Spanish plastics converting grows in 2002

Spanish plastics converting grows in 2002
By Marco Achon

The Spanish plastics converting industry grew last year, boosted by increases in the building and furniture industries.

Plastics consumption reached 3.67 million tonnes in 2002, an increase of just over 4%. If recycled plastics and other polymer applications are included, the total consumption was 4.5 million tonnes, up more than 5%.

According to The Spanish Plastics Sector report from Centro Espanol de Plasticos (CEP), which represents Spanish plastics converters, packaging accounts for 45% of consumption, construction 14%, automotive 9% and furniture 6.5%.

Each of these sectors increased their plastics consumption in 2002, especially building (up 7%) and furniture (up 10%). The only sector that experienced a dip was medical, which used 1% less plastic than in 2001.

Exports of converted products reached 809,000 tonnes, an increase of nearly 13%. Imports increased by a similar amount, to 946,000 tonnes.

Per capita consumption in 2002 exceeded 107kg, its highest ever value.