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BPF Publication Library

The Role of Reusable Packaging Report  

The Role of Reusable Plastics Packaging in the Circular Economy 

Reusable packaging is moving from pilots to real systems. This report examines how reusable plastic packaging can support the transition to a more circular economy and explores the growing interest in refill and return systems across the UK. It outlines the practical, commercial and legislative challenges that must be addressed, while highlighting the advantages plastics offer in emerging reuse models. The document provides an overview of current activity, the barriers slowing progress, and the opportunities reuse could deliver as systems continue to develop.

Pages:         26
Published:  January 2026

More Information | Download

 
 

Stabilise and Grow: An Action Plan for the UK Plastics Recycling Sector

This document builds on the earlier BPF Briefing Paper on Plastic Recycling Market Conditions, examining the continued closure of UK recycling sites and the loss of more than 17 facilities with around 400,000 tonnes of capacity. It looks at why the market is still shrinking and turns the spotlight onto the urgent actions needed to stabilise the sector and lay the groundwork for future growth, highlighting pressures such as delayed legislation, low-cost import competition, issues within the PRN and PERN system, and ongoing fraud concerns.

Pages:         4
Published:  December 2025

More Information | Download

 
 

OCS Training Course

This course will teach you how to comply with Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) and PAS 510:2021. By the end of the course, you will have gained the knowledge on how to implement a management system which prevents the loss of plastic pellets, flakes and powder into the environment. Throughout the course, there will be summative quizzes to check your knowledge and understanding. This course will take approximately 2 hours to complete, and it is CPD-accredited by IOM3.

This course is completely FREE to anyone.

Pages:         46
Published:  December 2025

Online Course | Download 

 
ESG Guidance  

Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Guidance Document

Available free to all to BPF members the BPF's ESG Guidance sets out how to decide what to report on through conducting a materiality assessment, how to collect data and how to set goals and KPIs. It also tackles greenwashing and how to ensure you promote the successes of a company without potentially falling foul of greenwashing rules. 

Pages:         26
Published:  October 2025

More Information | Download (login Required)

 
 

'Controlling Energy Management in Plastics Processing - A Quick Start Guide' 2024 Workbook

Explore BPF Energy's latest workbook, 'Controlling Energy Management in Plastics Processing - A Quick Start Guide'. Now in its fourth edition, this comprehensive resource is designed to optimise your efficiency in plastics processing operations. Giving you practical steps to enable your business to effectively reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and decrease carbon emissions. 

Pages:         120
Published:  February 2025

More Information  |  This document is free to download and exclusively accessible to BPF members and CCA Partners.

 
 

BPF Briefing Paper: Plastic Recycling Market Conditions 

This briefing document outlines the current conditions within the plastic recycling sector, the factors which have contributed to these and also actions which can be taken to mitigate them.

Pages:         5
Published:  January 2025

More Information  |  Download 

 
 

Recycling Roadmap Second Edition 

The Recycling Roadmap sets out all the latest data on plastic recycling across all sectors. It also provides a forecast for what could be achieved in plastic recycling by 2030 and 2035 with the right drivers in place. The Roadmap sets out the 16 drivers identified to help to achieve the forecast. 

Pages:         30
Published:  October 2024

More Information  |  Download 

 
 

Energy Management Information Sheets

BPF Energy's quick start guides on energy management tailored for the plastics sector. Explore the thirteen processing areas in these information sheets to gain an understanding of optimal energy management practices tailored for your plastics business.

Downloadable Information sheets:        13
Published:  September 2024

More Information | (Free to download)

 
 

Understanding Best Available Techniques (BAT)

This document acts as a high-level guide, intending to help BPF members think through key questions and concerns that could link to BAT within their operations. The guide addresses the key questions for implementing BAT, including:

  • Purchasing equipment
  • Energy efficiency
  • Boilers and furnaces
  • Avoidance, recovery and disposal of wastes
  • Reduce climate impact of raw materials
  • Site drainage

Pages:         8
Published:  September 2024

More Information   |   Download (BPF Member Only)

 
 

Redefining Productivity Introductory Guides

The plastics industry is changing. It is now as important as ever to increase the efficiency of plastic manufacturing through proactive measures and innovative strategies. The BPF Productivity Committee has launched 3 introductory guides which are available for BPF members - these are 'Energy Management', 'Product Design', and 'Equipment Effectivness' - with more to follow.

Pages:         21-27
Published:  September 2024

More Information   |   Download (BPF Member Only)

 
 

Energy Management in Plastics Processing - Fourth Edition

Energy management is a topic that has grown in importance to every industry over the past 30 years, and the plastics industry is no exception. But many companies do not have a clear programme to reduce their energy use, costs, and carbon impact. they do not know how best to start to manage their energy use and to become more energy efficient.

That's why this book covers all aspect of energy management in plastics processing - from management systems and benchmarking, through to services and operations. Each topic is covered in a single 2-page spread, providing you with a manageable explanation, clear actions, and key tips for success.

Pages:         448
Published:  October 2024

More Information   |   Purchase

 
BPF Election Manifesto  

Recyclability By Design: Core Principles For Plastic Packaging Recyclability

This document shows how designers and manufacturers can maximise the recyclability of plastic packaging products.

It provides detailed guidance for a variety of polymers, with tables summarising best practice for the main component of the packaging, as well as other components such as lids and labels.

Readers are encouraged to engage with the detailed advice contained within this report but 

  • Pages: 18
  • Published: September 2021
  • Updated:  July 2024

  Download

 
BPF Election Manifesto  

 

Election Manifesto Submission 2024

The BPF has published its election manifesto submission, which highlights 8 crucial policy requests for the UK plastic industry. We are sharing this important document with the policy teams at all the main political parties as well as key political and industry stakeholders.  Contents include...

  • A Foundation Industry
  • Net Zero
  • Packaging Reforms
  • Chemical Recycling
  • Recycling Infrastructure
  • Skills
  • Trade
  • Energy

Pages:       10
Published:  March 2024

Download
 

 
Pathway to Netzero  

Pathway to Net Zero: Decarbonisation of the UK plastic sector

As part of its commitment to the environment and to act in response to global warming the BPF is looking to implement measures to help the UK plastics industry reduce carbon emissions and work toward net zero. This approach aligns with the need to respond to increasing stakeholder interest and increased Government focus on environmental policy, particularly carbon emissions, and to mitigate risks associated with greater energy insecurity with higher costs, and additional costs associated with carbon emissions.

  • Drivers to Decarbonise
  • Strategy Developmeny
  • Baseline Assesment
  • Technical Opportunities
  • Net Zero Pathways

Pages:        64
Published:  November 2023

Download (members only)

 
Recycled Content Verification  

Recycled Content Verification Systems Research Document
Author: RECOUP and the BPF

"HMRC require businesses to prove that plastic packaging components that contains 30% or more recycled content are not taxable, albeit there is no requirement to provide evidence of recycled content through a certification or verification scheme".

"For businesses that use plastic packaging there are administrative costs and inherent burdens relating to providing evidence that any component of their packaging has met the 30% recycled content requirement". 
 

"In the coming years the tax, and any associated recycled content verification activities, both need to be agile enough to adapt to developing legislation and systems in the UK and internationally to ensure coherent and inclusive policy can be applied for businesses that use plastic packaging".

Pages:       34
Published:  December 2022

More Information   |   Download

 
 

PAS 510:2021 Guidance


PAS510:2021 is the world's first plastic pellet loss prevention standard, which provides a standardised approach to risk management and the containment of plastic pellets. The PAS510:2021 guidance document helps to clarify the PAS and provide templates for your company to follow. 

Pages:       22
Published:  Nov 2022

Download (Members Only)

 

 
 

Managing Sustainability in Plastics Processing: A Quick Start Guide


Written by world renowned expert in sustainable and energy management in plastics processing, Dr Robin Kent, this 136 page workbook is a companion to a previous publication, ‘Sustainability Management in Plastics Processing’, also by written by Robin Kent and published by the BPF.

Pages:       136
Published:  Nov 2022

More Information

 
 

Net Zero for Plastic Processors: A Practical Guide to Delivering Net Zero


Written by world renowned expert in sustainable and energy management in plastics processing, Dr Robin Kent, this 36 page book is designed as a practical guide for plastics processors to start the process of decarbonisation. The final sections of the guide cover creating an action plan and finally a self-assessment of the current status to provide processors with a visual assessment of their readiness for net zero.

Pages:       36
Published:  Dec 2022

More Information

 
 

Sustainability Management in Plastics Processing: Strategies, Targets, Techniques and Tools

Written by world renowned expert in sustainable and energy management in plastics processing, Dr Robin Kent, this 434 page book provides a structured approach to the techniques of sustainability management and covers the main topics of relevance to plastics processors. It is designed as a workbook for practical use and not as an academic textbook.

Pages:       434 
Published:  April 2022

More Information

 
       
 

Plastic Packaging Tax Guide

The guide which is exclusively available for members of the BPF provides an overview of the new Plastic Packaging Tax (‘PPT’) that will be implemented in the UK from 1 April 2022

  • When does the tax apply?
  • What are the reliefs?
  • Calculating the tax amount
  • What records or evidence are needed?
  • What are the consequences?

Pages:           48
Published:     February 2022

More Information   |  Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) Decision Tree

 
       
Intenational Market Data Plastic Resin Production and Consumption  


Plastic Resin Production and Consumption in 70+ Countries

Report on plastics production and consumption in 70 countries worldwide for the period of 2015 – now, including prediction for up to 2026.  Published by EUROMAP, Europe's Association for plastics and rubber machinery manufacturers.

Pages:          68 
Published:     February 2022

Download (Members Only)

 
       
 

Net Zero Briefing: Introduction to Net Zero for the Plastics Industry

The concept of ‘net zero’ is broad and, whilst the term has been in common use for some time, it has also been loosely defined. At the global level, net zero emissions are reached when anthropogenic (i.e. human-caused) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the atmosphere are balanced by anthropogenic GHG removals over a specified period of time.  This document explores the following...

  • The case for net zero 
  • Translating aspiration into action 
  • Definitions: Emissions & Reporting 
  • The plastics industry 
  • Planning and setting targets 


Published:    October 2021
Pages:          16

Download

 

 
       
 

Recycled Content Verification Systems 

A RECOUP and BPF Research Document reviewing verification solutions to support delivery of the plastic packaging tax, the document includes information on...

  • Verification Solutions 
    • Independent Third-Party Auditing 
    • Certification Schemes 
    • Scientific Laboratory-Based Approach 
  • Certification Schemes for Recycled Content 
    • Mechanical Recycling 
    • Chemical Recycling


Pages:         26
Published:   First Published July 2021, Updated November 2021

Download (Members Only)

 
       
Plastics Explained Exploring the Key Topics  

Plastics Explained - Exploring the Key Topics

An overview of some of teh key topcs facing the industry, including...

  • Taxing plastic packaging based upon the amount of recycled content
  • Extended producer responsibility 
  • Collecting plastic film and other flexible plastics for recycling 
  • Deposit return schemes 
  • Split Targets and PRN reform   
  • Exporting plastic waste for recycling 
  • Fraud and waste crime 
  • Chemical recycling 
  • Open and closed loop recycling 
  • Biobased, biodegradable and oxo-degradable plastics  
  • Microplastics 
  • Marine litter 


Pages:         44 (Full Version), 12 (Executive Summary) 
Published:   September 2021

Download (Full Version)    |      Download (Executive Summary)    |     More Information

 
       
       
Frequently Asked Questions About Plastic  

Frequently Asked Questions About Plastic

A short document examining some of the frequently asked questions about plastic...

  • Is plastic packaging worst when it comes to climate change? 
  • Is some plastic completely unrecyclable? 
  • Does only 9% of plastic get recycled?  
  • Is the amount of plastic packaging we use massively increasing? 
  • Is it better to buy goods with no packaging?  
  • Will there be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050?  

Pages:            16
Published:      June 2021

Download

 
       
BPF Recycling Roadmap  

Recycling Roadmap

Created by the British Plastics Federation (BPF), this roadmap analyses market data and uses expert assessment to provide an ambitious vision for dealing with plastic waste by 2030.

It provides answers to a number of questions, including:

  • What is the capacity for plastics recycling in the UK?
  • How could this change and grow in the next decade?
  • What is needed to cut our exports of plastic waste and recycle more in the UK?

Pages:         84
Published:   January 2021

Download    |     More Information

 
       
 

Sustainability in the Plastics Supply Chain

This report aims to address some of the key sustainability issues in the plastics industry and to provide concrete examples and case studies highlighting the industry’s contribution towards sustainability.


Pages:            46
Published:      January 2021

Download     |      More Information

 
       
Recycled Content Used in Plastic Packaging Applications  

Recycled Content Used in Plastic Packaging Applications

The information seeks to provide detailed guidance in the form of frequently asked questions (FAQs). The aim is to support the setting and meeting of requirements to incorporate recycled content in plastic packaging where it is technically and legally possible and encourage best practice. It is intended to help both those in industry and external policy makers understand some of the import

Pages:              24
Published:        April 2020

Download    |      More Information

 
       
Frequently Asked Questions About Plastic Packaging  

Plastic Packaging: Frequently Asked Questions

This document looks at some of the key questions asked about plastic packaging including...

  • What is the purpose of plastic packaging?
  • Is plastic packaging bad for the environment? 
  • Is plastic recyclable? 
  • Why isn't all plastic packaging collected from households? 
  • Is plastic in contact with food safe? 
  • Is plastic packaging resource efficient? 
  • Why don't we use more compostable or biodegradable material? 

Pages:         25
Published:   May 2020

Download 

 
       
Sustainable Design for Plastics Packaging  

Sustainable Plastic Design Workshop Report

The BPF ran a sustainable design workshop in 2019 with stakeholders representing the plastics packaging supply chain. As part of the output of the discussions, a report was produced to summarise insights into how the supply chain for plastic packagting operates, including some principles for eco-design.

Pages:              14
Published:        January 2020

More Information

 
       
Plastics a vision for a circular economy  

Plastics: A Vision for a Circular Economy

Adopting the principles of circularity laid out in the government’s UK Industrial Strategy could lead to a low carbon manufacturing revolution, creating jobs and wealth as we establish a world-leading circular economy. To help the government deliver upon its commitments, the British Plastics Federation (BPF) has two ambitious goals leading up to 2030 and hopes to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure they are met.

Pages:              28
Published:        May 2018

Download    |      More Information



 
 
       
 

Controlling Energy Use in Plastics Processing

This is the Third Edition of the BPF Energy Workbook on ‘Controlling Energy Use in Plastics Processing’ and follows the successful style of the previous editions. The Workbook has been expanded to cover even more topics and to provide even more information to plastics processors.  Topics include,,,

  • Energy management system
  • Monitoring and Targeting
  • Services (Motor management, Compressed air managemen, Drying, Material Handling etc)
  • Plastic Processing, including
    • Injection moulding    
    • Extrusion    
    • Injection blow moulding (IBM)    
    • Injection stretch blow moulding (ISBM)    
    • Extrusion blow moulding (EBM)    
    • Thermoforming    
    • Rotational moulding    
  • Operations
  • Buildings (lighting, heating etc)

Pages:               95
Published:          June 2017

More Information

 
       
The UK Plastics Industry A Strategic Vision for Growth  

The UK Plastics Industry: A Strategic Vision for Growth

'The UK Plastics Industry: A Strategic Vision For Growth' sets out the key actions needed to take collaboratively to ensure the UK continues to maintain a pivotal role in the future of the plastics industry. 

The report has identified seven key points for action to support future industry growth. These are:

  • Promoting the reputation of plastics and the Plastics Industry
  • Improving the industry’s skills base and its educational support
  • Securing consistent and competitive supplies of feedstock
  • Accelerating the sustainability of the Plastics Industry and its alignment with the circular economy
  • Spotlighting future markets for plastics products
  • Focus on overseas market development and encouragement of reshoring
  • Enhanced industry collaboration

Pages:              66
Published:        June 2016

Download    |      More Information

 
       

Other Documents  

 
       
British Plastics Federation (BPF) Annual Review  

British Plastics Federation (BPF) Annual Review

Every year The British Plastics Federation publishes an Annual Review, which documents work that the organisation has been involved in during the previous 12 months, this includes...

  • President’s Report
  • Director General’s Report
  • Membership Services
  • UK Plastics Industry
  • Finance & Administration
  • Public & Industrial Affairs
  • Media Relations
  • BPF Business Groups
  • BPF Central Expert Committees
  • Overseas Development
  • BPF Events
  • BPF Annual Dinner 
  • Projects/Innovation/Research & Development
  • BPF Energy
  • Business Support Network
  • The Horners Award for Plastics Design and Innovation
  • Members of the BPF
  • BPF Affiliates
  • BPF Council & Group Chairman

More Information

 
       
British Plastics Federation (BPF) Member Directory  

British Plastics Federation's Member Directory

Each year the BPF publish a full list of all members of the federation with over 500 companies listed, split into 400+ catergories so companies.

More Information

 
       
British Plastics Federation Surveys   BPF Member Surveys
 

The BPF carry out a number of surveys each year amongst its members, many of which are shared with Government officials and officials from the Bank of England.

Some of these surveys are exclusively available to members of specific groups, others are available to all. 

More Information

 
       
BPF Business Conditions Survey  

BPF Business Conditions Survey

Business trends in the plastics industry have much wider implications beyond the confines of the sector. Plastics are used in an extraordinarily wide range of customer sectors: retail, building and infrastructure, automotive, electronics, aerospace and healthcare to name but a few. Hence trends in the plastics industry can be regarded as representative of manufacturing as a whole, if not UK business in general. Therefore this survey acts as a barometer of conditions and business sentiment from the grass roots of the UK’s manufacturing economy.

Since 2009, the Federation has carried out this survey every six months and wherever possible previous data is shown to better understand industry trends.

More Information

 

 

 

 
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