Switzerland is studying whether the country needs to increase its minimum requirements for the amount of plastics such as polyethylene that it needs to have in storage. The country imports all the resin it uses for packaging production, and reserves are in place to ensure availability during times of crisis. Along with mineral oil products, the country also has compulsory stocks of food and medicines.

The reserves are checked every four years by the Swiss Federal Office for National Economic Supply and adjusted where necessary. Since a report is scheduled for 2023, an increase in compulsory stock levels for plastics is currently under consideration too, a spokesperson for the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) told Plasteurope.com. Any increase in the current quantities would, however, require a decision by the country’s Federal Council and a new ordinance.

The last report in 2019 shows a compulsory stock level of 81 t for PE and additives. It states that this would permit the production of some 1.2 mn disinfectant bottles with lids.