General Association of the Plastics Processing Industry (GKV)
The General Association of the Plastics Processing Industry (GKV) discussed economic reforms with members of the Bundestag during a parliamentary evening event in Berlin.
“Germany, the Land of Plastics: Can Reforms End the Ongoing Crisis?” was the topic of a panel discussion held during the GKV’s Parliamentary Evening on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the German Parliamentary Society in Berlin. Following her opening remarks, GKV President Dr. Helen Fürst discussed with Julian Joswig, Member of the Bundestag (Alliance 90/The Greens), Dunja Kreiser, Member of the Bundestag (SPD), Tilman Kuban, Member of the Bundestag (CDU/CSU), and Dr. Rita Weber of the Industrial Union of Mining, Chemistry, and Energy (IG BCE) about which reforms could put the plastics industry back on a growth track. The panel discussion was moderated by Anke Plättner. The discussion focused on the issues of greatest urgency for plastics processors: raw material and energy costs, bureaucracy, and the plastic tax proposed by the governing coalition.
“Many companies have their backs against the wall. Crises and economic shocks—most recently due to the war in Iran—are placing enormous strain on the German plastics industry. For many companies, bureaucracy and regulation have become insurmountable. “Politicians must act now and consistently ease the burden on the industry,” said GKV President Fürst, summarizing the discussion—which was at times contentious—and the current political landscape. Many of the more than 100 guests in attendance took advantage of the closing reception to exchange ideas and network.
Prior to that, the GKV’s annual delegates’ meeting took place at The Westin Grand Berlin. The members warmly bid farewell to Dr. Helen Fürst as she stepped down from her position as president of the association after serving her four-year term. Words of thanks were also extended to the GKV’s long-time Executive Director, Dr. Oliver Möllenstädt, who is leaving the GKV in July at his own request to take on new responsibilities in the association sector.
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