BCC memeber The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) is hosting a conference on Thursday 13 June at the National Space Centre, Leicester.

Hearing from waste management experts spanning collection to recycling, delegates will gain the insight and understanding they need to address the challenge of plastic in their business.  They will also get an update on the legislative environment and, via a case study, learn about a waste management strategy in action.

Plastic is embedded in every part of the cleaning and hygiene supply chain, from the manufacture of plastic sacks and the bottles containing cleaning chemicals to the packaging of individual products.  It’s a challenge the industry must address.

“We’ve all watched the wildlife documentaries in recent months and seen the damaging impact plastic has on our environment, when it is not handled appropriately,” explained Stephen Harrison, Chairman of the CHSA.  “We are hosting this event as part of work to understand the scale of the challenge and offer members insights into practical, economically viable solutions.”

The speakers at the conference will provide delegates with perspectives on each stage of the waste recycling process:

• Anthony Holley, Development Director of Biffa, a leading waste management company, will explain the challenges of waste collection.
• Mark Roberts, Managing Director of Plasgran, a leading recycler of plastic waste in the UK and part of RPC bpi Group will explain what can be recycled and how.
• Martin Kersh, Executive Director of the Food Packaging Association (FPA) will provide an update on legislation affecting business.  Current consultations in Parliament include: Extended Power Responsibility; Consistency of Waste Collection; Deposit Return Scheme; and the Plastic Tax.
• Richard Lainchbury, Operations Director at Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene Supplies is responsible for the company’s waste management strategy and will provide a case study on the company’s achievements to date.

Following the presentations, delegates will have the opportunity to pose questions.

In partnership with industry associations, the CHSA is establishing the scale of the challenge in the sector and working to establish a Plastics Pledge.  Once finalised, the pledge will contain information on how to reduce plastic use and waste and best practice for re-cycling, including advice on which labels to use.

Tickets are available from Linda Belcher, the Secretariat of the CHSA.  Email secretary@chsa.co.uk to book your place.

More information on the CHSA can be found at www.chsa.co.uk