What is the impact of the coronavirus on UK plastics manufacturing?
Plastics trade body, the British Plastics Federation (BPF), has surveyed its members to learn exactly how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the UK plastics industry.
The survey received responses from 127 BPF members in just a few hours. The trade body believes that these results provide an accurate picture of the UK’s third largest manufacturing sector during the current situation.
Key findings included:
- As requested by the UK government, companies were asked in the survey if they could potentially use their facilities to provide products and services that could be used by the National Health Service (NHS) or the government to help fight the coronavirus. Nearly a third of plastic companies responded saying they could assist, and their details have been passed on by the BPF.
- Almost 80% of the companies surveyed said they expected a drop in turnover over the next six months.
- 98% of those surveyed expressed concern over the coronavirus’ impact on business operations.
- Almost 90% of responders said they expected the coronavirus to impact their supply chains over the next three months.
- More than 50% of respondents stated that the coronavirus had impacted their staff’s ability to work.
- 25% of the workforce could potentially work from home, however, amongst plastics processors this falls to 18%.
British Plastics Federation director general Philip Law commented: "I wrote to the government yesterday to explain why the plastics industry should be classified as a key part of the national infrastructure and that many of its workers and their skills are critical in the production of much needed products.
“It comes as no surprise that our members and our industry are expecting major challenges in the weeks and months ahead. This survey demonstrates that the plastics industry is a crucial, strategic industry playing a pivotal role in national security and in ensuring we as a country can effectively fight the coronavirus.
“We urge the government to provide the essential support to keep manufacturers and their supply chains in operation, so the nation can be safely fed, professionally cared for and that vital infrastructure, such as drainage and waste management is supported."
The BPF has also created a COVID-19 webpage, which includes a guide for manufacturers which intends to help limit the spread of the virus, alongside useful information from BEIS and Public Health England.