The Fédération de la Plasturgie et des Composites (FEP, Paris / France; www.laplasturgie.fr) plans to set up a new supra-regional structure in the country, with the goal of strengthening its network, also in the political realm. The new framework is expected to go into effect in July this year.

The plastics processors‘ association, which through a number of local offices represents about 1,500 companies country-wide, will in future consist of only three sub-associations. The regional responsibilities are currently being fixed. The western region will probably comprise the Bretagne, Pays de la Loire, Centre and Aquitaine regions, while the eastern part – stretching from Languedoc in the south all the way to Belgium, with a focus on Rhône-Alpes – will likely constitute the largest region. The smallest cluster will be located in France’s north, encompassing the region between Calais and Paris. FEP hopes the new arrangement will align the working conditions for companies, which currently appear to differ greatly.