MACS Launches Plastic Procurement Toolkit to Help Shipping Companies Reduce Onboard Plastic Waste

## MACS Targets Plastic at Source with New Procurement Toolkit The Maritime Association for Clean Seas (MACS) has unveiled a comprehensive plastic procurement toolkit aimed at helping shipping companies reduce their plastic footprint at the point of purchase — before materials ever reach a vessel. Developed by MACS' Sustainable Plastic Procurement Working Group, the toolkit provides practical guidance for owners, managers, and procurement teams seeking to identify and eliminate unnecessary single-use and non-recyclable plastics from their supply chains. According to Splash247, the guides are intended to give maritime operators actionable frameworks to embed sustainability criteria directly into procurement decisions. ### Why Procurement Is the Critical Intervention Point The initiative reflects a growing recognition within the industry that addressing marine plastic pollution requires intervention upstream, rather than relying solely on waste management practices onboard. By targeting procurement decisions, MACS argues that companies can prevent problematic plastics from entering vessel operations altogether — a more effective and cost-efficient approach than managing disposal at sea or in port. The toolkit is expected to be particularly relevant for ship managers and fleet operators who oversee large volumes of consumables, provisions, and operational supplies across multiple vessels. Standardising procurement criteria across a fleet could deliver meaningful reductions in plastic waste generation at scale. ### Industry Context The launch comes as the maritime sector faces increasing regulatory and stakeholder pressure to address its contribution to ocean plastic pollution. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has long maintained MARPOL Annex V regulations governing garbage disposal at sea, but industry bodies and environmental groups have increasingly called for proactive measures that go beyond compliance. MACS' toolkit represents a voluntary, industry-led step in that direction, positioning procurement policy as a lever for environmental performance improvement. The working group approach also signals a collaborative model, drawing on expertise from across the shipping community to develop guidance that is practical and operationally grounded. Shipping companies interested in accessing the toolkit are encouraged to consult the MACS website for the full suite of procurement guides and supporting resources. *Source: Splash247*