External Forces Set to Batter Plastics Industry: Lavoie
Canadian Plastics
The federal government's apparent lack of support for manufacturing, an environmental legislation review and the continuing problem of a negative public image will affect plastics companies in the com...
The federal government’s apparent lack of support for manufacturing, an environmental legislation review and the continuing problem of a negative public image will affect plastics companies in the coming few years, says Serge Lavoie, president and CEO of the Canadian Plastics Industry Association.
There’s a new federal-level dynamic, Lavoie told the audience at Canadian Plastics’ Resin Outlook conference in October, and a new language from Ottawa emphasizing words like sustainability and competitiveness. He adds that “sustainability” has not been defined yet.
In addition, the review of CEPA environmental legislation will make it a very difficult year for the plastics industry, with much media attention on environmental matters. Lavoie also expects plastic shopping bags to continue to come under fire.
“None of these issues are new, but all of these external influences are going to come to bear in the next few years,” he states. “You may find yourselves a little taxed on resources to deal with them.”
Lavoie perceives a lack of profile and support for manufacturing at the federal level, and lamented that the international trade sector needs a comprehensive strategy and more support.