The British Plastics Federation (BPF) is the main trade body for the plastics industry in the UK. Founded in 1933, it is one of the world's oldest plastics trade associations.
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| Formation | 21 December 1933 |
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The Federation represents companies operating across the plastics supply chain, including polymer producers, plastics processors, recyclers, machinery manufacturers, packaging producers, and specialist service providers. According to the organisation, its membership comprises more than 600 companies representing over 80% of UK plastics industry turnover.
The BPF provides technical and regulatory guidance, industry research, training and professional development programmes, and policy representation. It acts as a representative body for the plastics sector in discussions with government departments, regulators, and other stakeholders on manufacturing, environmental regulation, recycling, and sustainability issues.
History
editThe British Plastics Federation was established in 1933 during the early development of the plastics manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom. Over subsequent decades it evolved into the principal trade body representing UK plastics manufacturers, suppliers and recyclers.
It was incorporated on 21 December 1933; the first Chairman was Charles Waghorne of Insulators Limited.[1] It is the longest-established plastics federation in the world.
Activities
editThe Federation provides industry representation, technical support, training and policy advocacy on behalf of businesses operating within the UK plastics sector. It publishes guidance on manufacturing standards, environmental compliance, recycling regulations and taxation affecting plastic products and packaging.
The organisation coordinates a number of specialist sector groups covering areas such as packaging, recycling, pipes, automotive components, construction products and expanded polystyrene.
Public policy and regulation
editThe Federation has been actively involved in policy discussions surrounding the UK's Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) reforms and recycling legislation. It has submitted evidence and responses to government consultations relating to recycled content requirements, chemical recycling, mass balance accounting and packaging regulation.
The BPF has argued that clear certification and verification systems are necessary to ensure confidence in recycled-content claims and to prevent fraud within packaging supply chains. In 2025 the organisation called for companies to report suspected false recycled-content claims and supported the development of formal verification mechanisms for recycled plastics.
The Federation has also advocated investment in UK recycling infrastructure and has supported the adoption of mass balance methodologies for chemically recycled plastics, arguing that regulatory certainty is necessary to encourage investment in advanced recycling technologies.
Sustainability and recycling
editSince the introduction of the Plastic Packaging Tax in 2022, the Federation has increasingly focused on sustainability, recycling, and circular economy initiatives. The organisation has participated in industry research examining recycled-content verification systems and has contributed to policy discussions on improving traceability and transparency within plastics recycling markets.
The Federation's work in this area includes engagement with government consultations concerning certification requirements for recycled plastics and measures designed to support the transition towards a circular economy for plastic materials.[citation needed]
Membership
editMembership of the Federation is open to companies operating within the UK plastics sector. Members include manufacturers, recyclers, raw material suppliers, machinery suppliers, packaging producers, distributors, and specialist service providers.
The organisation operates a number of divisions and sector-specific groups representing different parts of the plastics industry.
Companies in the BPF include:
Plastipedia
editPlastipedia is one of the BPF's most used tools. It is an online encyclopedia about plastics, starting from their birth in 1862 with the invention of Parkesine; it is hosted and maintained by the BPF. It has a comprehensive list of plastic manufacturing processes, and lists the 25 main processing technologies, including detailed animations. It also deals with energy management in the plastic industry and offers a guide to the main standards associated with the plastic industry. It is often used by academics or students in need of specific, reliable information.