General Association of the Plastics Processing Industry
The Gesamtverband Kunststoffverarbeitende Industrie e.V. (GKV), the umbrella organization of the plastics processing industry in Germany, discussed ways to achieve sustainable growth at its annual Parliamentary Evening in Berlin on July 8, 2025.
The plastics processing industry in Germany has seen a decline in sales over the past few years. At the same time, companies in the industry are being challenged by major transformations, including the transition to a circular economy, climate neutrality and a pollution-free environment. At this year’s Parliamentary Evening, which was once again attended by more than 100 guests at the German Parliamentary Society in Berlin, GKV President Dr. Helen Fürst discussed new growth opportunities and challenges for plastics processors in Germany with Michael Thews MdB (SPD), Julian Joswig MdB (Bündnis 90 / Die Grünen) and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Bonten (Institute for Plastics Technology at the University of Stuttgart). The discussion was moderated by journalist Anke Plättner. GKV President Fürst expressed her concern about the excessive demands and uncertainty of medium-sized companies in the face of increasing bureaucracy and a wide range of legislation. Fürst called for confidence and a change in mentality towards more trust in the responsibility of companies. The evening ended with a get-together.
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