Patrick Thomas: "We need a clear-sighted European policy focusing on a long term strategic vision"

Patrick Thomas
President, PlasticsEurope
and
CEO, Bayer MaterialScience

Speaker at PolyTalk 2014

Do you believe Europe is serious about an industrial renaissance and does it have the means to launch one? What are your views on a European Industrial Revolution?

In general, I very much welcome the European Commission’s increased focus on the industrial sector. If you take our industry as an example, initiatives that help the plastics industry have a major knock-on effect further down the chain to SMEs. Europe has a competitive edge in terms of innovation and our industry consistently demonstrates its ability to develop innovative products and novel industrial processes that not only benefit society, but the environment as well. But, if I have a criticism, it is that Europe should be welcoming and employing these leading technologies more than it currently does. To help achieve this, we require policies that better support industry in areas like innovation and particularly its implementation. Policies in the areas of research, education in general and science education are examples. We, as an industry, also have a role to play in raising the awareness of European citizens to the critical role our industry plays in securing improved living standards, as well as enabling and driving innovations that address some of the major threats to society now and in the future. Climate change, increasing urbanization, scarcity of resources and caring for an ageing population are just some of the problems that our industry is addressing through innovation. I believe we need a clear-sighted European policy focusing on a long term strategic vision and not simply a series of targets. If we are to get to where I believe the vast majority of European society wants to reach, we have to work together in Public Private Partnerships and not independently as we appear to be doing at the moment.

In your opinion, what should Europe do to strengthen its economy and keep its industrial base?

A strong industrial base must be the foundation for strengthening the European economy, in terms of employment and trade. There are many ways that Europe can help to strengthen the industrial base; through competitive and sustainable energy, for example. There is huge potential to increase energy efficiency in buildings, where our industry makes key contributions, and Europe can also push for global solutions to the climate change challenge. We need a true single market and free trade agreements with other regions of the world since the markets are now global. But also, we need legislative frameworks for our industry that are based on scientific evidence.

What assets can the plastics industry bring to the European economy?

I think we are already bringing a lot of benefits to the European economy, and hopefully we can strengthen these further: cutting edge technology, employment, leading the way in demonstrating energy efficiency, large investments in R&D and supplying innovative SMEs.

This November PlasticsEurope will organise PolyTalk, the industry summit, dedicated to Europe's Industrial Renaissance. Why is it a must for member companies and external stakeholders to attend this summit of the plastics industry?

Both the European decision makers and our industry want to see healthy industries in Europe. We can only move forward on this through joint dialogue and cooperation – it is important for stakeholders to exchange in order to get policy frameworks and road maps that lead to sustainable growth. For anything to be sustainable, it needs to address all three aspects: people, planet and profit. PolyTalk is gathering some of the main policy makers and industry representatives so I for one am looking forward to the opportunity of meeting and discussing with a range of stakeholders and I do encourage PlasticsEurope members to be there and to join the dialogue.