BPF highlights the Plastic Industry response to COVID-19

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has released a document highlighting the important contribution of the plastics industry in the fight against COVID-19 through the manufacture of PPE and critical infrastructure materials.

Over the past year, the BPF has helped many organisations to source supplies of PPE for healthcare workers. BPF members around the country have provided hospitals with plastic parts for ventilators, clinical waste sacks, aprons, face shields, visors and millions of bottles for much-needed hand sanitiser.

Prior to COVID-19, less than 1% of PPE was manufactured in the UK, but by December 2020 domestic supply is anticipated to meet 70% of forecasted demand in England for all categories of PPE except gloves, according to government research.

BPF members have been integral to this achievement and the trade association produced online resources during the height of the pandemic, which aggregated key information for the industry to help businesses run effectively and safely.

Director General of the BPF Philip Law said: “Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the BPF and its members have helped to meet the challenges faced by the NHS and industries across the country as they try to provide a safe environment for their staff, patients or customers. Many BPF members have transformed and expanded their manufacturing operations, working longer and harder to ensure we can provide the protective equipment and medical supplies the UK needs. Over 100 of our members now manufacture PPE or the materials that supply PPE and we will continue to play our part in the fight against COVID-19.”

‘How the Plastics Industry Responded to COVID-19’ will be disseminated to BPF members and is available to download to help the industry communicate its achievements to key decision makers, customers, the public and staff.