Plastics associations ask EU for support

In an effort to help reverse the effects of the economic downturn, European industry associations PlasticsEurope, EuPC and Euromap have asked the EU to provide further assistance for the member states’ plastics industry.

The groups have drafted a joint statement that suggests ideas for R&D investment and tax breaks “to outline the way in which the plastics industry can effectively contribute to gearing up for the recovery”.

The associations say that companies should have easier access to financing, and suggest that the EU could provide further tax credits for R&D and increase support for sustainable innovations.

“Given the global economic crisis, policy on climate protection and the environment should be implemented in the most cost-effective way, namely by favouring instruments where both the environmental yield and value for money are high,” the groups said in their statement.

Also, the EU should resist placing an excessive legislative burden on plastics firms, the groups suggested.  

“Europe should embrace the opportunities for change which the current crisis has brought to the table,” they said. “It should drive developments in the right direction and enhance innovation in order to accelerate the recovery process. The plastics industry will play its part.”