WATCH EVENT
The latest instalment of the The Editor’s Pick, hosted on Wednesday 2nd March at 12pm, saw guest editor Deborah Green of Pro Enviro speak with 3 industry leaders from the Made in Group regarding their latest news stories.
Deborah Green is the Business Development Manager at Pro Enviro, a longstanding member of Made in the Midlands. Based in Rugby, Pro Enviro is a specialist energy engineering, carbon reduction and process optimisation consultancy, with over 30 years’ experience working with organisations in energy intensive sectors.
As Guest Editor, Deborah was able to select any recent news stories from the Made in Group membership, and decided to speak with Liam Conway (Business Development Manager at Control Energy Costs), Rebecca Prince (Senior Manager at Cooper Parry) and Allan Joyce (Managing Director at Balmoral Tanks).
The live event was kicked off by Deborah, which is streamed across all Made in Group social channels once a month to the group’s 30K+ followers, by introducing himself and the event’s guests.
Plastic Packaging Tax - What Do You Need to Know?
The first guest Deborah spoke with was Rebecca Prince of Cooper Parry. Deborah chose to speak to Rebecca to find out more about their recent article regarding Plastic Packaging Tax.
Rebecca explained that this Plastic Packaging Tax is expected to land in April 2022 and will target any plastic packaging (packaging that is predominantly plastic by weight) produced in or imported into the UK that doesn’t contain at least 30% recycled plastic.
By providing a clear economic incentive for companies to use recycled material in the production of plastic packaging, the tax will create greater demand for the recycled material, increasing levels of recycling and collection of plastic waste, and diverting it away from landfill or incineration.
Rising Energy Costs - How Can They Be Controlled?
With energy prices infamously on the rise, Deborah emphasised her wish to speak to Liam Conway, to help provide members of Made in Group with tips for managing their energy costs.
Liam's tips are relevant for everyone within the Made in Group, with many commercial properties reporting a 100% increase in their energy costs. This has been a result of a record increase in global gas prices, which has seen an energy price cap rise of 54%.
Alongside being proactive, managing consumption, keeping track of your figures and more - one of the standout tips that Liam recommends is it explore the "Made in Energy Club"...
The Importance of a Green Agenda for Manufacturers
To conclude the event, Deborah spoke with Allan Joyce, Managing Director of Balmoral Tanks. Deborah had recently heard Allan speak at a Made in Group Breakfast Morning, and wanted to find out more about Balmoral Tanks' "green agenda", such as carbon reducing facilities.
Since 2018, Balmoral Tanks have invested more than £20m in our 150,000sqft (14,000sqm), state-of-the-art design and manufacturing facilities in Thurnscoe, South Yorkshire.
Allan emphasised that, whilst their can be a financial incentive for businesses to concentrate their efforts on more "green" practices, it is the moral duty that stands out for him.
Touching on the affects on staff, Allan highlighted that the modern worker nowadays wants to work with a employer who is being proactive in being environmentally aware; as do those within the supply chain! Ultimately, working in ways as a business that help to benefit the environment should be an aim for all businesses within the sector.