BCF Blog - A new start for BCF's Sustainability Committee

Harry Westaway, Regulatory Affairs Manager

A new start for BCF's Sustainability Committee

Sustainable development and the need for urgent action has never had such high profile…this was confirmed by the “run out of chairs” attendance at BCF’s Sustainability Committee, re-launched in February.

Around the table introductions highlighted the diversity of stakeholders in attendance from across BCF membership.

Group discussions about the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and which are most relevant for our industry proved thought provoking.  When sub-teams presented back to the committee, we found some good alignment;

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all – a topic that resonates very well with the BCF’s agenda to attract and train the next generation of talent.

Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all – with 300,000 directly employed in manufacturing or applying coatings & supplying industries worth over £297B, the UK industry can be proud to contribute, with scope for growth.

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns – the committee discussed the importance of increasing efficiency and recycling up and down the supply-chain.

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts – the committee saw this as a goal in which action would drive progress in other areas, such as life below water and life on land.  An area in which the industry can drive positive change; from renewable energy installations to Raw Material/ packaging selection.

Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development – the coatings, printing inks and paints industry we will need support from current and future partners to drive sustainable improvements & innovation.

The goals above received the most attention, however the majority have some relevance for the coatings, printing inks and paints industry.  Following the lively discussion on SDGs, Emily Bradley provided well received updates on topics relating to waste, the circular economy, emissions, climate change and environmental product impact.

The Sustainability Committee re-launch is just one of the exciting initiatives I have been involved with during my first 2 weeks as Regulatory Affairs Manager.  Given the variety of live technical topics it is clear there is a learning curve to climb, but I am very fortunate to be working with a great team at BCF.

I join with knowledge of chemical regulation from a 12 year career in the development, manufacture and supply of raw materials (polymers / resins / rheology modifiers), but I am eager to learn & understand how I can best help with issues impacting your business.

Expect to see me at committee meetings and various groups, I plan to attend as many as possible over the coming months, but if you have any regulation related concerns or questions please do not hesitate to pick up the phone or send me an email.