The European plastics industry meets in Seville

More than one hundred professionals of the European plastics industry has met during the days 25, 26 and 27 May, in a conference held in Seville on the occasion of the annual meeting of EuPC (European Plastics Converters), the European Association of plastics transformers. The meeting in 2004 took place in Berlin. The event has had the participation of responsible for direction of various European associations of plastics, as well as the Presidents of the European Association of transformers (EuPC), David Williams, and the new European Organization of manufacturers of raw materials (PlasticsEurope)John Taylor.

During these three days have been discussed issues of common interest to the world of plastics, such as the regulatory framework of plastics for food use, the new registration of chemicals (Reach), the European PVC industry voluntary commitment, and the future of the European plastics industry. A forum on packaging and plastics packaging has been developed, and two round tables on "Plastics in the car" and "Plastics in the construction" have been conducted. All European associations have committed themselves to work together, in favor of plastic materials and to disseminate its contribution to the living standards of society and the wealth of countries. Also specific aspects of Spanish plastics industry have been analysed.

The European plastics industry (raw materials more processing) employs 1.5 million people and its sales in 2004 exceeded the 160 billion euros, equivalent to 21.5 per cent of GDP in Spain. In our country the plastics industry employs 99.700 people, through more than 4,100 companies, and its turnover in 2004 exceeded the 14,500 million EUR, 2 per cent of GDP.

Part of the election headquarters of Seville, is motivated by the progress that this industry is taking in Andalusia in recent years, as evidence of this is the huge development of crops under plastic, in areas such as Almeria and Huelvaas well as the introduction of numerous companies in plastics to provide diverse sectors such as automotive, construction and consumption in general. Andalusia has registered 347 companies in transformation of plastics which employ direct 5.845 employees, a turnover of EUR 864 million worth.

By Spanish side has been present Anaip (Spanish Confederation of plastics companies), who at the same time was the host. The broad delegation of Anaip was led by José Antonio de la Cruz (President of Anaip) and by Antonio López (President of FETEP). Important Spanish companies in this sector, Member of Anaip, attended this meeting.