The decline in the crude oil market last year, which has led to lower oil prices, has not negatively affected demand for recycled plastics in Europe, according to the industry organisation Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE).
Difficulties have been reported in the plastics recycling market regarding the lower oil price putting downward pressure on virgin polymer prices – to the detriment of demand for recycled plastics.
“However, this situation does not reflect the general situation of European plastics recyclers, only certain companies who are exposed to exports of plastics,” said PRE.
PRE president Ton Emans said there are two main factors supporting European demand for recycled plastics. “First, the lower Chinese demand for plastics waste has released some pressure on the prices for sorted waste. Secondly, the good quality recycled plastics produced by European recyclers have stable outlets as well as deliver an environmental benefit.”
Emans continued: “This stable demand has resulted in several investments over the last months to build up new recycling plants in Europe and also new innovative plants to treat plastics waste streams which were not recycled in the past.”
PRE said these market changes will be at the centre of the discussions during the Plastics Recycling Show Europe that is taking place on 22 and 23 March in Brussels, Belgium.
Ton Emans will take part in the exhibition and conference, along with speakers from PRE's working groups, Polymer Comply and other recycling organisations, plus representatives from recycling companies including Suez and brand owners P&G and Hewlett-Packard.
Crain Communications, publisher of Plastics News Europe, is organising the PRS Europe event in association with PRE.
Register for free entry to Plastics Recycling Show Europe at www.prseventeurope.com