Plastics Industry Speaks at Scottish Parliament

On Tuesday 1 March the British Plastics Federation (BPF), Scottish Plastics & Rubber Association (SPRA) and PlasticsEurope hosted Plastics: Challenges and Opportunities in a Circular Economy at the Scottish Parliament. The event was sponsored by Angus MacDonald MSP and had support from the Scottish Plastics and Rubber Association and Fidra, a Scottish charity focused on environmental issues.

Opening the event, Angus MacDonald welcomed guests, fellow speakers and the eight other MSPs in attendance, which included: Paul Wheelhouse (Scottish Government Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy), Maurice Golden (Conservative MSP for West Scotland), Alison Johnstone (Green Party MSP for Lothian), Ivan McKee (SNP MSP for Glasgow Provan), Dave Stewart (Labour MSP for Highlands and Islands), John Scott (Conservative MSP for Ayr), Joan McAlpine (SNP MSP for South Scotland) and Patrick Harvie (MSP for Glasgow and co-convener of the Scottish Green Party). 

Angus MacDonald stated:
"As we move towards a more sustainable circular economy, plastics will play a key role. The challenge of closing the loop whilst protecting the environment and conserving valuable resources provides incentives for positive innovation and change."

His speech was followed by MSP for Business Innovation and Skills Paul Wheelhouse, who emphasised how Scotland “recognises the benefits of a circular economy approach”, before BPF Director General Philip Law spoke of how plastics bring many benefits, the numerous initiatives the industry is undertaking to tackle key issues such as marine litter and how the Scottish plastics industry is crucial to the overall UK sector.

Sarah Archer, a project manager at Fidra, spoke of various initiatives that involve working with the industry to tackle pellet (nurdle) loss and how she was keen for these to go further.

The evening was closed by the Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland Iain Gulland, who is also a member of Scotland’s Circular Economy Steering Group and in 2013 was named the most influential person in the UK waste sector. He mentioned how pleased he was to see the plastics industry “embracing the circular economy agenda”.

Commenting on the evening, PlasticsEurope Regional Director North Kim Christiansen stated:

"My sincere thanks go to Angus MacDonald MSP for hosting this event. It was encouraging to see so many MSPs willing to listen to the plastics industry, and so many from our industry keen to engage on the unquestionably important topic of the circular economy."

Philip Law added:

"The large turnout at this event shows the enthusiasm of both the industry and the Scottish Parliament to interact on this subject. The Scottish plastics industry has a turnover of £1.5bn and employs nearly 9000 people, so its contribution to the UK economy and the opportunities that present themselves as we move towards a more circular economy are undeniable."