Interview with Jean-Baptiste Corvée, Managing Director of Plastorex Melamine: made in France means made in Europe With the influx of goods from the Far East, which are made and sold extremely cheaply, it is a real challenge and achievement for any European manufacturer to withstand the competition and build a successful business. Melamine is a market dominated by Chinese producers, and French company Plastorex is the sole remaining French manufacturer of melamine tableware. While the company is very proud of its made in France label, it is now looking to extend its reach and become renowned for products made in Europe. “We recently presented at a trade exhibition in Cologne,” says Managing Director Jean-Baptiste Corvée. “Visitors were made aware that we are the only French pro- ducer of melamine tableware, in a market where 95% of products are made in China. The German delegates found it interesting, be- cause made in France also means made in Europe, a label which is in huge demand. At the moment, we Plastorex produces a wide range of products specifically designed for babies and children; these feature easy-to-handle shapes, non-slip bases, and bright, colourful designs; don’t have a huge export market, motifs, nautical and abstract ‘pop’ make Plastorex’s products stand are to be introduced which ban because my predecessor didn’t designs, and translucent prod- out. “Melamine is recognized as a disposable plastic. Melamine is see that as a priority; this is some- ucts. Plastorex has even created material made with no petrochemi- a good alternative because it is a thing that I want to change.” a special collection of products cals,” emphasizes Mr. Corvée. natural product; the problem is specifically for babies and young “It is a natural product, which is that consumers are not necessar- Plastorex specializes in melamine children, including two-handled 100% safe. We are working on ily aware of that fact. Using other tableware for a broad market, from words, such as corn and bamboo, public sector institutions such as Melamine is recognized as a material made with no petro- is far better for our image.” schools and hospitals, to hotels, restaurants and the leisure in- dustry – the camping and sailing chemicals. It is a natural product, which is 100% safe. With production facilities in Saint-Claude in eastern France, segments, for example – where beakers with a drinking spout, new organic products which are Plastorex offers customers mul- melamine products are a logical and compartmentalized plates, made from corn, bamboo and rice tiple advantages over Far East and practical choice. The portfolio all with appealing patterns and powder. Natural products are very manufacturers. “We are much encompasses plates, cups and motifs. While the attractiveness much in trend, and the recyclabil- more flexible,” Mr. Corvée points dishes in a wide range of colours of the products is, of course, im- ity and sustainability of products out. “We can produce smaller and designs to suit all tastes. Col- portant, it is the characteristics of such as ours is very important to quantities for specific markets. In lections include nature-based melamine as a material that really consumers. In 2020, new laws the camping sector, for example, N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 10