EVENT REVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 22 No. 10/21 www.petpla.net 40 19. GSI PET Day 2021, Webinar edition Flexibility - the PET industry’s way forward This year’s PET day, organised by GSI (Global Service International), took place on September 30, 2021. Held as a webinar edition for the second time, it re-united top decision-makers under one (virtual) roof for a passionate discussion of actual and realistic issues related to the current status of the industry. The most pressing question was what can be done to change for the better the industry position in this planet without affecting its environment, but more importantly acting and moving effectively and quickly to a more sustainable future. PET Day is not just a place where lectures are read in front of an audience. Here they are forensically analysed and openly discussed in a creative atmosphere. Francesco Zanchi, founder and CEO of GSI, opened this 19th edition of PET Day, welcoming the selected audience, those fortunate enough to receive the precious invitation from GSI. The morning session started with Mr Paul Hodges, Chairman of New Normal, a regular presence at the event, who addressed the climate change issue and the great opportunities ahead for the polyester industry. Considering the shifts in sourcing strategies, in consumers’ preferences, reduction in oil transformation and increase in recycling attitudes, he pointed out that we are going to witness the biggest transformation in the chemical industry since the industrial revolution. The transition may happen now very quickly. For its part, the oil companies are moving too slowly, whilst the polyester industry is moving swiftly into larger use of recycled materials, even before the deadline of 2030. In fact, it is starting to realise and raise awareness that PET waste is actually a resource, stimulating bigger efforts in plastic collection, with better connections among industry, local communities, managers, converters. Eventually money is made available by institutions to support this change: what is needed is the will to act, and the need is now urgent, Mr Hodges stated. The right behaviour is the only way in which the PET industry can succeed in getting the necessary solutions for enhanced sustainability and thus lead to a brighter future. Mr. Zanchi, agreed on the strategic approach underlined by Mr. Hodges, but reflected on the point that the industry must also consider the reality, with current materials prices and freight rates moving on a crazy rollercoaster. Mr. Hodges however insisted that, as far as energy policies are concerned, we should not take our governments as examples, because their actions today are too short-term. The industry needs to take a long-term perspective, since they cannot bring about change overnight. And a big change is vital. At this point Mr. Francesco Zanchi took the virtual podium to give a long-term global overview of the PET market. Capacity is still increasing in 2021, for PET and PTA. The overcapacity in PET is around 8 million tons, and 50% of that is in China. In Europe, demand for virgin is slowing due to more rPET in the pipeline: the EU is the driving force behind the move to recycled material. A doubling of rPET production in EU is forecast by 2025, but it will still not be sufficient for the projected demand. Also, is the 2029 collection target of 90% achievable? That is a big question. In Europe, there are currently 150
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