INDUSTRY NEWS British Plastics
Federation publishes study on COVID-19
THE British Plastics Federation (BPF) has released a study, taken from a survey of its members, reporting the first effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the UK plastics industry.
With 127 BPF members responding in just a few hours, the results provide an accurate picture of the UK’s third largest manufacturing sector at this unprecedented time.
Following a request from the UK Government, the survey asked companies if they could potentially use their facilities to provide products and services that could be used by the NHS or the Government to help fight the coronavirus. Nearly a third of plastic companies said they could assist and their details have been passed on by the BPF.
Almost 80% of the companies surveyed expected a drop in turnover over the next six months, with 98% of those expressing concern over the coronavirus’ impact on business operations. Almost 90% of responders said they expected the coronavirus to impact their supply chains over the next three months, while more than half stated that the coronavirus had impacted their staff’s ability to work. Across the entire industry, 25% of the workforce could potentially work from home. Amongst plastics processors that number falls to 18%.
British Plastics Federation director general Philip Law commented: “We urge the Government to provide the essential support to keep manufacturers and their supply chains in operation, so the nation can be safely fed, professionally cared
for and that vital infrastructure, such as drainage and waste management, is supported.”
To learn more information about the BPF’s response to coronavirus and to discover resources that will help guide your business through the crisis visit:
www.bpf.co.uk/coronavirus
To download the full survey click here Scotland delays DRS over COVID-19
THE Scottish Government confirmed in March that the introduction of its deposit return scheme (DRS), which has been predicted to reduce litter by up to 90%, will be delayed until 1 July 2022.
The scheme - which will ensure all drinks containers of between 50mm and 3 litres in size made from aluminium, steel, glass and PET plastic carry a deposit of 20p, to be recouped when recycled – was originally planned to launch 1 April 2021.
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham confirmed on Monday 16 March: “Our deposit return scheme will be the first national scheme of its type operating in the UK. By including a wide range of materials, including glass, and setting a deposit of 20p, we are giving the people of Scotland a clear and straightforward way to do their bit for the environment.
“Having listened to the views of stakeholders, I have agreed to extend the ‘go-live’ date from April 2021 to July 2022. This will give businesses more time
to prepare their premises for the scheme and crucially, provides flexibility in the immediate term as the whole country prepares to deal with COVID-19 – the impact of which continues to be closely monitored.
“One very important way of achieving our climate targets is in tackling throw-away culture and building a circular economy where our resources are kept in use for as long as possible, and our deposit return scheme is just one part of this.”
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