Experts predict a stable 5% growth of the plastics recycling industry

The plastics recycling industry demonstrated a stable growth in 2016, according to analysis from Mikhail Katsevman - head of science and development at the Research and Production Enterprise POLYPLASTIC. The specialist noted that for the last three years of crisis the previous was the first to yield a 4.6% growth of the industry, by the end of which 4.7 mln tons of polymer thermoplastic materials had been produced in Russia. These numbers were presented at a discussion panel organized by the Russian Union of plastics recyclers in cooperation with the Union of chemists.

This forum centralized on the topic of developing a road map that would avail the industry to increase its potential. According to speakers, the current state of Russia’s recycling industry is stable and even demonstrates a tendency of accelerated growth. Although, all were mutual in stating a lack of production strength. Per capita consumption of plastics in Russia averages around 40 kg, meanwhile this number reaches 74 kg in EU countries. Nevertheless, producers kept investing in development with the amount of equipment imported into Russia estimated around 2000 units.

An intense discussion erupted over the recent situation of high raw materials prices. Delegates brought this topic to the attention of representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Trade suggesting a government regulation. Irina Bolshakova, head of the chemical industry department at the Ministry, while commenting on the topic, suggested that the proper addressee of such a proposal would be the Federal Antimonopoly Service. She also added that a better solution for the producers in this issue would be self-reliance and existing laws of the market. According to the official, the government provided a total of 2.4 bln rubles of subsidies to the chemical industry, with 1 bln delivered to plastics recyclers. With that, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is preparing a new program to support manufacturers that strive on export: up to 70% coverage on logistics, homologation ant other expenses related. The major condition for participation would be the supply of high-tech products abroad.