A technical seminar organized by AICM (Association of International Chemical Manufacturers) in cooperation with CPPIA (China Plastics Processing Industry Association) and focused on the contribution plastics can make to sustainable development was held in Beijing on December 1. Local, US and European speakers - including a delegate from Assocomaplast, who presented a report on energy saving, safety and productivity of Italian-made machines - illustrated the various solutions offered by plastics in the packaging, automotive, alternative energy production and other industries to an audience of over 100 representatives of Chinese ministries and institutions. The speakers stressed the irreplaceable role of synthetic materials and related technologies in achieving sustainability.