BPF in the media

Following the Blue Planet II series airing on BBC One, the BPF has been in high demand to participate in media interviews. The Blue Planet has covered a number of scenes that involve plastic. The final episode featured birds consuming plastic, microplastics and ideas on how this effects the food chain (from 18 minutes). A previous episode speculated on the role of plastics in the death of a baby whale.

BPF Director of the Plastics and Flexible Packaging Group Barry Turner has appeared on a number of TV and radio shows to speak on behalf of the industry. On Monday 11 December 2017 he talked to BBC Radio 5 live Breakfast where he stressed the importance of focusing on the types of items that are most likely to be littered (those consumed on-the-go). He also took a number of questions from the public. Barry also appeared on the BBC Radio 2 Jeremy Vine show on 5 December, where he discussed various industry initiatives and emphasised that work should focus on countries with high plastic leakage. The UK, Europe and USA combined only account for approximately 2% of plastic entering the ocean.  Barry also participated in a pre-recorded interview for ITV's Good Morning Britain , which was quoted in an airing of the show.

In addition to media engagement, the BPF continues to engage with government to work towards solutions. Together with brands and retailers, Barry recently provided information for Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as part of evidence for DEFRA’s 25-year environment strategy (which will be published in Autumn 2018). He also attended a meeting with HM Treasury following the announcement of a call for evidence on a ‘plastic tax’.

More information on marine litter: www.marinelitterthefacts.com

Posters on marine litter & Frequently Asked Questions are available here