The Dutch Rubber & Plastics Federation
The NRK, is the association for the rubber and plastics industry in the Netherlands. Its members include converters, producers and suppliers of raw materials an additives, recycling companies and suppliers of machinery and equipment. All generic issues relating to plastics and rubber come under the auspices of the NRK, and members have organised themselves into specific plastics groups. The NRK has a membership of approximately 650 companies, representing 80 per cent of the total plastics market.

NRK's three main functions
1. To provide information about plastics and rubber and enhance its image
2. To build and maintain contact with policy makers
3. To act as a centre for action and business support services

1. Providing information to enhance the image of plastics
The NRK develops specialist material for various target groups. This is produced either centrally by the NRK or by members. This creates a broad information network to improve the image of plastics and rubber.

Providing the right people, with the right information, at the right time is essential for the image of our industry. For this reason, the NRK regularly contributes to press articles, arranges lectures about plastics, produces information brochures and organises symposia on various topics.

The NRK also produces a members newsletter called 'NRK Netwerk'. This facilitates internal communication within the industry so that we all work together to improve the image of plastics.

Various outside groups - like those involved in education - make frequent use of our information. Special teaching packages have been developed which are very popular with pupils and teachers alike. The NRK also arranges for its members' products to be seen to their best advantage at professional and public trade fairs.
In short, the NRK is involved in an extensive range of activities on behalf of its members. Anyone who wishes to know anything about plastics can find the information they need by contacting us.

2. To build and maintain contact with policy makers
As guardian of plastics and rubber interest, the NRK ensures representation of its members to policy makers. The NRK negotiates and consults with the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. This means a constant dialogue in The Hague where the government has its seat, so that you as a business person can concentrate on your main task.

Besides the routine contacts, discussions are regularly held on the opportunities and threats to our industry and about the successes it has achieved. The NRK makes sure it represents its members from the start. For example, intensive discussion at state and provincial level, and also at European level, through the Association of Plastics Manufacturers in Europe (APME), the umbrella organisation in Brussels, has achieved positive results for many companies. Similar success has been achieved by providing clear and accurate information about laws and regulations, and by practical assistance in applying for subsidies.

3. To act as a centre for action and business support services

Working together to find solutions, NRK member groups
NRK members often share business interests and it therefore makes sense to share information. Groups have been formed to discuss specific plastics and rubber issues, problems and opportunities in detail. Questions such as 'how to improve market position and profitability?' and 'how to improve products and the production processes?' are dealt with in these groups. Creative and effective solutions are often found.

To ensure a united and strong voice, both internally and externally, member group policies match those of the NRK. But the individual groups initiate and control their activities because they understand the priorities in their specific markets. The funding necessary for meetings, information material or for paying external specialist, is provided by the group itself. This makes greatest economic sense - why should a foil manufacturer, for example, fund research into fibreglass?

Almost all segments of the plastics industry are represented in members' groups. Further information about their various activities is provided in the NRK annual report and in the group profiles.

To provide support for business operations: to deal with specific matters.
Besides the many common issues, individual companies have their own interests and problems. Members, have the advantage of professional assistance from the NRK and access to the website www.kunststofnet.nl which contains information about all companies in the plastics and rubber industry, market developments and other related subjects.

The NRK can answer questions about ARBO, environmental matters or about integral quality concerns and also offers the industry support regarding the implementation of plastics waste agreements. For these and other projects, use can be made of the focused business support services provided by the NRK. For services not available in-house, the NRK can quickly access the necessary expertise for you from a reliable network. And although there may be an additional charge it means that through the NRK, there is access to many external bodies, both nationally and internationally.

A responsible industry
The plastics and rubber industry is innovative but has both feet firmly on the ground, and because of this we are very aware of our responsibilities. We strive constantly to find new solutions for people, the business and the environment. The plastics industry is successful because of its committed member input and because of the increasing conviction with which it presents itself to the external world. But overall, we are successful because we develop solutions through strong convictions for a highly versatile, sought after product.

Such a vital industry deserves an active association; this is what the NRK, or the Dutch Rubber and Plastics Federation, offers.

The quality of issues
The NRK is convinced that the quality of our work and ability to address issues and concerns effectively depends on the input and strength of our members. The relationship between the association and its members must be two way - the best results come from pooling our resources and joint action. Dutch companies which are active in the plastics sector are the natural ambassadors for our industry. And they always have the support of the NRK.

Being a support and providing support
The NRK does not merely pay lip service to this policy, but provides real assistance. As a business person you can be confident that you will be supported in many ways. If, for example, you have a question regarding information or public relations, you can have access to the correct material in an instant. And should you wish to exercise influence on the activities of our working groups, we welcome your participation.

Press Release: ROC Student invited to the plastics bus