PlasticsEurope, the pan-European trade association representing plastics manufacturers, is pleased to announce the appointment of Virginia Janssens as Managing Director. She will take up her role on 16 March 2020. Ms Janssens has been the Managing Director of the European Organization for Packaging and the Environment (EUROPEN) since 2012.

“We are delighted that Virginia will join us. Her talents, expertise and leadership skills are crucial for the future of PlasticsEurope”, said Javier Constante, President of PlasticsEurope and Vice-President Dow. “She brings a proven track record in advocacy on sustainability related challenges and value chain collaboration which is invaluable to deliver on our sustainability goals, alongside our stakeholders”, he continued.

Virginia Janssens added: “I am honoured to take on the position of Managing Director at PlasticsEurope. With purpose, openness and sense of responsibility, I look forward to representing an industry that is in full innovation mode addressing plastics value chain challenges. PlasticsEurope will reflect this industry transformation and accelerate sustainable solutions from, for and on behalf of its members and partners. We are at the crossroads of a new age for plastics with clear opportunities to contribute positively to climate and society.”

Prior to joining EUROPEN in January 2010 as EU Affairs Manager, Ms Janssens acquired considerable experience in the Brussels arena working both as a public affairs and public relations consultant for various clients coming from the environment, food, chemical and energy sectors. Ms Janssens obtained a Master’s Degree in Political & Social Sciences at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium and a second Master’s Degree in Intercultural Management at the ICHEC Business School in Brussels.

Editors’ note

PlasticsEurope is one of the leading European trade associations with centres in Brussels, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Milan and Paris. We are networking with European and national plastics associations and have more than 100 member companies, producing over 90% of all polymers across the EU28 member states plus Norway, Switzerland and Turkey.

The European plastics industry makes a significant contribution to the welfare in Europe by enabling innovation, creating quality of life to citizens and facilitating resource efficiency and climate protection. Over 1.6 million people are working in close to 60,000 companies (mainly small and medium sized companies in the converting sector) to create a turnover of more than 360 bn EUR per year. The plastics industry includes polymer producers - represented by PlasticsEurope, converters - represented by EuPC and machine manufacturers - represented by EUROMAP.

For further info see the web links: www.plasticseurope.org, www.plasticsconverters.eu, www.euromap.org.

Press Contact PlasticsEurope AISBL Camelia Vasile

Media Relations Manager Phone: +32 (0)2 792 3021

camelia.vasile@plasticseurope.org