Hellenic Plastic Industries Association elects new Board of Directors

The Hellenic Plastic Industries Association (SVPE) has welcomed a new Board of Directors, with Panagiotis Gerontopoulos assuming the presidency following elections held on February 26, 2025, during the 63rd Ordinary General Assembly. The newly elected Board, officially constituted on March 6, 2025, comprises leaders who are set to drive the next phase of the Association's activities aimed at better representing its member interests.

In speaking to Naftemporiki.gr, Gerontopoulos articulated a clear vision for his presidency, emphasising the commitment to representing all members without exception. He stated, “The new Board of Directors takes on its duties with the primary priority of representing all members of SVPE without exception. Equal voice, active participation, and unity among our members are the principles on which our operation will be based for the next three years.”

The new administration's aspirations comprise several key goals for the upcoming term. These include highlighting the actual value of plastics to the State, systematically informing citizens about the advantages of plastic materials, and fostering constructive collaboration with institutional bodies. This approach is intended to enhance the effective implementation of European Directives while safeguarding the sector's interests through legal measures.

Gerontopoulos also expressed appreciation for the outgoing president, Vasilis Gounaris, acknowledging his significant contributions and dedication to the Association. As the industry navigates a complex landscape of challenges for industrial activities both in Greece and across Europe, the new Board’s commitment to advancing a sustainable and competitive production model has been underscored as a pivotal priority.

The composition of the new Board of Directors reflects a mix of experienced and emerging leaders, aimed at infusing fresh energy and perspectives into the Association. Alongside Gerontopoulos, the leadership includes Stelios Kakoulidis as Vice President, Charis Panopoulos as General Secretary, Stavros Messaritakis as Deputy General Secretary, Nikos Economidis as Treasurer, Stavros Pantelopoulos as Deputy Treasurer, and Lena Belsi as Advisor.

The recent General Assembly was highlighted as a significant success with robust member participation and the presentation of diverse opinions and proposals about the future of the sector. The SVPE noted that the involvement of many new faces on the Board and the heightened interest from members signal a growing engagement, spurred by the Association's public interventions aimed at enhancing sustainable plastic production in Greece.

The new Board's installation comes at a critical juncture when industrial activity is increasingly challenged by economic conditions, transitioning towards environmentally sustainable practices. A proactive and dynamic presence from the Association has been promised, with Gerontopoulos affirming intentions to foster dialogue with the State and various stakeholders to create an environment conducive to investment, enhanced competitiveness, and a global outlook for the sector.

As the Hellenic Plastic Industries Association embarks on this new chapter under its revamped leadership, the impact of these strategic initiatives on theAssociation's objectives and the broader landscape of the plastic industry in Greece will be closely observed by members and stakeholder groups alike.