European Polycarbonate Sheet Extruders (EPSE, Brussels; www.epse.org), the trade association representing polycarbonate sheet suppliers and producers in Europe, has expressed concern over the current geopolitical conflict impacting the European PC business on an unprecedented economic level. The association also stated that the new geopolitical and energy market reality is pushing it to drastically accelerate the clean energy transition and increase Europe’s energy independence from unreliable suppliers and volatile fossil fuels.

According to the European Commission, the EU imports 90% of its gas consumption, with Russia providing around 45% of those imports, in varying levels across member states. Russia also accounts for around 25% of oil imports and 45% of coal imports.

Related: Tenth edition of EPSE Awards / Submissions open till 31 May

“Prices are not only drastically increasing on the raw material side, but the EPSE members are also confronted with additional consequences such as radically increased packaging and energy costs,” the association said in a statement. The ongoing logistical problems are also a cause for concern for the EPSE, as the shortage of truck drivers – in addition to drastic price increases and reduced capacities – continues to make itself felt in transportation.

“All of these increases and difficulties are accumulating to a level which begins to be difficult to absorb for the members of the European Polycarbonate Sheet Extruders,” said the association, adding that the concern is despite the fact that the European PC industry has been familiar with raw material shortages and high fluctuations in the past few months and years.