The Spanish association of plastics industry operators (Anaip) recently published data on the performance of the sector in 2014. What the figures show is that last year the production of manufactured goods grew by 4.6%, a rising trend that has continued into first months of 2015. However, the overall level of production is still 25% lower than that recorded in 2007.

Consumption of raw materials increased by 9.9% in 2014 and, still according to Anaip, exports and imports of plastic goods grew by 18% and 23% respectively in the period between 2012 and 2014. Overall, the plastics industry accounts for more than 2.5% of Spain’s GDP. However, the sector’s workforce shrank by 10% between January and September 2014.

The association highlights, in particular, the lack of adequate policies across the table addressing the main factors (raw materials, energy and employment relations) that are preventing the industry from seizing the opportunities for growth.