Business booms for the plastic giants that change invites

PARIS – This is the worst enemy of environmental activists, but people around the world use plastic mountains every day and business flourishes for manufacturers 19659004] To the dismay of activists, an increasingly restrictive regulatory environment seems to have changed little in the power of the industry up to now

That changes however, and the plastic giants are beginning to adapt

.In 2016, global plastic production rose from 245 million to 348 million tons, according to the professional association PlasticsEurope. 3.9% in 2017. In 2016, the growth rate was 4.0% and in 2015 3.5% for thermoplastics alone – which includes the most common plastics, such as PET used in plastic bottles. Water, polypropylene, pol yethylene and PVC – grew by 4.7% annually from 1990 to 2017.

"Will this continue? years? We can assume that this will be the case, "said Hervé Millet, Head of Technical and Regulatory Affairs at PlasticsEurope.

" The reasons that plastic (production) is growing around the world will not go away. ;one shot. "

" The more the economy grows, the more plastic is used in construction, infrastructure development, electrical and electronic industries, and transportation "

Plastic Packaging – The Enemy sworn by environmental activists – also very popular in developing countries

Even in Europe, where anti-plastic campaigns have been particularly vigorous, packaging accounts for 40% of consumption

. China Today, it holds a 29% share of the market, up from 15% ten years ago

European, American and Japanese plastics manufacturers have seen their market share fall in the meantime.

Where Western producers are doing particularly well in the development of so-called special plastics, used in the construction, automotive, medical and other industries. 9659004] New polymers are also used in the aerospace industry, as well as in the creation of specialized sports shoes. Pierre Gadrat, who heads the chemicals and materials division of consulting firm Alcimed, said the sector "is just as dynamic, if not more, than ever before."

The growth of the plastics industry challenges the concerted efforts of activists around the world, as well as an increasingly hostile regulatory environment.

Under pressure from activists, the European Union, Britain, India and even fast-food giants like McDonald's have all made progress at the end of the year. use of disposable plastic straws.

Plastic bags are also being phased out in countries around the world, while France is expected to ban plastic plates, cups and cutlery in 2020.

Emmanuel The French Guichard plastic packaging federation Elipso said that the desire to end the use of single-use plastics "does not weigh massively on the growth of the sector".

However, "with all these regulatory measures coming into effect, we can not imagine that they will not have any impact at any given time," he added

while that public awareness of the terrible damage caused by plastic pollution to the oceans and seas of the world is beginning to worry the manufacturing giants

. "Plastics as a whole are increasingly stigmatized," said Mr. Millet of PlasticsEurope

in order to keep their proper names, plastic industry leaders recycle more, following the example of the manufacturers of products. Pres Of course, plastic waste could become […] less considered as waste and more as a valuable raw material, "said Mr. Gadrat.

Producers of other raw materials such as metals, glass and paperboard

" This is the only 39, the future of plastics: a sc enario where the industry manages its raw materials and recycled resources, "said Carlos de Los Llanos, scientific director of Citeo's waste management company, Carlos de Los Llanos. a few years, "he said, adding," You have to learn how to do it. – AFP