Expanded polystyrene performed well in 1999 — despite slow growth in the UK economy The UK expanded polystyrene packaging industry grew two per cent in 1998 despite facing a tough economic environment, reveals The Analysis of the Bulk Polymers Market a recent report from the British Plastics Federation (BPF). Key factors were the Far East crisis, high interest rates and a strong pound contributing to a fall in household expenditure rates from the 4.0 per cent growth of 1997 to 2.7 per cent growth in 1998. "This report shows that even when the going is tough our industry can achieve growth. Expanded polystyrene packaging is recognised as the best packaging choice offering protection for many transit applications in the UK. It is durable, lightweight and extremely versatile — whatever you want to package — from fresh fish to the smallest electronic components to the largest fridge freezer — expanded polystyrene will do the job," commented Andrew Barnetson, Environmental Affairs Manager, of the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Packaging Group, a member group of the BPF. The EPS packaging industry supplies several consumer-manufacturing sectors. The BPF report analysed their 1998 performances to track their impact on the EPS industry. A critical market, white goods, recorded growth of 7.4 per cent. Brown goods suffered a decline from 1997 levels, but the World Cup provided a welcome boost in the second quarter with an increase in TV set sales. Computers saw 19 per cent rise in production: this vigorous market and the strong growth in the office machinery, telecommunications equipment and electronic components sectors all helped to give impetus to EPS growth. The BPF report predicts that while 1999 will be a difficult year for expanded polystyrene packaging, EPS consumption forecasts show growth continuing into 2005 and the industry remains optimistic. "We have a great packaging product. The industry is working hard through the EPS Packaging Group to promote its unique packaging properties whilst educating consumers about the environmental benefits of using EPS packaging. "We are looking forward to the Millennium with the confidence that expanded polystyrene will be the protective packaging material of the 21st century," said Andrew Barnetson, Environmental Affairs Manager.
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A new team is ready to lead the EPS Group into the 21st century EPS Group attends Interplas '99 Expanded polystyrene performed well despite slow growth in the UK economy EPS packaging: A fisherman's friend
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