EU: demand for plastics is down, but not optimism

The British association BPF released the 2012 statistics of the plastics industry based on a research conducted by PlasticsEurope.
As for Europe, estimated demand for plastics materials in the EU 27 countries was 45.5 million tons in 2012, 3.2% lower than in 2011. Commenting this negative figure, Kim Christiansen, PlasticsEurope, regional director for Northern Europe, however said: "Despite global slow recovery, the plastics industry is optimistic that Europe remains a core centre of its activities, which is why it invests heavily in R&D to guarantee innovation and economic growth in the European Union."
Packaging applications accounted for the largest share at 40.2% with building and construction at 20.8% and automotive at 8%.