The PET industry meets in Brussels

Next annual Petcore conference will feature an innovation summit where delegates from across the PET value chain will present a diverse range of ground-breaking initiatives that have the potential to drive opportunities and growth throughout the sector. 

The conference, being held in Brussels on 7 and 8 February, will take place against the background of the finalisation of the EU’s landmark Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Day one will consider the impact that the regulation will have on businesses operating both upstream and downstream, with industry experts and representatives from the EU institutions coming together to debate and explore market developments shaping the sector.

Day two will see the various Petcore Working Groups report on their activities and share challenges, successes, and next steps with members. As well as the established groups focusing on issues ranging from thermoforms to depolymerisation, Petcore will present the first findings of its analysis into options for enlarging the scope of the association to include textile recycling focused on polyester fibres.

The second day will include an update on the “Save Waste, Recycle the One” communication campaign which targets Brussels policymakers together with consumers in three large markets - France, Germany and United Kingdom. Now in its third year, the campaign has now also launched in Italy, with pleasing social media impact and engagement to date.

Delegates will also be updated on UNEP’s attempt to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including the marine environment. Now that Petcore has received UNEP accreditation and is able to attend key meetings, representatives will present key findings related to the association’s participation in the 3rd session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee held in Nairobi in November 2023.