In this new role, Marco ten Bruggencate will continue to drive Plastics Europe’s and its members’ ambitious sustainability agenda in line with the European Union’s Green Deal and climate-neutrality goals. He congratulated his predecessor for the crucial role he played in supporting the industry’s transition towards net zero carbon emissions and circularity. This includes promoting bolder policy positions, such as the call for a mandatory EU recycled content target for plastics packaging of 30% by 2030.
During his two-year mandate, Dr Steilemann endorsed increased efforts to reduce pellet loss in the environment with the launch of the European Operation Clean Sweep® certification scheme, a collaborative initiative with the plastics value chain. He also commissioned the independent study, “ReShaping Plastics: Pathways to a Circular, Climate Neutral Plastics System in Europe”, and oversaw the launch of a new visual identity and website, with sustainability at its core, which better reflects the fundamental changes taking place within both the industry and Plastics Europe.
Dr Markus Steilemann said: “The world can’t do without plastics, especially for securing a net zero future for Europe. As continued fossil fuel usage is likely to trigger a catastrophic climate breakdown, the need for effective collaboration between our industry, our value chain and policymakers is right now. Accelerating systems change within the plastics industry and working on a better policy framework are a prerequisite for this, as well as investment and innovation. Plastics Europe continues to play a crucial role here, and I wish my successor Marco ten Bruggencate the best of luck in his new role as President.”
Marco ten Bruggencate, Plastics Europe new President, stated: “I am proud to be taking up this important role at this challenging but exciting time for our industry. We are under no illusions about the scale and complexity of our industry’s transition and recognise the critical part we play in cutting emissions, reducing waste, and increasing circularity. To reach our ambitions, we will continue to take bolder decisions and positions, and with a strong emphasis on actions over words. We do not control all the various levers for this transition, and we do not have all the answers to the challenges we and the wider plastics system face. Collaboration with all stakeholders will be key. I very much look forward to working more closely with these stakeholders to realise a truly sustainable plastics economy in Europe.”
Marco ten Bruggencate joined Dow in 2000 and has held various positions in Europe and the United States. Prior to his current role as Commercial Vice President Packaging & Specialty Plastics EMEA, he was most recently Global Strategy Director Polyurethanes, Global Business Director Building & Construction and Global Business Director Construction Chemicals. Marco is a Dutch national and is currently based in Horgen, Switzerland. He is also a vocal advocate for inclusion and diversity and is Co-Chair of Dow’s Women’s Inclusion Network and Executive Sponsor of the Disability Employee Network in EMEAI.
