BCF Publishes Essential Coatings Report

The British Coatings Federation (BCF) has called on the government to develop an integrated industrial strategy that embraces the 'enabler' sectors that have long formed the foundation of the English economy and strengthened the success of other manufacturing sectors in the United Kingdom, according to a report it published. This development occurred following the government's publication of the new Advanced Government Manufacturing Plan, which focuses on priority sectors such as green energy, aerospace and automotive. Although the plan references supply chains, the BCF says more could be done not only to support the 'advanced' sectors prioritized in the plan, but also to remember the critical role played by other parts of manufacturing in terms of their contributions to the economy, job creation and trade balance. Publishing the Essential Coatings report, which highlights the breadth of application areas for the coatings sector and its critical contribution to a wide variety of advanced industries, the BCF stated that a holistic approach is needed for UK manufacturing to have a bright future. The report clearly demonstrates through case studies that nearly all sectors of English industry require products produced by the coatings sector to continue their operations, and that subsector companies worth an estimated GBP 300 billion annually depend on coatings products. The BCF has identified five key demands on the government to enable the coatings sector to develop and maximize its contribution to the UK economy. These include the need for regulatory and political clarity and certainty for chemicals, a long-term industrial strategy for manufacturing, support for businesses in the transition to net zero, long-term focus on skills and education, and greater emphasis on developing post-Brexit trade. [caption id="attachment_158444" align="aligncenter"] Left to Right: Tom Bowtell, Sharon Harte, Paul Scully, David Park[/caption] Tom Bowtell, BCF Chief Executive, said: "As a sector, we are extremely proud to support the United Kingdom in such important sectors and to make the lives of people across the country better. From the development of solar panels to improving hygiene in hospitals, we are aware of how vital the work we do as a sector is. Coatings materials are a British success story. Our members provide employment to 14,000 people in quality jobs across the country and contribute GBP 4 billion annually to UK GDP. We are also proud that the UK coatings sector is a net exporter and generates GBP 1 billion in annual business worldwide. Our new Essential Coatings report aims to share this impact with a wider audience by explaining how important our sector is to the UK economy and society. Building on our successful past and present, our sector looks to the future and welcomes the Advanced Manufacturing Plan recently published by the Government. However, when determining such plans, we must ensure that the multiplier (or enabler) industries, without which these advanced sectors cannot function, are not left behind. For example, the critical role of coatings emerges from the fact that subsector companies worth GBP 300 billion annually depend on our products. This holistic reality must be recognized in an integrated industrial strategy that supports all areas of British business. Aerospace, automotive, green energy, life sciences—all these sectors depend in one way or another on our members' coatings and inks and other important products in the UK manufacturing supply chain to achieve their own successful end products." A parliamentary reception hosted by Member of Parliament Paul Scully in the House of Commons was held for the report launch, attended by 100 guests including coatings sector leaders, representatives from other trade associations and members of parliament. The Essential Coatings report emphasizes through a series of case studies how important coatings are for both consumers and industry. Coatings (decorative paints, industrial coatings, printing inks and wall coatings) are everywhere and enable the advancement of many sectors, including aerospace and defense, infrastructure and energy, health and hygiene, extend service life, prevent decay/corrosion and increase the safety of the products and surfaces to which they are applied. The report also demonstrates how coatings facilitate effective communication and creativity, helping us as individuals and groups to better understand each other, develop ideas or distinguish ourselves. A world without coatings would be not only less functional, but also a much duller place.

The case studies in Essential Coatings are divided into four main themes demonstrating the value of the UK coatings sector:

Essentiality: Coatings are everywhere, in and on everything and are critical to the functioning of everyday life. Livability: Coatings preserve, enrich, develop and beautify the world around us, and enable communication and self-expression. Sustainability: Coatings play an important role in the transition to a sustainable future: extending the life of products, vehicles and infrastructure; protecting and enabling renewable energy sources such as wind turbines and solar panels, helping to improve fuel efficiency. Economy: The sector is one of the country's success stories in manufacturing: a net exporter, a job creator and a unique contributor to the UK economy. Source