WRAP announces the introduction of a 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

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

 A new 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

  The latest 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

  New 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

Encourage 14-16 year olds to join our industry. Career Fairs by Cogent in Newcastle, Cardiff, Sheffield and London: July - Oct (click here) for Cogent web site

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

                  

 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 about 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... 

►Give feedback on new National Standards  for Sustainable Business. Login - go to Members' section and go to Sustainable Business Practice tab .....

►Your feedback needed on Courtauld 2 Packaging Proposals ...final version out for peer review - 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 ...

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

►has published new 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.

In the PAFA Members section you can also view the latest Quality Standards affecting your business .... You can also see the full Retailer Roadshow environmental presentation and delegate leaflet produced by PAFA with Plastics Europe and BPF .... Find the latest Market Research information on your industry including trading forecasts .... for the latest information on Melamine see our Technical Briefing in Food Contact and Safety ... just added - the latest of regular updates on REACH Regulations including dealing with recovered solvents and the importance of Pre-Registration... plus latest Trade statistics with EU states for PE bags and sacks all in the login-only Members Section 

Want the real facts about how plastic bag taxes and bans would be worse for our environment? Visit www.carrierbagtax.com  

The information highlighted in this colour is available to PAFA Members only who should use the log in facility and go to the PAFA Members Area tab. Here you will  find  information covering all the topics affecting your business