The Plastics Transition
Our industry’s roadmap for plastics in Europe to be circular and have net-zero emissions by 2050
Europe’s plastics industry is at a cliff edge.
Europe’s global market share has collapsed from 22% in 2006 to only 12% in 2024.
Our circular plastics production in Europe is stagnating, with approximately 15% compared to total production in Europe. This compared to China’s 45% growth in the last 2 years.
Without urgent action to restore competitiveness and unlock investment, Europe risks deindustrialisation, loss of innovation leadership, and growing dependence on imports.
Survival is now the issue facing the EU’s production assets — dismantled and replaced by modern capacity abroad at an alarming rate.
Why this matters
Plastics manufacturing is a critical economic backbone for Europe. It underpins key sectors; from automotive and defence to renewable energy and construction. Without a strong local plastics industry, Europe’s industrial base, circular transition and strategic autonomy are at risk.
If the decline continues, Europe will become overdependent on imported plastics, undermining the EU’s goals for sustainability and resilience.
We can decarbonise with industry in Europe, not by shipping it away. Keeping plastics manufacturing in Europe means keeping innovation, jobs, and strategic autonomy in Europe.
Drivers of decline
Energy & feedstock cost gap with global competitors
Investment diverted to modern capacity outside Europe
Regulatory and fiscal burdens that disincentivise local renewal
A critically important
industry for Europe
Plastics are a strategically important material for the European economy, with applications in almost every sector, including automotive, construction, packaging, consumer goods, healthcare and renewable energy.
Click on each sector to learn more
AGRICULTURE & FOOD
Plastics are used to produce agricultural films, protecting the crops from pests and diseases, minimising water evaporation and improving crop yields. Besides, plastic packaging reduces food waste by extending shelf life and avoiding damage of fresh produce during transport and storage.
ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS
Plastics provide a protective barrier against moisture and dust that can damage electronic components. Their lightweight properties make them crucial for creating portable electronics. Durable plastics are also key to expand the power transmission infrastructure needed to support the growth of renewables.
HEALTH
Modern healthcare would be impossible without the many plastic-based medical products we take for granted. Plastics are everywhere, from personnel protective equipment, sterile syringes, intravenous blood bags, heart valves, “artificial skin” for emergency burns treatment and orthopaedic devices. Innovations in plastics are making new advances in healthcare possible and 3D-printing has opened up the possibility of using plastics to print kidneys, skin, bones, cartilage, tissues, and blood vessels.
BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
Plastics are increasingly used in building insulation due to their excellent insulating properties, which can help reduce energy demand for heating and cooling. Because they are corrosion-resistant, they are used to create pipes and fittings for plumbing and drainage systems. Plastics are used to make energy-efficient windows and doors as well as weather-resistant roofing and facades.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Plastics are critical for the development of clean, efficient and durable alternative and renewable energy solutions, including wind turbines and solar panels, as well as electric and hydrogen powered vehicles. These solutions reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resource efficiency.
AUTOMOTIVE
Plastics help to reduce vehicle weights and improve fuel efficiency. They are used in airbag housings, seatbelts, door panels and many other components owing to their flexible, durable and lightweight characteristics. Plastics are ideal for exterior components in vehicles (bumpers, hoods, …) thanks to their high resistance to impact and corrosion. The materials are also used for battery housing for electric vehicles and help improve energy efficiency, which is key to scaling up e-mobility.
4 steps to restore the European plastics industry competitiveness:
#1 Strengthen
Strengthen EU legislation at borders, including on imports: Invest in customs capacities, harmonising controls, using digital tracing tools, and require third-party certification for imports to uphold environmental and labour standards – preventing carbon leakage and unfair competition.
#2 Tackle
Tackle Europe’s energy cost crisis: Add chemicals and polymers to the EU ETS compensation list and reinvest revenues into the sector to accelerate circular and net-zero emissions transitions.
#3 Establish
Establish a Chemicals and Plastics Trade Observatory: Monitor trade flows in real time and deploy fair trade measures and support tools to protect the EU industry from unfair practices and irreversible impacts.
#4 Boost
Boost European circular plastics production and remove internal barriers: Encourage investment and market demand with ambitious recycled-content targets, incentives, and by removing internal barriers for the free flow of goods and secondary raw materials.
Back Europe’s Plastics Industry. Boost Europe’s Future.
The truth is simple: as long as Europe’s policy and waste-management frameworks lag behind global competitors, investment and innovation will gravitate elsewhere. Now is the time to back European-made plastics and plastic products, and create the conditions for a thriving, circular plastics system in Europe.