German rubber industry welcomes coalition government deal

Frankfurt, Germany - The German rubber industry association (WDK) has welcomed a coalition agreement between political parties CDU/CSU and the SPD, stating that it “sets the right priorities”.

Such priorities include the commitment to “technology openness in the automotive industry”, the reduction of bureaucracy and a risk-based approach to chemicals policy, said WDK president Michael Klein.

Furthermore, the proposed abolition of the “supply chain due diligence act” is also an important step to relieve the burden on companies, Klein said 10 April.

Such measures, according to the industry official, meet the demands made by the rubber industry during the election campaign.

The WDK leader also lauded the efforts by the coalition government to support the circular economy.

"Scrap tire recycling in particular is a prime example of the diverse and successful possibilities of using recyclates and retreading tires,” he pointed out.

Klein went on to add that the coalition partners could have placed greater emphasis on rubber products in their circular economy strategy.

Moreover, the German association welcomed a coalition promise to reduce bureaucracy, saying it is in line with the demands of the economy.

Stating that the previous government had made a similar pledge to reduce reporting obligations, Klein said he maintained a “healthy mistrust” regarding the fulfilment of this promise.

Another coalition plan – to reduce energy costs – was also welcomed by Klein, who noted that it would help ‘preserve and strengthen Germany as a business location.’

However, he expressed disappointment that the agreement did not explicitly address energy-intensive, industrial SMEs.

The WDK president concluded his statement by calling for the proposed measures to be implemented in close cooperation with the business community.