The PVC Winter Symposium, jointly organised by VinylPlus Deutschland and Plastics Europe Deutschland, took place in Bonn on 14 January 2026.

According to the association, the symposium focused on ways to achieve competitive transformation, the use of renewable resources, the development of collection systems, innovative sorting technology and recycling processes. The biannual event was previously known as the ‘PVC and Environment Workshop’ and is considered one of the most important industry gatherings for the PVC industry in Germany. According to the information provided, the high-calibre group of speakers in Bonn at the beginning of January included Maximilian Nichterlein (Plastics Europe Germany), Michael Carus (nova-Institut), Jan Hommen (Tomra), Jane Gardner (ERFMI) and Dr Ingo Sartorius (BKV). Almost 90 participants from across the PVC value chain attended this year's ‘PVC Winter Symposium’.
 
According to VinylPlus Germany, the event is also intended to send a clear signal that the PVC industry is committed to its sustainability goals despite the current difficult economic environment. However, the association believes that competitive framework conditions are urgently needed to implement the transformation, stimulate the economy and create demand for sustainable products. Dr Alexander Kronimus, Managing Director of VinylPlus Germany, emphasised: ‘Measures such as the industrial electricity price and the “EU Omnibus” legislative initiative are important and right. But energy is still too expensive, approvals take too long and the bureaucracy is still too cumbersome.’ In addition, it must also be ensured that the transformation can actually reach European customers. Kronimus added: ‘Market surveillance must ensure that all products – including imports – meet European sustainability standards. Only then can our sustainable products be competitive.’
 
Sources:

• Press release VinylPlus Deutschland (14.1.2026)
• Photo: © VinylPlus Deutschland