European plastics industry expects growth in 2015

Plastics production in Europe grew by 1.5 percent in 2014 and is on course to continue this positive trend in 2015, according to the industry trade association, PlasticsEurope.

European plastics producers benefited from the recovery of its customers industries, such as the automotive, electrical appliance and construction sectors; gaining momentum in the second half of 2014. Although European plastics production remains far from pre-crisis levels, this growth is expected to continue (+1 percent) in 2015.  

“The plastics industry is a key contributor to the reindustrialisation of Europe due to its knock-on effect on other key areas of the economy,” explained Karl- H. Foerster, Executive Director, PlasticsEurope.“Access to competitive energy and raw materials, support for innovation and training, investment in innovation as well as a consistent and complementary regulation will create the right conditions for our industry to continue to make a meaningful contribution to European economy and society at large.”

PlasticsEurope presented its most recent economic data for the plastics industry at a round table on 22 January in Brussels, showing the overall trends for 2014 and 2015 of the European plastics industry.