The GKV Association of the Plastics Processing Industry discussed ways to achieve sustainable growth at its annual parliamentary evening.

This year's annual parliamentary evening of the GKV took place on 8 July 2025 in Berlin. According to the umbrella organisation for the plastics processing industry in Germany, again more than 100 guests gathered at the German Parliamentary Society this year. The plastics processing industry in Germany has suffered a decline in sales over the past two years. At the same time, companies in the industry are facing major challenges as a result of the transformation of the industry towards a circular economy, climate neutrality and a pollution-free environment. GKV President Dr Helen Fürst discussed new growth opportunities and challenges for plastics processors in Germany at the event with members of the German Bundestag Michael Thews (SPD) and Julian Joswig (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen) and Prof. Dr Christian Bonten from the Institute of Plastics Technology at the University of Stuttgart. GKV President Fürst expressed her concern about the excessive demands and uncertainty facing small and medium-sized enterprises in the face of increasing bureaucracy and diverse legal regulations. She encouraged the audience to remain optimistic and called for more trust in the responsibility of companies.

From left to right: Panel guests at the parliamentary evening Anke Plättner (moderator), Prof. Dr Christian Bonten, Michael Thews MdB, Julian Joswig MdB, Dr Helen Fürst.

Sources:

• GKV press release (9.7.2025)
• Photo: © GKV