The link between plastics and prosperity

The recent announcement of a new National Plastics Processing Centre (NPPC) to be based at the University of Warwick has come as welcome news for the future of both the UK plastics industry and the wider economy. The centre, which will focus on manufacturing processes and processing of advanced functional plastic, has received endorsement from OEMs including Jaguar LandRover, whose Head of Research and Advanced System Engineering, Tony Harper, said new developments in advanced plastics have “great potential” to produce materials for premium cars that achieve a combination of lightweight and multi-functionality properties, as well as high class aesthetics.

According to the latest reports, the positive story of the UK’s automotive sector is set to continue, with news that the total amount of investment already announced this year (2015) has now surpassed £2 billion, with more than 4,500 new jobs created. Nissan’s recent £100million investment in its Sunderland manufacturing facility is just one such example of commitment and underlines the necessity for institutes such as the new centre at Warwick to keep Britain leading the pack when it comes to automotive manufacturing. 

Indeed, as I write, the Frankfurt Motor Show, one of the World’s premier events for the automotive industry, is unfolding, with an abundance of vehicles from the broad spectrum of Britain’s automotive industry on display. From volume-produced family hatchbacks to high-end luxury and sports models, each is the result of significant investment in the UK’s R&D capability and production facilities, which has supported UK economic growth. The fact that it is being recognised that plastics have such an important role to play in both the current and future success of this sector is highly encouraging for companies throughout the supply chain.