Plastics AS 2071973993

An opportunity to contribute your thoughts on plastic waste management

Published
23 October 2026

As part of our collaboration with the Maritime Association for Clean Seas (MACS), we are pleased to share information about an upcoming virtual round table on plastic waste management.

BIMCO members are therefore invited to attend and contribute practical operational experience. 

As a knowledge partner of the Maritime Association for Clean Seas (MACS) we play an active role in their Vessel Plastic Waste Management Working Group, helping to ensure that the shipping industry's practical and operational perspectives are reflected in the group's work. And whilst we strive to best represent the views and experience of our members, we also like to offer our members the opportunity to engage directly. So we are delighted to share information about an upcoming industry round table.  

MACS brings together a huge array of maritime stakeholders to address ocean plastic pollution and operational waste reduction through practical industry collaboration. MACS is focused on helping the maritime sector translate wider ambitions on plastic pollution into practical action across vessel operations, port interfaces, and the wider maritime value chain. 

As part of our collaboration, we would encourage you to join the virtual round table on 29 October 2026 bringing together shipowners, operators and ship managers, seafarers and crew representatives, port reception and waste management providers, onboard equipment and technology providers, industry associations, and other relevant experts.  

The discussion will focus on practical approaches to managing plastic waste onboard vessels. The first part of the session will focus on identifying and validating practical approaches to onboard plastic waste management, including what is already working onboard, where operational challenges remain, and how the industry can build a stronger approach to measuring and improving performance. The second part will explore the longer-term potential of the MACS Seafarer Survey and Plastic Footprint Benchmark projects, including what would be required for these initiatives to deliver value at a wider industry scale. 

This is an opportunity for members and the wider shipping industry to contribute practical operational experience and help ensure that future guidance and benchmarking initiatives reflect the realities faced by vessels and crews. 

Date: Thursday 29 October 2027 

Time: 07:30-09:30 UTC 

Location: Virtual, via Microsoft Teams