After the 1970s, the consumption of plastic products grew notoriously. This growth was not without controversy: though it was undoubted that plastics had contributed to the modification of industrial and commercialization processes, reactions were varied.

In the 1980s the controversy surrounding this materials was such that CAIP decided to create a commission on Plastics and the Environment. The purpose of this commission was to set up an organization for the study of this matter. At the time of the decision, everybody was convinced that it would affect converters, producers and importers of plastics raw materials, machinery and equipment, plastic product consumers, institutions related to the industry, and anyone who shared the objectives of the organization.

A couple of years later, a report written by this Commission suggested the creation of a Foundation whose main objective would be the spreading of information on plastic materials and products, because there was a tremendous lack of information at all levels. And to make things worse, the only knowledge was based on false information and preconceptions with no scientific support.

In order to face this challenge, it was necessary to create a foundation so as to clearly separate the activities inherent to a trade union from the activities aimed at defending the quality of life as an indirect promotion of plastics, at promoting the correct use of plastics and the adequate disposal of plastic waste, and at communicating the true relationship between Plastics and the Environment.

In 1993, two chambers and thirty-two companies decided to face the challenge and created FIPMA —The Foundation of the Plastics Industry for the Preservation of the Environment.