BPF
The British Plastics Federation (BPF) is the world's first plastics trade association, representing 600+ member companies covering 80% of the UK plastics industry by turnover through advocacy, events, sustainability tools, and digital resources like the Plastipedia encyclopedia.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1933
- HeadquartersRivington, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What BPF does
The British Plastics Federation (BPF), founded in 1933 and headquartered in London (BPF House, 6 Bath Place, Rivington Street), is the world's first trade federation for the plastics industry and a private limited company operating as a membership-based trade association. It represents over 600 member companies covering approximately 80% of the UK plastics industry by turnover, serving horizontal segments including polymer suppliers and distributors, plastics processors, packaging manufacturers, recyclers, equipment suppliers, additive suppliers, and service providers. The organization is governed by a Council led by President Martin Hitchin (Rehau) and Director-General Philip Law, with 30+ staff delivering membership services across representation, advocacy, events, and technical guidance.
BPF's core "products" are membership services and digital platforms rather than commercial software. Key assets include Plastipedia (the world's largest online Plastics Encyclopedia, launched 2008), the BPF Members Directory covering 80% of UK industry by turnover, Find a Supplier matching service, PolymerCourses.com e-learning platform, PolymerJobs.co.uk job board, a sustainability tools suite (Carbon Footprint Tool, Packscore, RAM Tool, Net Zero Hub, Chemical Recycling Hub), and event/conference programming including the triennial Interplas flagship exhibition, the PRAS Plastics Recycling and Sustainability Seminar, the Annual Dinner, BPF Members Day, and the Horners Awards (world's oldest plastics innovation award, est. 1947). The website attracts over 1.5 million visitors annually. An AI Analysis System has been deployed to process 500,000+ words of technical guidance into practical recommendations for members.
BPF's revenue model is diversified across four primary streams: recurring membership fees from 600+ member companies (subscription), advertising and sponsorship on its website and in the Members Directory plus event sponsorships (advertising), events and training revenue including seminars, webinars, the Annual Dinner, and polymercourses.com (professional services), and BPF Energy/CCA (Climate Change Agreement) reporting and energy management services. Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven: BPF acquires and retains members through industry events, seminars, webinars, overseas trade missions, the Members Directory, and Find a Supplier. The organization also holds structural leadership positions in European industry bodies including EUROMAP (Communications function since 1964), the European Plastic Converters Association (President, Vice-President, Communications Chair since 2008), and an affiliation with PlasticsEurope Northern Region since 2004, extending its influence beyond the UK.
BPF firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- BPF
- Legal name
- The British Plastics Federation
- Website
- https://bpf.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1933
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The British Plastics Federation (BPF) is the world's first plastics trade association, representing 600+ member companies covering 80% of the UK plastics industry by turnover through advocacy, events, sustainability tools, and digital resources like the Plastipedia encyclopedia.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where BPF is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Rivington
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
BPF business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Membership Fees: BPF generates revenue primarily through membership fees from plastics industry companies including recyclers, polymer suppliers, processors, packaging manufacturers, and equipment suppliers. Membership provides access to market reports, legal support, industry guidance, and networking.
- Advertising and Sponsorship: Revenue from advertising opportunities on BPF website and in the Members Directory, plus event sponsorship opportunities
- Events and Training: Revenue from events including seminars, webinars, Annual Dinner, and training courses through polymercourses.com
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free supplier matching service for buyers |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels6 records
BPF product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The British Plastics Federation is the UK's leading plastics trade association, delivering membership services to over 600 companies that represent approximately 80% of UK plastics industry turnover. BPF provides industry representation and advocacy with UK Government, market intelligence and legislation tracking, a supplier matching service (Find a Plastic Supplier), Plastipedia (the world's largest online plastics encyclopedia), sustainability tools, training through PolymerCourses.com, recruitment through PolymerJobs, and industry events including the triennial Interplas exhibition.
Product overview
The British Plastics Federation (BPF) is a trade association, not a technology product company. It offers a suite of membership services including a supplier Find a Plastic Supplier directory (covering 80% of UK plastics industry by turnover), Plastipedia (world's largest online plastics encyclopedia), eLearning courses through PolymerCourses.com, a job board (PolymerJobs), events and seminars (including PRAS conference and Horners Awards), sustainability tools (Net Zero Hub, Carbon Footprint Tool, Packscore), publications and reports, BPF Energy/CCA services, and an extensive members directory. These services are provided to member companies rather than sold as a software product.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Find a Plastic Supplier Free supplier matching service connecting businesses with UK plastics companies across equipment, moulded products, packaging, raw materials, recycled materials and consultants. Users can search by category and receive quotations from verified BPF member companies.
- Plastipedia World's largest online Plastics Encyclopedia providing comprehensive reference on plastic materials, processes, applications, testing techniques and recycling. Includes A-Z additives, polymer information (thermoplastics, thermosets, bio-based/degradables), polymer prices and industry guidelines.
- BPF Courses / PolymerCourses.com CPD-approved e-learning courses specifically designed for career progression in the plastics industry. Topics include Energy Management for Plastics Processors, Sustainable Plastic Packaging and other polymer-related subjects. Offered through polymercourses.com.
- PolymerJobs Industry-specific job board for the UK plastics sector where BPF group members can promote and search for roles, with free job postings available for members.
- BPF Members Directory Directory featuring 80% of the UK plastics industry by turnover. Members can promote their businesses and receive sales leads. Includes company profiles, contact details and business categories.
- BPF Events and Seminars Organized events including seminars, webinars, the Annual Dinner, the Plastics Awards (Horners Awards), BPF Members Day, and trade show representation. Includes the PRAS (Plastics Recycling and Sustainability) conference, the Interplas triennial exhibition, and the Horners Awards with the Worshipful Company of Horners.
- BPF Sustainability Tools Sustainability-focused resources including the Net Zero Hub, Carbon Footprint Tool, Chemical Recycling Hub, Packscore (eco design), Operation Clean Sweep, and recycling locator. Supports members with sustainability initiatives and regulatory compliance.
- BPF Publications and Reports Extensive library of industry publications including the Reusable Plastics Packaging Report, Stabilise & Grow: A Recycling Action Plan, Business Conditions Survey, Net Zero Strategy, Redefining Productivity, and the BPF Book Shop.
- BPF Energy (Climate Change Agreement) Climate Change Agreement (CCA) reporting and energy management services for BPF members. Includes energy prices reporting, energy consultancy and compliance support for energy-intensive industries.
- Members Area Resources Exclusive member resources including market reports, legislation tracker, sales leads, Platts Insights and Prices, funding portal, webinar archive, exhibition discounts, legal support helpline, RAM tool, and health and safety resources.
- BPF Membership Trade association membership providing UK plastics industry companies with advocacy, market intelligence, training, events, supplier connections, sustainability tools and access to a 600+ company network representing 80% of UK plastics industry turnover.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over £200k in project value generated from BPF leads for one member in 18 months
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use BPF
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
BPF technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
BPF partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Worshipful Company of HornerscoreThe Horners partnership with BPF dates from 1947, creating the world's oldest plastics award (Horners Award). The Horners Award promotes innovation in plastics design and innovation, and the partnership continues with BPF Horners Awards.
- Plastics EuropecorePlastics Europe is a partner in PRAS 2026 event organized by BPF. They participate in panel discussions on End of Life Waste Directive.
- UKRI/IUK Business ConnectcoreUKRI/IUK Business Connect is a partner in PRAS 2026, supporting the innovation and business connection agenda in plastics sustainability.
- University of SheffieldcorePRAS 2026 is hosted at the University of Sheffield. BPF collaborates with university academics on sustainability and recycling research presentations.
- Interplas Events Ltd / Rapid News Communications GroupcoreBPF is a major sponsor of Interplas, the UK's flagship plastics exhibition organized triennially by Interplas Events Ltd (part of Rapid News Communications Group).
- LG Energy GroupcoreLG Energy is a proud partner of the British Plastics Federation, providing bespoke procurement, ongoing account management, consultancy and compliance services to multiple plastic industry members. LGE offers energy procurement, reporting, consultancy, market intelligence, and net zero services.
- Operation Clean SweepcoreBPF is a partner in Operation Clean Sweep, an industry initiative to prevent plastic resin pellets, flakes, and powder from entering the environment.
- European Plastic Converters AssociationcoreBPF takes a leadership role in the European Plastic Converters Association based in Brussels, providing President, Vice-President, and Communications Committee Chairman.
- Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI)minorBPF provided the model for SPI in the United States, establishing the world's first trade federation model for plastics.
- PlasticsEurope Northern RegioncorePlasticsEurope Northern Region affiliated to BPF in 2004 through a formal Agreement, strengthening the relationship between polymer producers and the trade federation.
- EUROMAP (European Association for Plastics and Rubber Equipment)coreBPF became a founder member of EUROMAP in 1964 and today carries the responsibility for its Communications function.
- European Free Trade Area Plastics AssociationcoreBPF initiated the formation of the European Free Trade Area Plastics Association in 1961, establishing pan-European plastics industry representation before UK joined the EU.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
BPF competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- PlasticsEurope: Pan-European plastics industry association representing polymer producers; BPF sits in leadership at PlasticsEurope Northern Region, making it the closest direct counterpart at the European level and a natural collaborator/competitor for cross-border services.
- Make UK: UK manufacturers' organisation covering multiple sub-sectors including plastics processors; comparable as a UK trade body delivering membership services, advocacy, training and events, though broader in scope than BPF.
- Chemical Industries Association (CIA): UK trade association for the broader chemical industry including plastics feedstock producers; overlaps with BPF in polymer supplier and regulatory advocacy, particularly REACH, energy and sustainability policy.
Direct peers
- Plastics Recyclers Europe: European association representing plastics recyclers, an important BPF member segment; directly comparable for recycling/sustainability advocacy and a recurring partner (e.g., Operation Clean Sweep, PRAS) and competitor for member mindshare.
- Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS): US trade association for the plastics industry, originally modelled on BPF; directly comparable as a national trade body serving polymer producers, processors and equipment suppliers with advocacy, events and education.
- European Plastic Converters (EuPC): Brussels-based association for plastics converters in which BPF holds the Presidency and Communications chair; directly comparable in scope (converters representation, advocacy, sustainability) and a strategic channel for BPF's EU engagement.
- EUROMAP: European association for plastics and rubber machinery manufacturers in which BPF is a founder member and current Communications lead; directly comparable as a pan-European industry body where BPF plays a convening role.
Regional players
- Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR): US-based trade association for plastics recyclers; relevant regional peer for recycling advocacy and design-for-recyclability guidance that overlaps with BPF's sustainability tooling and PRAS agenda.
- CPIA (Canadian Plastics Industry Association): National trade association for the Canadian plastics industry; comparable in structure (national federation, member services, advocacy, events) though serving a different national market than BPF.
- Australian Plastics Industry Association (PIA): Australia's national plastics industry association; comparable as a federation delivering advocacy, member services, training and events to polymer producers, converters and recyclers in a different geography.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
BPF social profiles
Digital presenceBPF financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
BPF leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
BPF funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
BPF M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about BPF
What does BPF do?
The British Plastics Federation is the UK's leading plastics trade association, delivering membership services to over 600 companies that represent approximately 80% of UK plastics industry turnover. BPF provides industry representation and advocacy with UK Government, market intelligence and legislation tracking, a supplier matching service (Find a Plastic Supplier), Plastipedia (the world's largest online plastics encyclopedia), sustainability tools, training through PolymerCourses.com, recruitment through PolymerJobs, and industry events including the triennial Interplas exhibition.
Is BPF a public or private company?
BPF is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was BPF founded?
BPF was founded in 1933. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is BPF based?
BPF is headquartered in Rivington, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does BPF make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Membership Fees are the primary driver. The others are advertising and Sponsorship and events and Training.
Who are BPF's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are PlasticsEurope, Make UK and Chemical Industries Association (CIA). Direct peers are Plastics Recyclers Europe, Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), European Plastic Converters (EuPC) and EUROMAP. Regional players are Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), CPIA (Canadian Plastics Industry Association) and Australian Plastics Industry Association (PIA).
Does BPF have an API?
No public API is recorded for BPF.