‘What is lost will never return,’ emphasises the plastics manufacturers' association in an open letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

On 11 February 2026, representatives from politics and industry met at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp to discuss the competitiveness of the European economy. According to Plastics Europe, topics included energy prices, investment conditions and the future of industrial production in the EU. In the association's view, Europe is facing a strategic decision. In its letter, it calls on decision-makers in the EU and Chancellor Friedrich Merz to protect the industrial base. According to the association, Europe's share of global plastics production has fallen from 22 per cent in 2006 to 12 per cent in 2024. The reason for this is said to be not falling demand, but the shift of investment to regions where competitive conditions are better. Plastics Europe therefore believes that EU member states have a responsibility to ensure greater planning security for investments, affordable energy and the targeted use of revenues from emissions trading. This would enable investments in circular economy technologies that contribute to reducing CO2 emissions.
 
‘When plants are closed in plastics production, they usually don't come back,’ warned Dr Christine Bunte, Managing Director of Plastics Europe Germany (PED). "The plant costs are too high and the investment cycles too long, especially for energy-intensive large-scale plants. We therefore need framework conditions that keep investment and jobs in Europe." Plastics Europe stood ready to support the EU institutions and Member States in developing swift measures.
 
Sources:

• PED press release (12.2.2026)
• Photo: © PED