ANNEXE
Did the year 2009 met, exceeded or failed your expectations?
Green investments are the best way to beat the crisis – a summary of the findings of a poll conducted by the European Bioplastics Association of its members. The bulk of companies questioned reported healthy growth figures for 2009, in some cases considerably more than 5% up on the previous year. The figures fulfilled - and sometimes exceeded – expectations. In May, 38 companies, among them many world leaders in polymer manufacture, revealed how they had fared in 2009 and voiced their expectations for the current year and 2011.
47% of companies recorded growth in turnover, while another 32% managed to at least draw level and only 10% of companies posted losses. 70% of those polled had their expectations confirmed, as against a quarter of firms questioned who were not able to live up to their own forecast. Companies see a positive trend overall for both this year and the year to come: in all, 80% of those polled were optimistic, with 20% anticipating satisfactory results, 40% good results and 20% excellent results. Based on these healthy expectations, two thirds of the companies will be increasing their investment in the sector this year.
Biodegradability and the bio-based component are what distinguish bioplastics from conventional plastics. Many applications, - packaging materials, mulch films, shopping bags and others – are both biodegradable and bio-based products. Bioplastics are also increasingly used in durable products, providing the material for cell phone housings, car parts and many other products. In this way the carbon derived from the carbon dioxide taken in by plants is removed from the atmosphere for a period of years. Climate protection and reduced consumption of fossil fuels are important drivers of technological improvements and market evolution. The advantages of biodegradability are particularly evident in products with a short life-span.
„This is a clear indication of the strength of green innovation and the companies driving it forward,“ says Andy Sweetman, Chairman of the European Bioplastics board. With a market share of less than one percent, bioplastics still represent a niche product, despite generally high rates of growth. „What is missing are incentives from an effective stimulus programme to boost the market,“ adds Harald Kaeb, political consultant to the Association. „Then companies would be better placed to finance their innovations and the necessary expansion in capacity.“ It would also give a strong signal to both large plastics users and consumers. The sector is ready to expand further.
How did the year 2009 compared to the year 2008 with regard to the development of turnover?
For the year 2010, do you expect investments of your company to:
| Melanie Gentzik Head of Communications Tel: +49 (0) 30 28482 356 Fax: +49 (0)30 284 82 359 presse@european-bioplastics.org |
