On 26 June, Plastics Europe (Brussels; http://www.plasticseurope.org) announced the appointment of Benny Mermans as its new president, effective immediately. Mermans, who is vice-president of sustainability at Chevron Phillips Chemical, succeeds Marco ten Bruggencate, president of Dowâs Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure business for the EMEAI region.
Mermans takes on the role during a critical period for the plastics industry in Europe, with a continued focus on sustainability and the transition to a circular economy. He previously served as vice-president of Plastics Europe for five years and currently chairs the World Plastics Council (Brussels; http://www.worldplasticscouncil.org).
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While ten Bruggencateâs tenure focused on the so-called Plastics Transition â” a roadmap outlining the industryâs plan to make 65% of plastics in Europe circular and climate-neutral by 2050 â” Mermans is seen as better suited to steer the association and its members through the current challenging environment, marked by cost pressures and widespread plant shutdowns.
âWe stand at an important crossroads for our industry,â he said. More than ever, âactions speak louder than wordsâ.
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