Developing Market Opportunities for UK Plastics Packaging Companies Considerable, says BPF

A recent report released  by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, ‘Waste Not, Want Not’, not only points out the importance of plastics packaging in preventing food waste it also highlights very significant overseas business opportunities for UK plastics packaging manufacturers, according to the British Plastics Federation

The report emphasizes the fundamental need for innovative new technology in developing countries to help decrease food wastage as it is clear that current packaging and storage solutions in developing nations leave much to be desired. It highlights that in ‘ India, for example, 21 million tonnes of wheat annually perishes due to inadequate storage and distribution, equivalent to the entire production of Australia. In neighbouring Pakistan, losses amount to about 16% of production’. 

The strengths of the UK plastics industry were recently documented in the British Plastics Federation's ‘UK Plastics Industry Capability Guide’ illustrating how, in terms of design, innovation and sustainability thinking, the UK plastics packaging sector is in pole position internationally and a force in the move towards a low carbon society.

Packaging currently accounts for the largest consumption of plastics in India, at 24% of overall consumption. The Indian government has signalled a willingness to open up its market to major foreign retailer investment  highlighting the need for external parties to bring in new technology such as cold chain logistics systems, warehousing facilities and packaging technology. This will assist in reducing the rate at which food perishes before it reaches the market – currently at around 40% per annum. This could lead to huge opportunities for UK plastics packaging manufacturers wishing to enter the market.

Jonathan Bloom, Senior Executive Industrial Issues, at the BPF states ‘UK plastics packaging manufacturers are well placed to export ideas, technology and products to the global market. At the same time they are well positioned to help resolve a global crisis. The BPF continues to showcase the UK's plastics industry overseas and exhibited, most recently at Arabplast in Dubai’.

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For all media enquiries, BPF logos and images, please contact Philip Law, Director, Public and Industrial Affairs on 0207 457 5011 or email [email protected]

Notes for editors:

British Plastics Federation (BPF) is the UK trade association for the plastics industry – representing the whole supply chain including polymer producers, distributors, additives suppliers, machinery manufacturers, processors and recyclers