Plastics Europe

European Composites, Plastics and Polymer Processing Platform ECP4 re-elects key board members / Launch of “Strategic Research Agenda” for the plastics industry

PlasticsEurope France “sounds the alarm” for Europe's plastics industry / Increasingly uncompetitive

EuPC general assembly yields “strategic alliance” for European polymer supplies / Former RPC chief executive Ron Marsh to steer efforts / Strong criticism of producers and EU's import duties on plastics

Discussion on the role of plastics in a circular economy / End of life of plastic goods key to sustainable development / Dialogue on regulation is a prime duty / International conference in Rome

California lists BPA as reproductive toxicant / Plastics and can manufacturers dispute conclusion

How packaging contributes to food waste prevention / Unpackaged goods seen to have greater environmental footprint / Study by Austrian think-tank Denkstatt and industry partners

EuPC and PlasticsEurope host “EU investing in its future – plastics construction technologies” conference / June event part of EU Sustainable Energy Week

Slight reduction in output in 2014 / Market's current zigzag movements prove exhausting

EuPC, PlasticsEurope and SPE launch “European Plastics Innovation Awards”

Plastics recycling – now is the time!

Versatile material continues to see global growth / Consumption doubled since 2000 / Propane gains importance for propylene production as a result of ethylene decoupling / Availability likely to remain good

US study on marine litter greeted by PlasticsEurope / Global industry continues efforts to tackle waste

European output up slightly in 2014 / PlasticsEurope says sector is a strategic pillar for European reindustrialisation / Sector expected to see additional growth

“IdentiPlast” plastic waste recycling and recovery conference to be held in Rome in April

European food watchdog EFSA finds BPA to have “no health risk” / Study may weaken France's push for reclassification / REACH administrator ECHA also in the game

Consumption grows 1% in 2013 / Polyolefins, PU and PET see gains / PVC and PS demand continues to fall / Producers under rising pressure / USA as most important trade partner

Europe struggles to remain competitive amid US shale gas onslaught / Industry organisations call on EU to help / Oxford study analyses chances and risks

EC withdraws Circular Economy plans to increase recycling levels / Package to be replaced with more ambitious legislation

Part 4 – Regulations: Regulatory moves keep the industry on its toes again in 2014 / Restrictions on plastic bags dominate the discussion / BPA and phthalates still a topic / Flame retardant issues still smoulder / Recycling guidelines make headway

Part 3 – Packaging: M&A activity in the plastics packaging sector continues / Global competition changes the landscape / La Seda bankruptcy sale almost wrapped up / Coca Cola's sustainability drive hits a snag

Part 2 – Plastics Production: Shale gas revolution drives Europe into a corner / Ailing facilities are consolidated / Massive changes in PVC market / Shale oil reserves change the balance once again

Part 1 – Overview: European plastics industry ploughs on / High energy costs and bag bans still an issue / Realities of shale revolution start knocking on Brussels' doors

PIE speaks to PlasticsEurope's president Patrick Thomas / Fracking is an important energy source / Industry needs leadership and brokerage from Brussels / TTIP likely to bring gas prices down

PlasticsEurope calls France's report on alternatives to bisphenol A in food packaging “unrealistic simplification” / French parliament set to vote on ban from 1 January 2015

Follow-up: European Bioplastics and Assobioplastiche welcome European Council's amendment to Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive