New resin association in China launched

A new trade association, the China Synthetic Resin Supply & Sale Association, was formed and launched during the Chinaplas 2012. The new group is the result of the merger of China Engineering Plastics Industry Association and the China Chemicals Supply & Sale Association.  As announced by the new association, its first general assembly is scheduled to take place in June.

During the news conference of the launching of the new association, Chairman Yang Weicai announced that the move is aimed at establishing direction and “clearing the image of plastics.” Given that plastics materials have contributed by creating products that are affordable, durable and lightweight in many applications requiring specialized materials.  As safety and environment protection become public concerns in China, there is a need to educate the public on the benefits of plastics.  According to Mr. Yang, unlawful practices have damaged the image of the plastics industry, and given the lack of regulatory measures, consumers’ trust needs to be enhanced. 

The association’s responsibility is to take necessary steps to correct this perception and help the public become more aware and understand the safe use of plastics. It also needs to come up with solutions to alleviate environmental pollutions and guide the industry to improve self-regulation and ensure that all businesses comply with safety standards, Mr. Yang added. 

The new association will make future investment in marketing campaigns to raise consumer awareness about plastics materials and products. It will also attempt to establish a balance in the market place and properly coordinate to protect its members, while supporting research and development projects.

China is the world’s  largest consumer of synthetic resins and the second largest producer after the United States, according to Mr. Yang. In 2011 alone, its output reached 48 million metric tons of resins, up by 14% from that of the previous year.  The group expects China’s consumption of plastic resins to hit 100 million metric tons and domestic production 70 million tons by 2014.