Overview
ECPI represents European plasticiser producers, whose products are faced with increasing commercial and regulatory pressure due to health concerns. Cambre has developed and coordinates an integrated public affairs and communications campaign targeting political and business stakeholders across Europe as well as general and trade media. Addressing misconceptions linked to plasticisers is a core component of the work.
Problem/approach/solution
Plasticisers and chemicals used mostly to make PVC flexible are often under media and policy spotlight. At the same time, companies using plasticisers are faced with increasing regulatory and market pressures. For ECPI members, it is crucial to regularly disseminate accurate and science-based information which can help to counter the vast amount of misconceptions surrounding plasticisers.
The work for ECPI includes a broad, pan-European media relations programme, online and social media profiling, outreach to brandholders and policy-makers, intelligence gathering and establishment of industry partnerships. ECPI’s message has become more consistent and easy to understand, generating some positive coverage by general and specialised media. At the same time, ECPI is now consulted by journalists writing about plasticisers and the legal implication of regulation such as REACH.
One of the key components of this programme has been to meet a large number of European and international brandholders to learn about the pressures related to substance selection. Printed and online tools have been developed to inform these companies and keep them up-to-date with the latest developments related to plasticisers. ECPI regularly hosts events with industry and policy-makers all across Europe.