Plastics Trade Body Publishes First Study of Coronavirus Impact on UK Manufacturing

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has surveyed its members to learn exactly how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the plastics industry within the UK.

With 127 BPF members responding in just a few hours, the results provide an accurate picture of the UK’s third largest manufacturing sector at this unprecedented time.

Following a request from the UK government, the survey asked companies if they could potentially use their facilities to provide products and services that could be used by the NHS or the government to help fight the coronavirus. Nearly a third of plastic companies said they could assist and their details have been passed on by the BPF.

Almost 80% of the companies surveyed expected a drop in turnover over the next six months, with 98% of those expressing concern over the coronavirus’s impact on business operations. Almost 90% of responders said they expected the coronavirus to impact their supply chains over the next three months, while more than half stated that the coronavirus had impacted their staff’s ability to work.

Across the entire industry, 25% of the workforce could potentially work from home. Amongst plastics processors that number falls to 18%.

British Plastics Federation Director General Philip Law comments:

“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 intended to help limit the spread of the virus, alongside useful information from BEIS and Public Health England.

To download the full survey click here