Notwithstanding all the debate surrounding it, plastic remains the most universal material of our day and age, and according to a range of representative surveys is also appreciated as such by the population at large. Despite, and possibly even because of this, public concerns about its allegedly adverse health impact remain and flare up every once in a while. This particular controversy was at the centre of PlasticsEurope’s (Brussels / Belgium; www.plasticseurope.org) recent two-day conference on “Science Driving Consumer Protection: How Plastics Deliver”, held in Berlin / Germany on 20 and 21 October.

Fifteen speakers from the plastics industry, public authorities, universities and research centres shed light on a range of different topics, including plastics in food contact, toys and cosmetics all the way to packaging and the selection and monitoring of materials that come into contact with drinking water. In terms of both content and conception, the event built on similar conferences held by PlasticsEurope in Brussels and Vienna last year – not least since it did not limit itself to presentations alone but allowed participants a lot of time for intensive dialogue and controversial discussions.

PlasticsEurope regional director Rüdiger Baunemann was content with the two-day conference and promised to continue the dialogue in the future, too, saying that cooperation and learning from different experiences is “essential”.

On 4 and 5 November, PlasticsEurope has invited industry stakeholders to its next event, “PolyTalk 2014” (www.polytalk.eu), which will bring together politicians, industry representatives, scientists and publishers to discuss sustainability, productivity and wealth as well as the future competitiveness of the European plastics sector (see also Plasteurope.com of 12.08.2014). It is still possible to register for the event by visiting www.plasticseurope.org.