Plastic Innovation at Interplas 2023
Our Future Makers team recently went on an inspiring trip to Interplas 2023, hosted at the Birmingham NEC. The event was a goldmine of insights and innovations in the world of plastics sustainability. We enjoyed thought-provoking discussions with industry leaders, seeing the latest trends in sustainability, innovation, and cutting edge technological advancements.
Exploring a new world
As newcomers to the world of plastics, this was such a valuable experience, learning more about the vast and ever evolving plastic industry and connecting with some of the industry's key players. Throughout the event, we talked to leading experts, were impressed by the global and local waste plastic suppliers' scale and approach in dealing with the extensive volume of plastic waste, converting it into a valuable resource and offering it, at scale for repurposing.
Nothing could have prepared us for the shining showcase of cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art machinery. We were introduced to sustainable alternatives to plastics and potential training opportunities, making our visit to Interplas an important step in our journey to transform and innovate within the plastics industry.
UK Circular Plastics Network
A delightful highlight of our visit was reconnecting with Sally Beken, a leading figure in the plastics industry, recently nominated one of the UK's top 75 influential individuals in the field. Sally has been unwavering in her commitment to advancing plastic sustainability and fostering collaboration within the industry.
Sally's crucial role in founding the UK Circular Plastics Network (UKCPN), a thriving community of over 5,000 individuals spanning business, academia, government, non-governmental organisations, innovators, funders, and policymakers, has been instrumental in driving positive changes in how we produce, use, and value plastics in alignment with a circular economy.
Global Research and Innovation in Plastics Sustainability
During our conversations, Tristan (Managing Director), highlighted the crucial role played by the Global Research and Innovation in Plastics Sustainability (GRIPS) community in shaping Future Makers' journey. Sally's role in founding GRIPS in 2020, during the challenging days of the global pandemic, provided an invaluable foundation for our venture.
The knowledge and industry contacts gained from GRIPS laid the cornerstone for our journey, enabling us to secure grants for equipment and training to empower the next generation of waste plastic innovators!
This funding has catapulted us into action, propelling us forward on our mission to upskill emerging innovators and realise the vision of the Future Makers studio. We're now in a position to make a substantial impact on plastics sustainability and the creative industries.