole
Bernard Lee
Michael Catchpole
Carlos Santin
Carlos Santin
Peter Bury
Carlos Santin
Margaret Mathews/Margaret Donnan
Mike Dwyer
Martin Jones
Margaret Donnan
Margaret Donnan
Brian Gallagher
Stephen Holland
Margaret Matthews
Carlos Santin
Michael Catchpole
Margaret Donnan
Brian Gallagher
Brian Gallagher
Dr Roger Drew
Brian Gallagher
Margaret Matthews
Margaret Matthews
John Power
Margaret Donnan
Michael Catchpole
David Graham
Margaret Matthews
Michael Catchpole
Volker Maier/Carlos Santin
Bernard Lee
Geoff Ereaut
Nick Munafo
Margaret Donnan
Joe Rundle, John Hargrave,
Robert Ward and Margaret Donnan
Margaret Donnan
Margaret Donnan
Margaret Donnan, Lloyd Eldred
Barry Black
Margaret Donnan
Bryan Goodwin
Robert Evans
Stephen Holland
Bruce Gotting
Peter Bury
Peter Bury
David Calvert
Peter Bury
Peter Bury
Margaret Donnan
John Hargrave
Dr Charles Koch
Martin Jones
Robert Muirhead
Carlos Santin
Michael Catchpole
David Graham
Margaret Matthews
Michael Catchpole
Ken Price
Incitec Pivot Ltd
Orica Australia Pty Ltd
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
Nufarm Ltd
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
Viscount Plastics
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
Toxikos Pty Ltd
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
Huntsman Chemical Company
PACIA
PACIA
Huntsman Chemical Company
PACIA
PACIA
Nufarm Aust Ltd
Nufarm Aust Ltd
Huntsman Chemical Co Aust
Ciba Specialty Chemicals P/L
PACIA
Clariant, Dow,
DuPont and PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA, Patrick Corporation
Huntsman Chemical Co Aust
PACIA
Dow Chemical (Australia)
Orica Australia Pty Ltd
PACIA
Orica Australia Pty Ltd
PACIA
PACIA
Caled Containers
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
Dow
Solvay Interox Pty Ltd
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
PACIA
Huntsman Chemical Company
PACIA
PACIA
Riskom International
NICNAS Existing Chemicals Review Steering Committee
NOHSC Chemical Standards Sub Committee
NOHSC Dangerous Goods Implementation Reference Group
NOHSC Information Committee
NOHSC MHF Implementation Reference Group
NOHSC MHF Schedule 1 Review Group
NSW EPA CAPER Reference Group
NSW EPA Peak Industry Group
NSW Site Auditor Accreditation Panel
National Packaging Covenant Council
National Packaging Covenant Industry Association
National Packaging Covenant – Jurisdictional Recycling Group (Tas)
National Packaging Covenant – Jurisdictional Recycling Group (Vic)
National Packaging Covenant – Review & Evaluation Working Group
National Working Group on the Diversion of Chemical Precursors
PACIA NICNAS Taskforce
Sydney Water Corp – Industrial and Commercial Customer Forum
Victorian EPA Sustainability Advisory Network
Victorian Litter Action Alliance Executive
Victorian Litter Action Alliance Working Group
Victorian Process Manufacturing Industries Training Board
Victorian Process Manufacturing Industries Training Board
Waste Management Board (WA)
World Chlorine Council Board (WCC)
United Nations Sub Committee of Experts of Transport of DG
22
>Reputation Management Council
The conference presented
the latest information on
local and global issues
affecting the plastics and
chemicals industries.
The Reputation Management Council has continued to
work with and advise the Public Affairs division of PACIA,
which is charged with managing issues and programs in
conjunction with other PACIA divisions and on behalf
of member companies.
The Council and Public Affairs staff also
have responsibility for the organisation
and conduct of a range of events and the
development of communications tools
and strategies for all PACIA divisions.
During the year in review, PACIA managed
several high-profile issues, including
challenges related to product de-selection.
The most public of these was the
continuing debate about supermarket
plastic bags, but other plastic and
chemical products were also the subject
of campaigns by interest groups that
required responses by PACIA – either
through the media or as comprehensive
submissions to relevant government
departments and agencies. In the latter
case, the Public Affairs division worked
closely with the relevant industry groups
to assist in the preparation of a clear
industry position to be put to government.
Chris Corrigan
(Patrick Corporation)
PACIA 10th Anniversary Dinner at PACIA
2004 National Conference
Mike Dwyer (PACIA President)
and John Thwaites (Minister for Environment
& Water) sign Sustainability Covenant
Mike Dwyer (PACIA President) launches
Sustainability Covenant 2004
Open Door
During the year, the Council considered
the options for conduct of an Open
Door event in March-April 2004 and
made several submissions to the
Chemicals Council regarding member
support for the concept of Open Door
and concerns about security issues.
Following a review of security and related
issues, the Chemicals Council resolved
to postpone the Open Door activities
planned for April 2004 and subsequently
decided the event should proceed in
October 2004. Council is working
with member companies to develop
promotional and other materials to
support single or multi-site Open Door
activities during October.
Other events
The 2004 PACIA National Conference
was held in Melbourne at the end of
May and was attended by more than
100 PACIA members plus representatives
from government and regulatory
agencies. The conference presented the
latest information on local and global
issues affecting the plastics and chemicals
industries. International guest speakers
included UK-based environment
consultant Tom Burke and the head of
BASF’s Global Eco-efficiency Group,
Andreas Kicherer, who spoke on the
topic of sustainability and eco-efficiency.
The third international speaker was the
senior adviser on International Chemical
Policy for Bayer AG, Rainer Koch, who
gave delegates an update on European
chemicals regulation.
Attendance at the conference by these
three speakers was made possible
through a grant from the Victorian
Government’s Department of Innovation,
Industry and Regional Development,
and with the support of their respective
companies and conference sponsors.
PACIA members and other stakeholders
also were involved in follow-up meetings
and seminars coordinated by PACIA
executives and the respective PACIA
member companies. These follow-up
meetings ensured that PACIA members
got additional value and information from
the conference speakers and gave PACIA
23
>Reputation Management Council
The Media Management
access to and enhanced credibility with a
range of stakeholders, including regulators.
courses have proved valuable
PACIA also presented the inaugural
Sustainability Awards at the 10th
Anniversary Dinner held during the
conference. Sponsors of the conference
were BASF, Nalco, ATOFINA, Basell,
Ciba Specialty Chemicals, Clariant,
Coogee Chemicals, CRT Group, DuPont,
Marplex Australia, Patrick Logistics and
Viscount Plastics. Feedback from
delegates who attended the National
Conference was overwhelmingly positive
and ensures that next year’s conference
will again cover a range of topics that
directly impact on members’ businesses.
to members, with some
participants…seeking
follow-up advice from PACIA
on the management of
ongoing media coverage.
The PACIA Annual General Meeting and
Annual Dinner in September 2003 were
addressed by Victorian Minister for
Manufacturing and Exports, Tim Holding,
and the Minister for Energy Industries,
Theo Theophanous. These events
provided members with unique
opportunities to discuss industry-related
issues with relevant government ministers.
John Molenaar
(Manufacturing Learning Victoria)
Industry Training Awards 2004
Mike Brady sings Beetle Cup
tribute song, PACIA Vic Golf Day
March 2004
Tom Burke (Environment
Consultant) and Mick Bourke
(EPA) PACIA 2004 National
Conference
24
PACIA’s social and networking events
also were well attended during the year,
with up to 100 players at each of the golf
days held in NSW and Victoria and at a
combined golf day in Western Australia.
The 48th Annual Lawn Bowls Tournament
in March again pitched the experienced
players against some new blood and this
event continues to grow. The Know Your
Plastics training program has continued
to draw strong support with courses in
Melbourne and Sydney twice a year
attracting individuals new to the industry
and keen to learn about plastics.
Management of this two-day intensive
course is assisted by Plastics Pioneers
and feedback from participants is always
positive with numbers growing.
Media and issues management
This was an active year in terms of
media representation of PACIA and the
management of issues in conjunction
with the CEO and PACIA managers.
The focus was again on plastic products,
including plastic bags, degradables,
plastics recycling and PET bottles, with
media coverage of some of these issues
extending to national and local TV
and radio, and major and regional
newspapers and magazines. Media
coverage of chemical industry activities,
environment and community issues
and trade and greenhouse matters also
required responses from PACIA and/or
assistance to member companies dealing
with inquiries ranging from product
recalls to site and transportation incidents.
PACIA also conducted several Media
Management courses for individuals and
member companies to assist them to
prepare for and manage media coverage
of events, issues and incidents. The
Media Management courses have proved
valuable to members, with some
participants using the course to prepare
for media appearances that occurred
during the year, and seeking follow-up
advice from PACIA on the management
of ongoing media coverage.
Publications and communications
Council members were consulted on
the inaugural PACIA Member Directory,
published in 2002, and provided input on
production of the 2003 Directory. The
Public Affairs division also was responsible
for the preparation of several reports and
other publications supporting PACIA’s
programs and for the production of a
CD and DVD containing presentations to
the 2004 PACIA National Conference.
The PACIA website
is undergoing a
comprehensive rebuild
PACIA and its issues councils publish
and manage a range of communications
materials, from monthly newsletters to
annual reports, directories, brochures,
banners and videos.
and a new-look site
providing more accessible
Michael Catchpole
Chief Executive
information for members
and other stakeholders
Honi Walker
Manager Public Affairs
will be launched in the
latter part of this year.
Reputation Management Council
Stewart Murrihy
(Chair) Orica Australia Pty Ltd
Tony Jaques
Dow Chemical (Australia) Limited
Doug Coldham
K& S Freighters Pty Ltd
Carolyn Rolls
Allens Arthur Robinson
Patent & Trade Marks Attorneys
Maureen Short
Qenos Pty Ltd
Sophi MacMillan
Australian Vinyls Corporation Ltd
(resigned 8 August 2003)
Laurie David
Australian Vinyls Corporation Ltd
(appointed 8 August 2003)
Martin Jones
(PACIA) (resigned 15 April 2004)
Michael Catchpole
(PACIA)
Honi Walker
(PACIA)
Charlie Woolford
Visypet Pty Ltd, (resigned 5 August 2003)
Gareth Widger
CSBP Limited
Hutch Ranck
Dupont (Australia) Ltd
(resigned 6 August 2003)
25
>Notes
___________________________________________________________________
Steve Holland (PACIA)
and Peter Bury (PACIA)
present the winning trophies to
Team Basell at PACIA NSW Golf
Day March 2004
Kersten Bader (Gerard Signode)
Beetle Cup Winner and A Grade
Winner PACIA Vic Golf Day
March 2004
Team Hydrochem - Winners of the
PACIA 48th Annual Lawn Bowls
tournament with Martin Jones
(PACIA)
Martin Jones (PACIA) shows his
superior bowling form at the
PACIA 48th Annual Lawn Bowls
tournament
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26
PACIA Offices
National Office
Level 2, 263 Mary Street,
Richmond Victoria 3121
PO Box 211
Richmond Victoria 3121 Australia
Telephone:
Facsimile:
Email:
Website:
+61 3 9429 0670
+61 3 9429 0690
info@pacia.org.au
http://www.pacia.org.au
Canberra
New South Wales
Western Australia
Telephone: +61 2 6230 6985
Facsimile: +61 2 6230 6714
Telephone: +61 2 9888 4360
Facsimile: +61 2 9888 4444
Telephone: +61 8 9335 7805
Facsimile: +61 8 9335 1617
For details of representatives
in other States, contact
PACIA National Office
PACIA/364
Design Artwork & Print Management
Richard McKellar Design
03 9866 3380 rmdesign5@bigpond.com
27
Plastics and Chemicals
Industries Association INC
A.R.B.N. 063 335 615
National Office
Level 2, 263 Mary Street,
Richmond Victoria 3121
Telephone: +61 3 9429 0670
Facsimile:
+61 3 9429 0690
PO Box 211
Richmond Victoria 3121 Australia
Email:
info@pacia.org.au
Website:
http://www.pacia.org.au