British Plastics Federation Marine Litter Platform Gains Momentum

The British Plastics Federation’s Marine Litter Platform (MLP) held its third meeting in as many months last week (20th April).  The MLP  provides a forum for collaboration between the government, academics, NGOs, manufacturers, recyclers as well as brands and retailers including Co-Op, Danone Water, Marks and Spencer and Waitrose.

So far the various workshops and seminars have attracted over 200 attendees, with companies agreeing to share best practice and work towards finding solutions to the global problem of marine litter.

Last week Sam Gyimah, Minister of State for University’s Science, Research and Innovation welcomed the action the BPF has taken in the area of marine litter in a speech he gave at The Royal Society where he talked about the Commonwealth Marine Plastics Research and Innovation Framework, a fund to research the issue of marine waste and improve waste management in developing countries.

BPF Plastics and Flexible Packaging Group Director Barry Turner states:

“The BPF takes the issue of marine litter extremely seriously. In the ongoing debate about this global issue, we all want the same thing: to leave the environment in a better state for future generations. The BPF is uniquely placed to leverage its international network of associations and is determined to play its part in solving the issue of marine litter. It is pleasing to see our work and commitment acknowledged by a government minister and we look forward to continuing working with all stakeholders to identify and deliver solutions to this hugely important issue.”