The UK corrugated packaging board industry called for ministerial support to boost manufacturing in the UK, at a recent meeting at the Houses of Parliament attended by Packaging Today.
The corrugated packaging industry is an excellent barometer of the state of UK manufacturing said Clive Bowers, chairman of the corrugated sector of the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) and CEO of Smurfit Kappa UK. The sector is making an essential contribution to industry in general and fast moving consumer goods in particular, he said.
The industry received congratulations on its environmental record by Jo Swinson, MP for East Dunbartonshire, Scotland.
CPI put forward proposals to MPs for the future viability of manufacturing in the UK - starting with axing the charge for business rates on empty property.
Further remedies included more favourable capital allowances beyond the first year for capital expenditure; significantly less regulation and red tape; and easy to access support for in-house training.
The CPI corrugated sector is aware it must build good relationships with politicians, said its manager Andrew Barnetson, adding: “We urge all MPs to visit their local corrugated factories and see for themselves the excellent contribution the industry is making to businesses across the UK.”
