EuPC (B-1000 Brussels; www.eupc.org), the EU-level representative body for more than 30,000 European plastics processing companies representing 1.5m employees throughout Europe, held its annual meeting and its general assembly on 25-28 May 2005 in Seville, Spain. The meeting discussed the issues surrounding the future of the key plastics conversion sectors, the role of innovation and overcoming barriers to it.

EuPC Packaging Division focussed on regulatory trends, particularly in the field of plastics in contact with foodstuffs where there are growing concerns over the impact of the draft “Super-Regulation”. Presentations urged the need for a less aggressive legislative approach.

In the automotive and transport sector the spotlight was on market developments for the application of plastics parts in cars. The meeting heard that whilst end-of-life vehicles legislation could to some extent hinder the development of automotive plastics, plastics materials will be required to a greater extent in future to assist in reducing vehicle emissions.

In building and construction innovation was centre stage, with the use of plastics in the production of electricity through solar energy highlighted alongside improvements in the collection, recycling and re-use of PVC waste which is also playing an important role in EuPC activities.

CEOs from 20 countries as well as EU policy makers exchanged views on international trade and highlighted the opportunities and obstacles facing the industry when operating across borders.

The potential role of the London Metal Exchange (LME; www.lme.com) in helping to resolve plastics raw material supply volatility in the future was a major topic of the round table discussion at the meeting. Set against a background of the LME launching its contracts for PP and LLDPE on the final morning of the meeting, delegates had the unique opportunity of having the first May prices relayed directly to them from London. The panel of leading polymer producers, converters and consultants, in an animated debate, openly discussed the issues raised by the launch allowing the stakeholders present to form their own conclusions on the impact of a “LME reference price” for plastics materials.

Elections were also held for vacant seats on EuPC´s 13-strong Steering Committee. Giovanni Bechis (Unionplast), Bernhard Borgardt (Packaging Division), Peter Davis (BPF), Joachim Eckstein (IVK), Günter Schwank (GKV) and David Williams (EQA), were all elected to serve from 2006 to 2010. Finally, the meeting provided an opportunity to honour EuPC´s very first President: Alberto Schiavi of Unionplast was appointed as honorary past president in recognition of his strong service for many years to both EuPC and the plastics industry.