PlasticsEurope Germany has published the report for plastics production in the fourth quarter of 2023. The report shows that production declined once again. The industry's technological lead must now be utilised and expanded.
The plastics manufacturing industry in Germany struggled with a significant decline in production for the second year in a row in the 2023 financial year. High production costs due to increased labour costs and very high energy prices have put the industry under pressure from international competition. Sales slumped by 21.9 per cent last year. Demand for plastics in Germany fell by 16 per cent in 2023. A rapid recovery is not expected in 2024 either.
„This is without question the worst economic crisis in the history of our industry. We are currently assuming that production will stagnate again this year and remain around 25 per cent below the level of 2022. The aim of the entire plastics value chain must now be to make important strategic and structural adjustments in order to emerge stronger from the crisis.“
Dr Ralf Düssel, Chairman of the Board of PlasticsEurope Deutschland e.V.
Nevertheless, the association is cautiously optimistic about upcoming regulatory projects that could provide positive impetus for German and European plastics production, such as the Growth Opportunities Act or the climate protection agreements.
„German plastics production is currently going through a deep valley. Nevertheless, we are continuing unwaveringly on our path towards a circular economy, despite difficult market conditions. Compared to other regions of the world, the German and European plastics industry currently has a technological advantage that needs to be maintained and expanded. For example, in the production of plastics from non-fossil raw materials. It is therefore important that investments are made in innovative technologies, such as the expansion of mechanical and chemical recycling processes and alternative hydrocarbon sources.“
Ingemar Bühler, Managing Director of PlasticsEurope Germany e.V.
Source: PlasticsEurope Germany
