In the heat of the debate on plastics, essential hygiene products were included in the proposal to regulate single-use plastics. At best the products would be subject to a labelling regime and awareness raising measures - at worst, a quantitative reduction target or a full restriction from the European market, potentially killing off our client’s business.

Challenged by regulatory risk, our contribution included closely monitoring legislative developments, providing strategic counsel and executing a carefully tailored engagement plan. Our team provided intelligence on the legislative process and assessment of the challenges and impacts, as well as advised on the next steps and actions for the client to take in order to reach their objectives. Our support also included developing communication materials, media monitoring, as well as media training and development of media statements in order to enhance the client’s crisis communication capabilities.

In the end, the final legislation does not include restriction measures affecting the client’s business. It considers a voluntary commitment by the industry and ensures that national extended producer responsibility schemes reflect our client’s interests. We ensured that the needle did not move in a negative direction in terms of reputation and impact on the final legislation.

An association representing the plastics value chain lost its Secretary General at a turning point for the association and a critical moment for the industry, with a major regulatory overhaul ahead.

Our team seconded one of our Associate Directors as acting Secretary General, ensuring effective day-to-day management of the association. We helped steer the advocacy strategy and messaging of the association around critical policy files such as the revisions of Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive and the Waste Framework Directive. Our support also included communications activities to profile the organisation, support its advocacy and grow its membership base, by representing the association in key fora and handling its social media.

Our team ensured a smooth and successful management of the association in the interim until the permanent position could be filled.