News

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has urged plastics packaging firms to "maintain innovation and investment for a competitive edge" despite the difficult economic conditions.

BPF director general Peter Davis told delegates at a budget planning seminar in Stoke-on-Trent today (9 July) there were business opportunities to be had despite the country being on "the precipice of an economic slowdown".

"I have never seen such negative economic conditions come together so fast, but this is also a time of opportunity. Innovations are spun from the need to work better, faster and cheaper," he said.

Davis also advised firms to take advantage of a weak sterling to look overseas to developing markets and called on eligible firms to register for the BPF's proposed climate change agreement that would give an 80% Climate Change Levy rebate.

He highlighted high oil prices, rising inflation and "out of control" government borrowing as concerns for the industry.

"As Chancellor, Gordon Brown said he would abolish boom and bust economy. It certainly doesn't seem that way," he said.

Davis called on the government to "improve security of energy supply and get down costs" by abandoning fuel duty increases and speed planning permission for nuclear, natural gas, energy from waste and wind energy facilities.