In an interview, Patrick Thomas, President, PlasticsEurope (European Association of Plastics Producers) and CEO of Covestro with Chemical Today magazine talks about the trends, challenges, and opportunities in European plastics industry.
By Shivani Mody
Plastics industry in Europe.
The European plastics industry provides direct employment to 1.5 million people in Europe, who work in about 60,000 companies, most of which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In 2015, our region ranked second in world plastics production, with a share of about 18 percent. Nowadays, the plastics industry in Europe is a major contributor to growth and development in the EU, ranking 7th in industrial added value.
Latest R&D and innovation in the plastics industry.
Our industry operates among a range of regional and global challenges – from preserving Europe’s resources and protecting its people and environment, to guaranteeing societal well-being. Therefore, we believe that innovation is the single most important driver to overcome these challenges and to achieve a sustainable and competitive Europe.
Since the beginning, the plastics industry has been at the forefront of innovation in Europe, and our material has been at the heart of some of the most exciting technological advances. While the companies in the sector vary in size, all of them keep a high rate of investment in research and development. The results of these efforts are apparent – 1 in every 25 patents submitted to the EU between 2003 and 2012 came from the plastics industry.
In addition to that, there are many developments in which new polymer technologies are playing a fundamental role – from flexible display screens for the latest tech products to nanocomposite scaffolding where human stem cells are used to grow replacement body parts. We should not forget 3D printing – described by some as the “holy grail” of the new digital manufacturing era. Plastics are at the centre of this revolutionary technology, which is already being used to create medical prosthetics with increased precision, speed and customization to fit the needs of the individual patient.
Moreover, 2016 saw the emergence of the first industrial pilot scale project using CO2 as a feedstock for plastics production. Additionally, research and innovation in the field of bioplastics are expected to increase the use of renewable raw materials for the production of plastics. Further innovation is also occurring in the reuse of mixed plastic waste as a feedstock to produce new products.
Policy landscape that governs the plastics industry.
Plastics are governed by numerous legislative requirements within the European Union – from consumer and environmental protection to product legislations.
Bearing in mind this regulatory context, the plastics industry attaches a vital importance to scientific data and its use in policy-making. We, therefore, work together with all stakeholders to use accepted scientific, transparent and worldwide harmonised procedures.
Regarding environmental protection, the European plastics industry has been calling for a ban on the landfilling of recyclable and recoverable post-consumer plastic waste since 2011. With the arrival of the new Circular Economy proposals, we believe that this aim could be achieved by 2025.
In fact, proper waste management is not only essential to the efficient utilisation of Europe’s resources but a fundamental aspect of tackling marine litter. That is why in 2011, industry organisations from around the world united forces and signed the “Declaration of the Global Plastics Associations for Solutions on Marine Litter” – an initiative to tackle the problem of plastic waste in the marine environment. Today, there are over 260 projects, underway, planned or completed. Moreover, since 2014, key industry leaders launched the World Plastics Council (WPC), a platform for cooperation to address common issues and opportunities that are increasingly global.
Challenges faced by the plastics industry.
There are several global macroeconomic developments relevant to the European plastics industry that need to be taken into consideration, such as the competitive advantage of the US in terms of energy production, the significant oil and natural gas reserves in the Middle East, along with the growth of China in the international arena. And, finally, the potential rise of Brazil and other Latin American countries in the production of biofuels and bio-based products.
Bearing in mind these circumstances, the European plastics industry faces some major challenges such as high energy and raw materials costs, increased global competition, the skills gap and of the need for efficient waste management systems. In this regard, our sector has to continue building on its innovative strength and ensuring it has the required elements in place to remain competitive on a global scale. For this to happen, we will need qualified scientists. This is why, the plastics industry in Europe has initiated and developed numerous educational projects, aiming to increase students’ interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education to supply the demand for a more diverse workload.
Ensuring future growth, competitiveness for the plastics industry in Europe.
Firstly, a secure access to competitive energy and raw materials in Europe needs to be ensured. Secondly, skilled workforces need to be provided and supported – these being qualified and talented scientists that can provide the technological capabilities needed in Europe. Thirdly, ongoing investments in innovations as well as a shift to a more resource-efficient society. Finally, a consistent and complementary regulatory framework needs to be safeguarded.
The European plastics industry makes a vital contribution to economy and society and therefore plays an important role in strengthening Europe’s competitiveness. In fact, the study carried out by the European House – Ambrosetti, analysed the potential impact of a strengthened plastics supply chain. The findings of the study, which takes Italy as an example, show that the plastics industry is one of the few sectors, which provides the most significant contribution to manufacturing with a multiplier effect of 2.4. Therefore, great investment and promotion of the plastics industry will stimulate economic growth and employment opportunities in Europe.
© Chemical Today Magazine
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