BPF Holds Successful Event Devoted to Improving Productivity
The British Plastics Federation (BPF), in partnership with BPF Energy, held its first in-person event devoted entirely to productivity in the plastics industry, which took place at the British Motor Museum in Warwick. The event was attended by over 70 delegates and featured 11 exhibitors.
The chairman of the BPF Productivity Committee Nigel Flowers, who is also the Managing Director of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, introduced the event. It then opened with a presentation from ABB Robotics Channel Manager Steven Banton, who gave an overview of the industry before discussing the latest robotics and automation solutions for the plastics industry and how these can increase operating times and maximise consistency.
Next, InTouch Monitoring Sales Manager, Andy Jewell, (pictured, above) explained the benefits of increasing productivity with real-time data and how this can relate to an Industry 4.0 strategy, while also increasing profitability. Isocool’s Managing Director Angus Hall followed, who discussed energy-saving cooling systems and how energy consumption – and costs – can be significantly reduced using smarter adiabatic water cooling systems that are capable of capitalising on natural climate conditions.
Spitfire Software Director Mark Amphlett then discussed innovative IT solutions to enterprise resource planning (ERP) and material requirements planning (MRP), both of which have the capacity to significantly improve efficiency and play a role in a company’s journey towards Industry 4.0. The last presentation of the day was by TH Plastics UK Sales and Marketing Manager Jonathan Pankethman, who discussed the UK plastics packaging tax and how technology can play a role in streamlining operations and validating quantities of recycled material.
The event was sponsored by BPF Energy, Busch Vacuum Solutions, Flender, Fraser Anti-Static Techniques, Hayley 247, Intouch Monitoring, IsoCool (part of Atlas Copco), Mouldshop, RUD Chains, Stäubli, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag and TH Plastics.
Commenting on the event, BPF Productivity Committee Chairman, Nigel Flowers, stated:
“There is no simple solution to productivity. It is a complex problem that involves advances in automation, investment and support from the UK government, as well as innovation in digital technologies. All this needs to be driven by a clear business case and events like this highlight the many advantages available to companies investing in technologies that improve efficiency and enhance competitiveness.
“We are very glad that this event was so well attended and examined in detail such a wide range of important topics, and we hope to hold similar events in the future.”
The BPF Productivity Seminar took place on 28 April 2022 and was exclusive to members of the BPF and BPF Energy partners.
For more information about upcoming BPF events visit bpf.co.uk.
