From the EuPC Annual Conference: the Future of Plastics is Circular and Competitive

The European Plastics Converters (EuPC) recently successfully concluded its Annual Conference 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. A major highlight of the event was the official introduction of Federica Gallicchio as the new Director General of EuPC. Federica Gallicchio, who brings significant expertise in European policymaking and advocacy, was warmly welcomed by members. “Federica 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,” stated Benoît Hennaut, EuPC President.

Under this year’s theme, the circular and competitive future of plastics, the discussions explored regulatory shifts, market challenges, and investment strategies shaping the industry evolution in Europe. Head of Unit for Sustainable Products at DG GROW, Stefano Soro, outlined the EU’s strategic framework for competitiveness, presenting the EU’s 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. Executive Director of Repsol, Jaime Martín Juez, presented the company’s 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. Head of Unit for Industry, Good, Energy, Customs and Origin at the European Commission’s Directorate General for Trade, Pauline Weinzierl, highlighted the industry’s 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. External Affairs Director of Amcor, Mike Baxter, 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. Chair of Foundation Central Packaging, Gunda Rachut, 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.

The EuPC also launched the European Plastic Films (EuPF) sector group, bringingtogether companies from the flexible packaging and films segment to strengthen policy engagement and innovation. At its inaugural session, Renato Zelcher, CEO of Crocco and former EuPC President, was appointed as the first President of EuPF, declaring that “our goal is to actively contribute to the ongoing policy dialogue, promote circular solutions, and drive technological progress in line with the EU’s Green Deal objectives”.

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 year’s 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 went 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 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. The success of the 2025 Annual Conference reaffirmed EuPC’s 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.