European Thermoplastic Independent Compounders (ETHIC), a European Plastics Converters (EuPC) sector group, held its Plenary Meeting on 28 November 2008. During this meeting, ETHIC members, unanimously elected, the Chairman, Vice- Chairman and Treasurer for the period 2008-2010. Leopold Katzmayer, Managing Director of Gabriel Chemie International Holding Ges.m.b.H, was re-elected as chairman for a two-year term.

Massimiliano Ravazzani (Lati SPA) has been elected as Vice-Chairman and Daniel Peruzzo (Ampacet Europe), as treasurer.

Furthermore, the new ETHIC EXCOM is composed of: Bernard Baert (PolyOne), who has been reelected as EXCOM member, Massimo Veronelli (Nord Color) and Renato Galli (Viba Group SPA) were elected for the first time as ETHIC EXCOM members.

“I look forward to helping ETHIC grow, despite the fact that the economic situation is difficult and business growth is tough.” said Katzmayer last month in Brussels after his election.

ETHIC represents and defends the interests of the European compounds and masterbatch producer’s vis-à-vis the European institutions and other international professional organisations.

The ETHIC Plenary meeting decided to extend the “bonus membership” for all 2009 to all candidate companies coming from the “new” Member States (that joined the EU from 2004).