New Chairman Gavin Birnie, becomes Chairman of the BPF’s EPS Packaging Group on 10 December 2003. The Group’s EPS moulders account for 85 per cent of UK manufacturers of EPS packaging
The climate for manufacturing continues inclement in the UK, but Birnie is upbeat and determined to point out the positives whilst acknowledging some of the hurdles that are faced by the EPS Packaging industry. “Our industry provides a cost-effective means for manufacturers and food processors to package their products safely and send them anywhere in the world. That is no mean feat and I am keen to remind our customers, our suppliers and all our business partners of the outstanding value that EPS packaging offers,” says Birnie. “As an industry, EPS packaging is known for its flexibility and quick response to customer’s requests. We can efficiently serve a broad range of clients – from a multinational that requires reliable hourly deliveries to a small market gardener who needs a few boxes to pack his broccoli”. Despite these positive comments Birnie does have concerns and he is a keen supporter of the lobbying work undertaken by the British Plastics Federation: “The Climate Change Levy (CCL) is having a negative impact on our industry, which was already extremely energy-efficient when the tax was introduced. The BPF has successfully stopped a planned increase to the CCL and continues to fight for its abolition. “The rising cost of insurance premiums to manufacturers is another issue that dents the ability of Group members to invest in new equipment or take on new employees to grow their business. I am very pleased that the BPF is in constant dialogue with Government on this and other issues that impact on our industry – its work is a vital support for all plastics manufacturers in the UK.” The EU Packaging Waste Directive is another area of legislative activity that the BPF keeps under close scrutiny. In this instance, the EPS Packaging Group is in an unusually strong position having worked hard to increase recycling of its used products. Recently, the Group launched a rollout of the first EPS recycling points for consumers in the UK. All of its members will be providing a consumer collection point on at least one of their sites over the next few months and all the material collected will be recycled back into new packaging. “Working to increase recycling is one of our key activities”, explains Birnie. “I think the EPS Packaging Group may be a unique example of an industry that has increased the recycling of its used products from 10% to 40% of manufacturing output in three years. “It is a proud record and I fully intend to ensure that Group continues and builds on the great results that it has already achieved,” says Birnie. Another important area of work for the EPS Packaging Group is market development. Birnie is fully committed to continuing this: “The Group is currently targeting the pharmaceutical sector – EPS not only protects products, but its outstanding thermal properties means it can assist in maintaining a cold chain for temperature-sensitive products in transit. “EPS packaging is extraordinarily versatile in its moulding abilities and as an industry, we are innovative, highly technical and well-equipped to meet any challenge our customers present us with. “The industry must promote EPS products into new sectors and ensure that potential customers are fully informed of the benefits of using EPS packs”, concludes Birnie. Gavin Birnie is dynamic and forwardthinking, and in his new role of Chairman of the EPS Packaging Group, he clearly intends to make an impact. Watch this space!
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First Consumer EPS Recycling Point Opens in the UK
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This is already an exciting year for Birnie, in November he was promoted to designate Managing Director of Styropack UK; a position he will take on – when the incumbent, John Yeoman, retires – at the end of the year.
