BIS Minister Recognises Plastics Role in Transition to a Green Economy Through BPF Contact

In a House of Commons Written Answer (see below) Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Minister Mark Prisk MP recognised the “importance of the UK Plastics Industry and its role in the transitions to a green economy.”

He acknowledged his awareness of the “role of plastics in minimising greenhouse gas emissions” came through “close dialogue with the British Plastics Federation.”

Peter Davis welcomed the Minister’s views. He said “The BPF is doing much to inform external target audiences of the good low carbon credentials of plastic products. In just the last few weeks I have given a presentation on Plastics and Sustainability to the Government’s Chemicals Stakeholder Forum and we gave a briefing on PVC to officials from four Government Departments.”

Plastics
(House of Commons – 9th November, Written Answer)

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of efforts by the plastics industry to reduce the carbon footprint arising from manufacturing and recycling plastic. [79421]

Mr Prisk: The Department for Business Innovation and Skills has made no formal assessment in this respect. However, the Government recognise the importance of the UK plastics industry and its role in the transition to a green economy, in particular through developing and supplying low carbon products and solutions which help other manufacturing sectors.

Through a close dialogue with the British Plastics Federation the Government are aware of the role of plastics in minimising greenhouse gas emissions. Plastics are increasingly used for components across business sectors. For example, in the automotive and aerospace sectors plastics usage is significantly reducing the weight of motor vehicles and aircraft, resulting in improved fuel efficiency, and corresponding reductions in emissions.

ENDS

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Notes for editors:

The 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.