January 5, 2026 13:59

Rob Ingram (pictured), CEO of Ineos Olefins & Polymers Europe, is the new president of PlasticsEurope, the association representing European plastics manufacturers.
He succeeds Benny Mermans, vice president of sustainability at Chevron Phillips Chemical, who had been appointed interim president six months ago following the early resignation of Marco ten Bruggencate due to role changes at Dow.

Ingram’s election took place during the association’s general assembly, held Dec. 17, during which three new vice presidents were also appointed: Stephanie Kalil, commercial vice president of packaging and specialty plastics at Dow; Craig Arnold, executive vice president of polyolefins, base chemicals (HC&E) and circular economy solutions at Borealis; and Lauren Kjelsen, chief operating officer of custom solutions at Evonik.

Among the priorities awaiting the new president is advancing the Plastics Transition, the roadmap launched by PlasticsEurope two years ago to make 65% of plastics in Europe circular and climate-neutral by 2050.

“It is particularly fitting that Rob assumes the presidency at a time when achieving our ambitious transition goals is becoming more challenging,” commented Virginia Janssens, managing director of PlasticsEurope. “As chair of our Transition Roadmap Committee, he worked tirelessly with a wide range of stakeholders to turn a bold vision into a credible and realistic pathway for our industry. I am certain he will bring the same drive, determination and collaborative spirit to his role as president.”

“I am honored to take on this role at a pivotal moment for our industry,” said Rob Ingram, newly elected president of PlasticsEurope. “Two years ago, we set out a clear vision for a sustainable plastics system in Europe. Since then, the landscape has shifted dramatically, with unprecedented pressure on our competitiveness.”
“Yet our ambition remains unchanged,” Ingram added. “We have the vision, expertise, innovation and capability to deliver a circular plastics system—but success will require action across the entire value chain, with urgent policy measures needed to safeguard this strategically vital industry for Europe and to help our industry back on track for the circularity Europe so urgently needs.”

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