PAFA - The Packaging and Films Association

PAFA will be holding a Parliamentary Reception again this year.

This will be held in the evening of Wednesday 16th May 2012 in The Churchill Room at the Houses of Parliament.

There will be a Joint Meeting of the Films Group, Flexible Packaging Group and Thermoformers Group during the afternoon.

Full details will be available shortly.

BREAKING NEWS:

Click on link below to see statement from the Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Department of Business, Innovation and Skills regarding the Government's plans for a Green Investment Bank (GIB).

Green Investment Bank

Courtauld Commitment Progress Report

Progress Report on Courtauld Commitment

Find out the real carbon impacts of plastic bags compared with other bags and the impacts of everyday life.

Northern Ireland Assembly Launches Consultation to Introduce Tax on Carrier Bag Industry.

A copy of the consultation paper can be downloaded from the following website address:

http://www.doeni.gov.uk/index/protecttheenvironment/waste.htm

WRAP Mixed Plastics Loan Scheme. The Fund is for companies wishing to increase the capacity for sorting and processing mixed plastics packaging from the waste stream. Investments will be based on ‘soft’ loans between £50k and £1m with flexibility in repayments including a degree of state aid. please go to: http://www.wrap.org.uk/recycling_industry/information_by_material/plastics/mixed_plastics_loan.html

Guide on industry training aims to improve training and skills across our sector: Go to http://www.cogent-ssc.com/Publications/CogentPolymerTrainingProvisionGuide.pdf

Cogent has also published an updated guide on the specialist polymer training provision available to the industry. Please click here for a PDF copy.

This report covers the role of plastics recycling in the new green economy: http://www.wrap.org.uk/recycling_industry/market_information/market_situation_reports/

European Safe Maintenance drive launches in Britain. It is estimated that between 25 and 30 per cent of all manufacturing industry deaths in Britain result from maintenance activity yet maintenance is integral to running a safe and reliable operation. That’s the message behind a new European initiative. For more information, visit the HSE Safe Maintenance website: www.hse.gov.uk/safemaintenance

This OECD Economic Outlook compares Consumer Expenditure, Capital Growth, Long-Term Interest Rates and Unemployment Levels across Europe - an invaluable research tool go to Members Area and click on Market Research tab

This report predicts rapid growth in US fresh produce packaging through shift to healthier foods (click here)

PET recyclate pricing likely to remain strong as demand grows experts report go to Members Area and click on Market Research tab

Facts about food waste in the home - fuelling the quest for smart packaging ... download the WRAP report (click here)

Get up to date on Climate Change Agreement Consultation .. login then go to Members' Area and click on Climate Change tab ..

DEFRA Consultation on Producer Responsibility Read the consultation document - logon - go to members area and go to Climate Change

EuPIA Information Note on Swiss food contact materials legislation (packaging inks) which has potential impact on packaging/converting industry - logon - go to members area and go to Quality Standards

Read the latest thinking in designing packaging for recyclability in the new guide published by PRAG (Packaging Resources Action Group) to inform designers, marketers and packaging specifiers about design decisions to optimise end-of-life recyclability. Logon then go to members area and click on Sustainable Business.

Interest Free Loans!!! This Carbon Trust presentation to PAFA details the loans available to help cut energy bills by replacing old energy-intensive equipment. Login then go to Members' Section and go to Carbon Trust Loans tab...

National Standards for Sustainable Business. Login - go to Members section and go to Sustainable Business Practice tab .....

Courtauld 2 Packaging Proposals PAFA challenges the data and says that looking at carbon impact of packaging alone without considering functionality in terms of extending life, protection and reducing spoilage is fraught with dangers. Login then go to Members' area and go to Courtauld tab ...

Workplace Temperature Questionnaire issued by the Health & Safety Executive .. Login then go to Members Area and click on Health & Safety tab ..

Sustainability guidelines for its suppliers. PAFA members can download them in full. Login to Members' Area and click on Retailer Information

Report shows that 30% of UK carbon footprint is from food chain. PAFA members should login to members area and click on Climate Change for information and the download link.

DEFRA summary of consultation responses to the proposed Landfill Restrictions 2010

Click here to read.

READ THE LATEST FROM THE UK PLASTICS 2020 CHALLENGE Click here

The new Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register (OSHCR) opened 1 Feb for registration. For more information go to: www.hse.gov.uk/press/2011/hse-oshcr.htm?eban=rss-press-release.

MAJOR INDUSTRY SAFETY INITIATIVE "SIMPL" - Safety in Manufacturing Plastics ...  click the HSE web link for full details.

 Keep up to date with REACH Regulations. PAFA members should log in to Members Area and click on Reach Regulations for a useful guide to what action to take next