RISING DEMAND GROUNDS FOR OPTIMISM IN PLASTICS INDUSTRY SURVEY
The European plastics industry was in a much healthier position at the end of 2015 than it was in the previous 12 months, with growing sales and increased investment, according to a survey carried out by the European Plastics Distributors Association (EPDA).
EPDA's recent 'State of the Nation' survey of its Europe-wide members, which is seen as a barometer of how the industry is fairing compared to the fluctuating economic circumstances on the Continent, found that over 76% of companies who responded had reported that sales had risen compared to the same period in 2014.
This boost in demand is reflected in the amount invested in capital equipment, with almost 53% of EPDA's members surveyed replying that they had increased expenditure on machinery compared to the same time the previous year.
There was also positive news on the employment front for the plastics industry, with the survey revealing that over 82% of EPDA members reporting that it had either taken on more people or staffing levels were the same as the end of 2014.
Rising to the challenges facing the European economy, such as the economic slowdown in China and ongoing problems within the Eurozone, EPDA members believe that the underlying positive momentum in the plastics industry will continue during the year ahead with 58% of those surveyed optimistic about the future outlook.
EPDA was formed in 1973 and is the voice of the European plastics distribution industry, representing companies involved in a cross section of distribution activities encompassing plastic sheet, blocks, rods, profiles, tubes, pipe, valves, fittings and numerous related activities.
As part of the activities EPDA is keen to also highlight the technical know-how and publications available from the publishing and resource library that was established to support members. In addition, the EPDA has formed an Affiliation Agreement with the IAPD (International Association of Plastics Distribution) which provides members with access to IAPD resources.
The organisation needs to ensure that members get better acknowledgement for the international employment and investment that many of them are continually making. EPDA members are often at the forefront of industry investments and the aim is to showcase some of these members to ensure that they get the recognition they deserve.
For more details on membership visit www.epda.com
