Surfing Heatwaves with Plastics

The British Plastics Federation Packaging Group has welcomed and supported the key messages of the recently published Public Health England ‘Heatwave Plan for England 2013’ report. The report sets out a series of guidelines intended to protect the population from heat-related harm to health. The Group welcomes the implications of the report in recognising the important role that plastics bottles and containers have in providing clean hygienic water conveniently in periods of extreme heat.

Jonathan Bloom, Senior Executive Industrial Issues at the BPF stated in response to the report ‘The BPF Packaging Group Members' products are making a dramatic and significant impact on helping to protect the UK population in severe heat’.

Bloom continued to say ‘plastic bottles and containers have become key facilitators in providing clean, hygienic water providing relief to distressed people in emergency situations. The London Underground recommends the carrying of a ‘portable water’ supply when using their services especially during the summer months.

The report states that people should consume in such climates water-rich foods such as salads ensuring that the food is kept cool to prevent contamination. 'The durability and sealability of plastics packaging protects goods from deterioration and increases shelf life' said Bloom.  Modified atmosphere plastics packaging can increase shelf life from 5 to 10 days allowing food loss in stores to be reduced from 16% to 4%.  Fresh fruit traditionally sold loose are now sold in sealed’

Plastics packaging is making a dramatic impact in helping people to survive in harsh climates.

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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.