โจ The Future of Plastics: Circular and Competitive - ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ โจ
- mirriammontah
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 2

The European Plastics Converters (EuPC) successfully concluded its Annual Conference on 12 and 13 June, at the Marriott Hotel Grand Place in Brussels, gathering over 150 participants, including industry leaders, EU policymakers, investors, and key stakeholders across the plastics value chain. The conference served as a pivotal forum to discuss the future of plastics, balancing sustainability, competitiveness, and circularity.
New Leadership Announcement
A major highlight of the event was the official introduction of Federica Gallicchio as the new Director General of EuPC. Federica, who brings significant expertise in European policymaking and advocacy, was warmly welcomed by members.
โFederica brings invaluable expertise, having worked closely with EuPC members for many years. Her deep understanding of both the regulatory landscape and industry needs makes her the ideal person to lead EuPC into its next chapter,โ stated Benoรฎt Hennaut, EuPC President.
Conference highlights: "The Future of Plastics: Circular and Competitive"
Under this yearโs theme, the discussions explored regulatory shifts, market challenges, and
investment strategies shaping the industry's evolution in Europe.
Stefano Soro, Head of Unit for Sustainable Products at DG GROW, outlined the EUโs
strategic framework for competitiveness, presenting the EUโs strategy for a Clean
Industrial Deal, emphasising circularity, access to raw materials, and the proposed
Circular Economy Act to harmonize EU waste and recycling markets.
๏ท Jaime Martรญn Juez, Executive Director of REPSOL, presented the companyโs
roadmap towards net-zero emissions by 2050, highlighting key investment projects
in circular and bio-circular polymers and reinforcing Repsol commitment to the
entire plastics value chain.
๏ท Pauline Weinzierl, Head of Unit for Industry, Good, Energy, Customs and Origin at
the European Commissionโs Directorate General for Trade, highlighted the
industryโs need for clear and consistent regulation to support long-term innovation
and investment, reinforcing the importance of a practical policy framework in
achieving sustainability goals.
Mike Baxter, External Affairs Director of AMCOR, addressed the economic realities
of plastic film recycling, pointing out that while technologies exist, cost barriers and import competition hinder progress. He emphasized the need for verifiable souring of recycled materials to support the EU recycling sector.
Gunda Rachut, Chair of Foundation Central Packaging, stressed the urgency of
harmonising EPR schemes and the benefits of a standardized, digital compliance
system across the EU, enabling smoother market access and reduced reporting
burdens.
EUPC Annual Conference June 12-13th 2025 - event highlight video
Launch of the European Plastic Films (EuPF) Sector Group
The EuPC also launched the European Plastic Films (EuPF) sector group, bringing together
companies from the flexible packaging and films segment to strengthen policy engagement
and innovation.
At its inaugural session, Renato Zelcher, CEO of Crocco S.p.A. and former EuPC President,
was appointed as the first President of EuPF.
โOur goal is to actively contribute to the ongoing policy dialogue, promote circular solutions, and drive technological progress in line with the EUโs Green Deal objectives.โ
Polymers for Europe Alliance: Celebrating Industry Excellence at the 2024 Polymer Producers Awards 10 year anniversary of the initiative
During an exclusive gala dinner held as part of the EuPC Annual Event 2025, the Polymers for Europe Alliance proudly unveiled the winners of the 2024 Polymer Producers Awards. The ceremony honored the top-performing polymer suppliers who have demonstrated
exceptional service and long-term commitment to the European plastics converting
industry.
This yearโs edition featured awards across more than 10 polymer categories, with winners selected through an independent customer satisfaction survey conducted among European
polymer converters.
A special mention goes to Vynova, who is the Overall Winner 2024, achieving an outstanding 96% satisfaction score, and to REPSOL, awarded as Supplier of the Decade, recognizing its consistent excellence in quality, reliability, and its strong engagement with the European market since the inception of the initiative in 2015.
A Unified Industry Voice
A joint meeting with Plastics Europe highlighted a renewed commitment to presenting a cohesive industry position and working collectively with institutional and societal stakeholders to advance shared goals for 2025 and beyond.
Looking Ahead
The success of the 2025 Annual Conference reaffirmed EuPCโs strategic role in tackling systemic challenges, fostering collaboration, and advancing the European plastics industry's transformation. EuPC remains committed to advocating smart policies and circular solutions to secure a competitive, resilient future.
The next Annual Meeting will take place on June 2โ3, 2026.
For more updates, follow the organization on LinkedIn.
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