Follow the latest news of Petcore Europe. This is the Q2 newsletter featuring updates from our working groups, the kick-off meeting of our Plastic Aerosol Recycling SiG, developments regarding the EU Plastics Strategy, and much more.

Successful Meetings: Working Groups on Recycling of PET Thermoforms and ODR PET packaging

Plastic Aerosol Special Industry Group Kick-off Meeting

EU Plastics Strategy Update

Single-use Plastics Proposal

On 28 May the European Commission (EC) proposed new rules for ten single-use plastic products as well as fishing gear accounting for 70% of marine litter in Europe. Plastic cotton buds, cutlery, plates, straws, drink stirrers and sticks for balloons will be entirely banned from the market. Measurements for other products include consumption reduction targets, collection targets, labeling requirements and awareness-raising measures. 

The new rules would also have a huge impact on the PET industry: Single-use drinks containers (such as PET bottles) will only be allowed if their caps or lids remain attached. EU Member States are obliged to collect 90% of single-use plastic beverage bottles by 2025 - through deposit refund schemes. Regarding food containers (such as PET trays) significant national consumption reduction targets are envisaged. Additionally, producers have to contribute to awareness raising, clean-ups, collection and waste treatment.

The EC also developed a factsheet summarizing the proposal. The current proposal is accompanied by a new public consultation that will be open to all stakeholders until the 23rd July 2018.

Update on Plastics Tax

For now, a tax on plastics is off the table. However, since 2 May, the plastics industry is caught into the negotiations over the EU budget for the period 2021- 2027 and this negotiation will last at least one year. The current proposal of the EC includes a fiscal contribution – the so-called plastics levy – from Member States to the EU budget for the volumes of non-recycled plastics packaging. 

EU Plastics Industry Day 11 December 2018

At the beginning of 2018, Petcore Europe signed a framework of voluntary agreements with five other associations and in close collaboration with the European Commission.

Now is the time for both partners, the Industry and the EU Commission to deliver on their promises and work together in a transparent way. To promote the voluntary commitments and its goals, a dedicated website was published: www.circularplastics.org. To communicate about the industry’s commitment and showcase the development, Petcore Europe and the other associations will jointly organise the first EU Plastics Industry Day on the 11th December 2018 in Brussels. More information will follow shortly.

Twelve new members in 2018

Petcore Europe is growing steadily. In 2018 we already had the pleasure to welcome twelve new members: BASF, CCL Label, Coca-Cola, Du Pont Teijin Fims, Danone, Fantastic Plastic, Fuji Seal, Graham Packaging Europe, Henkel, LSDH, Logoplaste and MacDermid.

Updates from our association members

Renato Zelcher is new EuPC president

On 25 May in Milan, during EuPC’s General Assembly, Renato Zelcher, CEO of Crocco S.p.A. (Italy), was elected as the new EuPC President for the period from 2018 to 2020. He replaces Michael Kundel, CEO of Renolit SE who held the position for four years.

EuPC Packaging Conference

Save the date: EuPC hosts the 2nd edition of its Plastics Packaging Conference on 25 September 2018 in Brussels. The event focuses on implications of the EU Plastics Strategy for plastic packaging.

Stephen Short new CPME representative on Petcore Europe Board

Stephen Short (Indorama) replaces Roberto Bertaggia (MG) on the Petcore Europe board for the Committee of the PET Manufacturers in Europe (CPME). We would like to thank Roberto Bertaggia for his contributions and welcome Stephen Short to the board.

Update from Forum PET?

Petcore Europe is GDPR compliant