This time, the New Year is bringing us big bags of hope – those of overcoming the pandemic, of the vaccination succeeding, and of a gradual return to “normal life”. With what can only be termed as “unusual”, 2020 has left us feeling a little worn-out with all its unique challenges and restrictions, and the shifting perceptions of whatever the “new normal” is. At the same time, however, we cannot help but feel stronger for showing resilience, endurance and innovation in the face of the storm, multiple examples of which can be found in Plasteurope.com’s Year in Review 2020.

This demanding year posed distinctive and unprecedented challenges for the world economy and society. It was full of uncertainties and insecurities, to say the least. For large parts of the plastics-processing industry, the year had already gotten off to a bad start, with clear signs of an economic slowdown – especially for the global automotive industry, which was already suffering from falling demand. But judging by what followed, some people were probably wishing their problems were limited to only those before the pandemic because things worsened rapidly with the spread of the novel coronavirus – from lockdowns and shutdowns to logistical issues in Europe-wide trade and traffic, to lack of personal protective equipment (PPE). The fact that almost all in-person events for the year were cancelled was a minor evil unto itself.

This year of crisis, however, also encouraged activities that would have been unthinkable before, including virtual conferences and the “Balcony Singing for the Plastics Industry” launched by plas.TV.

But beyond that, the world continued its plod forward, albeit in an unusual, roundabout way. The industry managed to survive and became inventive by transforming production to coronavirus-related requirements, which included catering to the growing need for PPE. Plastics producers on the raw materials side had to deal with various cutbacks and forces majeures, the plastics packaging sector started leaning towards hybrid solutions, and in the ambit of recycling, aspirations collided with reality.

The ever-present management shifts in the industry contiuned unabated, showing us some well-ordered transitions and some very surprising changes. On the other hand, we also garnered insight into our readers’ preferences, and what they would like more of.

So, on that note, we would like to bring this year to a gentle close by taking a look at everything that made 2020 special, and mounting our hopes on a fresh start in 2021.

The Plasteurope.com editorial team wishes you good health, safety, and a pleasurable reading experience!