The European Plastics Converters (EuPC) association has appointed Erich Cuaz as its new Director General. Cuaz takes the helm at a critical juncture for the European plastics value chain, which is currently grappling with sweeping regulatory reforms and intensifying competition from global markets.
The European plastics sector is undergoing a profound structural shift, driven by the EU’s circular economy agenda and the impending Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). These legislative frameworks mandate higher recycled content, stricter recyclability criteria, and reduced packaging waste. At the same time, European converters face high energy costs and competitive pressure from imported materials. Cuaz's leadership will be pivotal in representing the interests of plastics converters during the crucial implementation phases of these complex rules.
For UK waste exporters, packaging converters, and Turkish recyclers, this leadership transition at EuPC is highly significant. Türkiye is a major exporter of plastic packaging and recycled polymers to the EU, meaning Turkish manufacturers must align strictly with EU standards to retain market access. Similarly, UK converters exporting to Europe must navigate these evolving rules. A strong EuPC voice under Cuaz will influence how "equivalent standards" for imported recycled content are defined, directly affecting whether Turkish rPET or polyolefins can be seamlessly integrated into EU-bound packaging.
As a practical takeaway, businesses in the UK-Türkiye trading corridor should closely monitor EuPC’s lobbying efforts over the coming months. As the EU refines its rules on recycled content verification and third-country imports, staying aligned with EuPC-backed standards will be essential for maintaining frictionless trade with European buyers.
