BPF Members Day 2026 Brings the Plastics Supply Chain Together

On 30 June 2026, the BPF held another highly successful Members Day. More than 200 people attended, representing all 19 of the Federation's member groups, making it the second largest event of the year after the Annual Dinner. This year's event was proudly sponsored by Euro Chiller, part of the Atlas Copco Group.

This year's event took place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Nottingham Gateway. The morning began with registration and networking over coffee, tea and pastries, followed by group meetings running in parallel across the venue. Five groups held closed meetings focused on the priorities and pressures facing their specific areas of the supply chain: EPS Group, Packaging Group, Recyclers Group, Rotational Moulders Group, and Pipes Group.

Alongside these, two open sessions welcomed all attendees. The Moulders Group Forum, opened with remarks from Stephen Hunt, Membership Services Director at the BPF, and featured Mujidah Yahaya of S&P Global on a polymer prices forecast, Richard White of LG Energy on the impact of energy prices, and Dr Oluwaseu Olabode of the University of Manchester on supply chain resilience, before closing with Samiul Hoque of Dixon AI on how moulders can build their AI capability.

At the same time, the Materials Session took place in the Terrace Suite, opening with remarks from BPF Director General Philip Law. Kunle Dosumu and Abdulaziz Ehtaiba, both of S&P Global, covered market landscapes and windows and vinyls respectively. Chris Howick, Chair of the BPF Product Safety Committee, provided an update on UK REACH, before Deon Nzou of the BPF closed with a review of the year in raw materials.

Both sessions were followed by a networking lunch, which brought attendees back together ahead of the afternoon plenary.

The afternoon plenary opened with a short introduction from BPF Director General Philip Law, who reflected on the value of bringing the industry together in one room. He then welcomed Professor Michael Shaver FRSC FIMMM, Royal Academy of Engineering Chair and Professor of Polymer Science at the University of Manchester. Professor Shaver’s presentation on quality and quantity in plastics recycling examined the tension between plastics’ essential role across modern life and the challenge of retaining value at end of life. He looked at how polymer chemistry can help shape a more sustainable future through solutions that work across supply chains, and dug into the real challenges of mechanical recycling, including the difficulty of qualifying and quantifying recycle across packaging, healthcare and automotive applications. His central point was clear: what looks simple on the surface is often highly complex in practice, especially when composition is taken into account.

He was followed by Stephen Hunt, who presented the latest results of the Business Condition Survey, providing members with an important snapshot of current industry views and experiences, including the supply chain impacts arising from the US Iran conflict.

Philip Law closed the session with a summary before the event wrapped for the day. He stated:

As the third edition of our Members' Day draws to a close, I would like to thank everyone for sparing the time to come. We had a great score, 70 people at the Dinner on Monday night and over 200 at the Members' Day itself. This is a major achievement and sends a strong signal about the strength of the BPF. It even had an international flavour, with delegates joining us from Paris, Lille, Monique and Poland. It's a clear demonstration of the role networking plays as a major business development tool, and I'm already looking forward to seeing everyone again next year.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the sessions as among the most useful of the year.

BPF members keen to attend next year are encouraged to get in touch with their group executive, who will be able to provide 'save the date' information until registration opens next year.

What BPF members said...

"Another great event with some very interesting and thought provoking presentations, well organised as always."

Darren Herron, General Manager, Sepro Group

"Yesterday I attended the British Plastics Federation Members' Day for the first time. A particular highlight was the afternoon presentation from Professor Michael Shaver on Quality and Quantity in Plastics Recycling. It was an excellent, thought provoking session, and a good reminder of the important role innovation, science and responsible manufacturing all have to play in the future of plastics. I am already looking forward to attending again next year."

 Peter Llewellyn-Stamp, Managing Director, Peerless Plastics & Coatings Ltd

"Good day yesterday representing Sierra 57 Consult at the 2026 British Plastics Federation Members Day held in Nottingham. Despite the obvious challenges faced by the industry there was an air of positivity. Some very interesting presentations too on material prices, energy costs, supply chain and AI."

Ivor Griffiths, Business Director, Sierra 57 Consult

"A great BPF members day.  I came away with knowledge of the supply chain and very good presentation on recycling." 

 Mark Dobson, Kisuma

  

 

Members Day once again demonstrated the strength of the BPF community, providing a valuable forum for members to exchange knowledge, discuss shared challenges and build new connections. The Federation looks forward to welcoming members back next year for another day of collaboration, insight and industry leadership.

 

Author:

Fatima Cardoso - Marketing Executive