Rebuilding Polymers for Europe - Statement

The Polymers for Europe Alliance, set up by the European Plastics Converters association (EuPC) in 2015, held a webinar moderated by the Alliance’s Chairman Mr. Ron Marsh on March 3rd 2022.

Many participants were surprised by the strong consensus which emerged from the discussion. Recent difficulties were acknowledged and 2021 was even described as the ‘Annus Horribilis’ for the plastics industry as a whole. The suggestion was made that the recent annual assessment exercise illustrated a high degree of exasperation by converters in applauding the performance of new entrants to the European industry whilst relegating the traditional major suppliers to a much more modest position. It was agreed that Europe required investment but some polymer suppliers were able to point to projects that were already underway, others felt that investment in the Circular Economy was going to give Europe the opportunity to recover its historic lead, and others were able to point to a clean slate on Forces Majeures suggesting their requirement for investment was less pressing.

Going forward, both sides agreed that avoiding an on-going decline in the relative standing of the European plastics industry would require a new chapter in the industry to open with more transparency, clear collaboration and mutual respect for the differing requirements of suppliers and converters. The will to achieve this was present during the meeting but it would require buy-in from a broader grouping to capitalise on this opportunity.