Covestro CEO leads European plastics association

Covestro CEO Dr. Markus Steilemann is the new President of PlasticsEurope, the association of plastics manufacturers in Europe. The 50-year-old manager was appointed to the position on June 24 for three years. He succeeds Javier Constante of Dow Chemical, who oversaw a fundamental reorganization of PlasticsEurope. Mr. Steilemann wants to focus the work of the association even more on driving sustainability and in particular the circular economy.

            Dr. Markus Steilemann

“Given the many global challenges, plastics are vital to create a truly sustainable future and to make the circular economy the new guiding principle,” said Dr. Steilemann. “In this context, it is important to use end-of-life materials and waste as a resource for new products. Under no circumstances should they continue to enter the environment uncontrolled. In addition, plastics as particularly sustainable material must be used in as many areas as possible. This is how our industry can and will help Europe move towards sustainability.”

In addition to his new position at PlasticsEurope, Dr. Steilemann has also recently been elected as vice-president of the German Association of Chemical Industries (VCI). He is also a member of the board of the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) and Chairman of SusChem, the European Technology Platform for Sustainable Chemistry. PlasticsEurope, with centers in Brussels, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Milan and Paris, represents around hundred companies that produce more than 90% of polymers in the 27 EU member states, as well as Norway, Switzerland, Turkey and UK.