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News Desk

Indian variant could delay UK reopening, says Johnson

Johnson said the government would accelerate remaining second doses to the over 50s and those clinically vulnerable to just eight weeks after the first dose and would prioritise first doses for those eligible who had not yet come forward.

Even so, the spread of the variant could disrupt Britain’s progress out of lockdown, making it more difficult to move to the final stage of a staggered reopening of the economy in June, he said.

Johnson had aimed to lift all restrictions on June 21, after allowing people in England from Monday to hug again, meet in small groups indoors and travel abroad.

The United Kingdom has delivered one of the world’s fastest inoculation campaigns, giving the first shot to almost 70% of the adult population and a second to 36%, helping to reduce infection rates and deaths.

But the emergence of the B.1.617.2 variant in parts of northern England and London has prompted some scientists to call for the reopening to be delayed, and a rethink on the speed of the vaccine rollout.

At the national level, infections are still low, and fell for a fifth consecutive week in England, Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures showed on Friday.

News Desk

‘Migrants’ attack lorry at Calais with iron bars and breeze blocks

British lorry driver tells how his truck was attacked by migrants wielding iron bars and breeze blocks in desperate ‘attempt to cross channel’

  • E.M.Rogers Transport has reported that one of its lorries was attacked in Calais
  • Owner Ed Rogers told the MailOnline the road was blocked by migrants in France
  • Windscreen and door windows of the cab were smashed, leaving driver ‘shaken’
  • Rogers is calling for greater protection for hauliers driving to and from continent

By Chris Jewers For Mailonline[1]

Published: 01:49, 15 May 2021 | Updated: 01:51, 15 May 2021

A British haulier has accused migrants in Calais of attacking one of his company’s lorries in an alleged desperate attempt to cross the English channel.

Ed Rogers, owner of E.M. Rogers Transport, told the MailOnline that one of his lorries was attacked in France[2] with iron bars and breeze blocks in a road ambush.

The windscreen and door windows of the truck were smashed, and Mr Rogers said the driver was left feeling ‘very shaken and upset’ by the incident.

A British haulier has accused migrants in Calais of attacking one of their lorries in an alleged desperate attempt to cross the English channel

A British haulier has accused migrants in Calais of attacking one of their lorries in an alleged desperate attempt to cross the English channel

Ed Rogers, owner of E.M.Rogers Transport, told the MailOnline that one of his lorries was attacked in France with iron bars and breeze blocks in a road ambush

Ed Rogers, owner of E.M.Rogers Transport, told the MailOnline that one of his lorries was attacked in France with iron bars and breeze blocks in a road ambush

A British haulier has accused migrants in Calais of attacking one of their lorries in an alleged desperate attempt to cross the English channel. Ed Rogers, owner of E.M.Rogers Transport, told the MailOnline that one of his lorries was attacked in France with iron bars and breeze blocks in a road ambush

‘The Road was blocked with barriers erected by refugees trying to stop our lorry’ just outside the Calais port, Mr Rogers told the MailOnline in an email on Saturday. 

‘Our driver tried to proceed by going around the barrier, at which point he was stopped again, with the lorry attacked with metal bars and rocks.’

Pictures of the lorry, shared by the businessman, showed its smashed windows and broken body work from where he claims it was attacked by the migrants.

‘One of our colleagues attacked with iron bars and breeze blocks in Calais last night by illegal immigrants attempting to cross into the UK. Not the first time and probably won’t be the last,’ the company wrote on Instagram, sharing the photographs.

Two large, circular smashes are seen in the windshield with some holes in the glass, while the door windows appear to have been totally destroyed.

‘Fortunately our driver is safe, but he is very shaken and upset. 

‘In what other industry would someone be exposed to this type of assault whilst going about there daily work?’ Mr Rogers questioned.

The windscreen and door windows of the truck were smashed, and Mr Rogers said the driver was left feeling 'very shaken and upset' by the incident

The windscreen and door windows of the truck were smashed, and Mr Rogers said the driver was left feeling 'very shaken and upset' by the incident

Pictures of the lorry, shared by the businessman, shows its smashed windows and broken body work from where he claims it was attacked by migrants

Pictures of the lorry, shared by the businessman, shows its smashed windows and broken body work from where he claims it was attacked by migrants

The windscreen and door windows of the truck were smashed, and Mr Rogers said the driver was left feeling ‘very shaken and upset’ by the incident. Pictures of the lorry, shared by the businessman, shows its smashed windows and broken body work from where he claims it was attacked by migrants

Mr Rogers, whose company transports rare, valuable and classic cars across Europe on its lorries, called for more action to be taken to protect haulage workers driving in and out of mainland Europe.

‘I know the world is in Pandemic mode,’ he said, ‘but please remember 12 months ago, truck drivers were considered key workers.

The government needs ‘to provide safe passage for our truck drivers coming in and out of Europe, while these desperate people trying to get in to our country put them in danger on a daily basis,’ he added.

The alleged attack on Mr Roger’s company’s lorry would not be the first instance of British hauliers being attacked by migrants in Calais.

Pictured: Migrants run across the A 16 motorway in an attempt to climb into the back of lorries bound for Britain while traffic is stopped upon waiting to board shuttles at the entrance to the Channel Tunnel site in Calais, northern France, on December 10, 2020

Pictured: Migrants run across the A 16 motorway in an attempt to climb into the back of lorries bound for Britain while traffic is stopped upon waiting to board shuttles at the entrance to the Channel Tunnel site in Calais, northern France, on December 10, 2020

Pictured: Migrants run across the A 16 motorway in an attempt to climb into the back of lorries bound for Britain while traffic is stopped upon waiting to board shuttles at the entrance to the Channel Tunnel site in Calais, northern France, on December 10, 2020

In December last year, it was reported[3] that a gang of 15 migrants left a British driver bloodied after smashing the window of his cab with a rock as he waited in a queue.

Andy Couper, 57, was left with blood pouring down his face after being attacked by the gang while waiting in his vegetable-filled lorry to board a ferry at the French port.

He told The Telegraph after the incident how some of the migrants tried to get into his lorry before ‘someone hit the truck’ and the ‘whole passenger window’ was smashed, leaving him injured.

References

  1. ^ Chris Jewers For Mailonline (www.dailymail.co.uk)
  2. ^ France (www.dailymail.co.uk)
  3. ^ it was reported (www.dailymail.co.uk)

European Union

Britain launched two warships against French fishermen

Seventeen fishing boats ran aground on Britain and France, but the London government also sent two warships to the Channel at dawn on Thursday.

The conflict has been exacerbated by two interpretations of the Brexit rules. Since Britain left the EU, there have been a number of complex methods for calculating where and to what extent European fishermen have access to the British Ocean. Although fisheries provide a very small part of the economies of the countries concerned, they also play a key political role in France, Belgium, Denmark and the United Kingdom, along with their strong unions, spectacular demonstrations and symbolic industries.

One of the ships sent by the British to the scene was the HMS Severn.Photo: GLYN KIRK / AFP

Now the heated debate began with the management of the island of Jersey in the Channel, which is owned by Britain, but is closer to the French coast one by one, and which French fishing vessel has the right to fish off the island again this year? .

In order to obtain a license, French ships had to prove that they had a “historic right” to fish – their vessel had been fishing for at least ten days in a 12-month period over the past three years. Anyone who proves this will be given a beacon identification system to place on fishing vessels longer than 12 meters, after which the British will leave them alone.

Of the applicants, 41 vessels were licensed in the current season, but 17 vessels were rejected. According to Jersey officials, exactly, according to French fishermen, unfair.

Port of St. Helier, Jersey.Photo: OLI SCARFF / AFP

Since then, the situation has escalated:

French fishermen announced on Thursday that they would be marching a hundred boats from the port of Jersey in front of St. Helier.

The Jersey leadership fears the march will be a siege and fishermen want to isolate the island from the outside world, so the island’s prime minister, John Le Fondre, has warned the London government.

Aid arrived immediately, two small warships were sent to the island, and HMS. Severn and HMS Tamar has been guarding the Jersey coast since Thursday.

The French government’s Minister of Maritime Affairs also got into the debate: Annie Gordin said the island would be without electricity if Jersey fishermen were treated unfairly. They can do this because they get electricity from France via three submarine cables from Jersey.

In response, a local oil mill was placed on standby on the island of Jersey so that electricity would be available even if the French closed them down. It will be more expensive and polluting than the current system, but it will not darken the island, local leaders promise.

The independent Hungarian press had never done such hard work during epidemics.

The government does not allow journalists near health facilities and does not share the most basic information about the epidemic with the public. The public media and other propaganda channels do everything they can to cover up the real situation.

In 444 we can show how the epidemic is in Hungary and in the world, despite the obstacles in front of us.

Millions get information from our maps and infographics that provide accurate numbers and current trends.
[1]

Our epidemiological data page, which collects these, has in recent months accepted the role of public service media. By doing so, we not only inform our readers, but also help them stay healthy and keep their loved ones healthy.

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News Desk

Sadiq Khan confirms he will expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone

Sadiq Khan confirms he will expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone that will cost up to 350,000 motorists £12.50-a-day to drive into London

  • Sadiq Khan will make the Ultra Low Emission Zone 18 times larger than it is now 
  • Owners of older, more-polluting vehicles must to pay £12.50 daily fee if in zone 
  • 100,000 more cars, 35,000 vans and 3,000 lorries must now pay the fee
  • TfL estimates total income from the expanded ULEZ, congestion charge and low emission zones, will hit £762million this financial year
  • Between 2022 and 2023, this number could hit £1.157billion, it estimates 

By Jemma Carr For Mailonline[1]

Published: 14:03, 14 May 2021 | Updated: 14:52, 14 May 2021

Sadiq Khan[2] has confirmed he will expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone in a move set to cost up to 350,000 motorists £12.50-a-day to drive into London[3].

The newly re-elected Mayor of London will make the zone 18 times larger than it is currently. 

The move will force owners of older, more-polluting vehicles that don’t comply with strict emission standards to pay a £12.50 daily fee – in addition to the congestion charge – if driving through the zone.

Around 100,000 more cars, 35,000 vans and 3,000 lorries will be affected. Lorries and buses who don’t pay the fees will be slapped with a £100 fine.

The AA put its estimate at the number of motorists affected at 350,000.

Transport for London has estimated its total income from the expanded ULEZ, along with congestion charge and low emission zones, will hit £762million this financial year.

Between 2022 and 2023, this number could hit £1.157billion. 

Sadiq Khan has confirmed he will expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone which is set to cost up to 350,000 motorists £12.50-a-day to drive into London (a London road, file image)

Sadiq Khan has confirmed he will expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone which is set to cost up to 350,000 motorists £12.50-a-day to drive into London (a London road, file image)

Sadiq Khan has confirmed he will expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone which is set to cost up to 350,000 motorists £12.50-a-day to drive into London (a London road, file image)

The newly re-elected Mayor of London will make the zone 18 times larger (expansion proposal, pictured) than it is currently

The newly re-elected Mayor of London will make the zone 18 times larger (expansion proposal, pictured) than it is currently

The newly re-elected Mayor of London will make the zone 18 times larger (expansion proposal, pictured) than it is currently

The move will force owners of older, more-polluting vehicles that don't comply with strict emission standards to pay a £12.50 daily fee - in addition to the congestion charge - if driving through the ULEZ (file image)

The move will force owners of older, more-polluting vehicles that don't comply with strict emission standards to pay a £12.50 daily fee - in addition to the congestion charge - if driving through the ULEZ (file image)

The move will force owners of older, more-polluting vehicles that don’t comply with strict emission standards to pay a £12.50 daily fee – in addition to the congestion charge – if driving through the ULEZ (file image)

Will your recent buy be hit by ULEZ charges? 

The Alliance of British Drivers has published a list of cars which will fall foul of ULEZ charges:

  • 2015 Citroen C3 Edition 1.6 Bluehdi 100 Edition 5dr 90bhp
  • 2015 Citroen C4 1.6 e-HDi Airdream VTR+ Hatchback 5dr Diesel 115bhp
  • 2015 Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCi ECOnetic Style 5dr 94bhp
  • 2015 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi 115 Zetec 5dr 113bhp
  • 2015 Fiat Panda 1.2 MULTIJET POP 5d 75 BHP
  • 2015 Fiat 500 Lounge1.3 Multijet 3dr 95bhp
  • 2015 Nissan Juke 1.5 ACENTA DCi 5 DOOR 110 BHP
  • 2015 Renault Clio 1.5 dCi ECO Expression + 5dr 90bhp
  • 2015 Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D Excel (s/s) 5dr 90bhp
  • 2015 Vauxhall Corsa 1.3CDTi Ecoflex Design 94BHP
  • 2015 Vauxhall Astra 2.0 CDTi Ecoflex Elite 163 bhp
  • 2015 Vauxhall Astra 1.6 CDTi 16V Ecoflex Design 5dr 108bhp 
  • 2015 VW Golf hatch 1.6tdi Bluemotion tech S 104bhp
  • 2015 VW Golf Bluemotion 1.6tdi estate 108bhp
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Petrol cars must comply with the Euro 4 engine standards – usually vehicles registered from January 2006 – or face paying the fee. 

Meanwhile, diesel cars will need to pay up unless they meet the Euro 6 standard – meaning they were registered after September 2015. 

The capital’s Ultra Low Emission Zone – which was introduced in 2019 – will cover the streets inside the North and South Circular roads under Khan’s new plans.

The move will come into force on October 25. 

Mr Khan said: ‘I pledge to be the greenest Mayor London’s ever had with a mandate from Londoners to put the environment and climate policies at the heart of my second term in office. Today I am reaffirming my commitment to speed up the cleaning of London’s toxic air.

‘In central London, the Ultra Low Emission Zone has already helped cut toxic roadside nitrogen dioxide pollution by nearly half and led to reductions that are five times greater than the national average. 

‘But pollution isn’t just a central London problem, which is why expanding the ULEZ later this year will benefit Londoners across the whole of the city and is a crucial step in London’s green recovery. 

‘There is no time to waste. We know pollution hits the poorest Londoners the hardest which is why I’m doing everything I can to improve the health for all Londoners.’

Jemima Hartshorn, founder of pollution campaign group Mums for Lungs, said: ‘Mums for Lungs has campaigned for an expansion of the ULEZ for over three years now, so we are glad that this scheme will be implemented very soon. 

‘The ULEZ in central London has really reduced NO2-pollution across the area, and more children will benefit from ULEZ expansion. 

‘But more is needed to ensure that London meets World Health Organization guidelines, so we call on the Mayor, national government, councils and business to work together to ensure breathing no longer harms the health of London’s children.’

Among the car models which will fall foul of the ULEZ charges are some 2015 Ford Focus, Fiat Panda, Citroen and Vauxhall Astra models.

The new ULEZ zone will operate 24 hours a day for seven days of the week within the same area of central London as the Congestion Charge.     

Research showed the health damage from cars and vans across the UK costs £6billion a year to the NHS and society, with the bill in London £650million.  

Officials said expanding the ULEZ – and stricter standards for heavy vehicles across London – would result in more than 100,000 Londoners no longer living in areas exceeding legal air quality limits in 2021.

All areas in the capital are expected to see reductions in pollution. 

Furthermore, research shows that those exposed to the worst air pollution are more likely to be deprived Londoners and from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. 

There is also emerging evidence linking air pollution with an increased vulnerability to the most severe impacts of Covid. 

Mr Khan has been pushing hard for London to spearhead new measures to reduce vehicle emissions in the capital since being sworn in as mayor in 2016.

This includes the introduction of the T-Charge in 2018 – which was superseded by ULEZ in 2019. 

Last year, a study by Environmental Defense Fund Europe found that harmful air pollution from diesel vehicles was 23 per cent higher outside London’s current ultra-low emissions zone (ULEZ).

The study – which gathered pollution data from 231 sites in London and tracked levels of toxic nitrogen oxides (NOx) – found the five worst locations were all outside the ULEZ. 

In 2018, Mr Khan (pictured) confirmed the extension of the ULEZ after growing concerns about rising pollution levels in the capital

In 2018, Mr Khan (pictured) confirmed the extension of the ULEZ after growing concerns about rising pollution levels in the capital

In 2018, Mr Khan (pictured) confirmed the extension of the ULEZ after growing concerns about rising pollution levels in the capital

NOx pollution is an umbrella term which includes nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which can lead to health issues like inflaming airways while aggravating existing heart and lung diseases.  

London has breached legal limits for NO2 since 2010 and last year it was revealed more than 2 million Londoners are living in areas exceeding legal air limits – including 400,000 children.  

As well as NOx, common pollutants from diesel include unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter – microscopic particles of matter.

Diesel vehicles pour out more ultra-fine particles than all other vehicles, which are the most toxic of the air pollution particles. 

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE ULEZ 

 The ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) was introduced in London in April 2019. Here are some of the key questions around the scheme: 

What is it?  The ULEZ is a way of charging vehicles which emit the most nitrogen oxide for entering parts of London.

When does it apply?  The daily charge runs from midnight to midnight every day.

Where is it happening?  The scheme is initially within the same area as the congestion charging zone, before being expanded to within the North and South Circular roads from October 2021.

What vehicles are included?  All vehicles are affected apart from black taxis.

How much does it cost to enter the zone with an older vehicle?  It costs £12.50 for most vehicle types, including cars, motorcycles and vans. Heavier vehicles such as lorries, buses and coaches are liable for a £100 charge.

How can I avoid the charge?  To be exempt from the Ulez charge, petrol cars, vans and minibuses must meet the Euro 4 emissions standard and diesels must meet Euro 6. That means the oldest cars that can be driven in central London without paying are roughly a four-year-old diesel model or a 13-year-old petrol model.

What happens if I don’t pay?  If you fail to pay the charge, car drivers face a £160 Penalty Charge Notice (reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days). Lorry drivers will be handed a much larger fine of £1,000 (reduced to £500 if paid within 14 days).

What if I don’t know my vehicle’s emissions standard?  Drivers can check whether their vehicle is liable for a charge by entering its registration on the Transport for London website.

Why was ULEZ introduced?  London Mayor Sadiq Khan says the scheme will improve the capital’s air quality, which he says is responsible for thousands of premature deaths and other serious conditions.

Has there been any opposition to the scheme?  Conservatives on the London Assembly claim Mr Khan’s decision to introduce the scheme earlier than planned could catch out some motorists – particularly those from the poorest households – who have not already upgraded their vehicle to a newer model. They also warn that expanding the zone to the whole of inner London will not effectively tackle pollution and will affect people and businesses in areas with low pollution.

What vehicles are covered by ULEZ?

It’s not just cars and vans that will be subject to extra charges in London.

These ULEZ non-compliant vehicles will also be impacted:  

– Motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles, quadricycles

– 4X4 light utility vehicles and picksups

– Motorised horseboxes

– Ambulances and fire engines

– Motorcaravans

– Minibuses

– Lorries

– Buses and coaches

– Breakdown & recovery vehicles

– Snow ploughs and gritters

– Refuse collection vehicles and road sweepers

– Concrete mixers and tippers 

 

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References

  1. ^ Jemma Carr For Mailonline (www.dailymail.co.uk)
  2. ^ Sadiq Khan (www.dailymail.co.uk)
  3. ^ London (www.dailymail.co.uk)

News Desk

Drivers’ safety warning after horsebox tips over on motorway – Horse & Hound

‘There we were, standing on the A1, with articulated lorries doing emergency stops, and the wagon just went up’

“If by sharing this I can make some people think about their road manners, it will be worth it.”

If you want to keep up with the latest from the equestrian world without leaving home, grab a H&H subscription

Learning curves and pheasant dodging: Charlotte Dujardin does the double at Wellington *H&H Plus*

Hopes are high for new British five-star to replace Burghley Horse Trials

The Horse & Hound Podcast 50: Steph Croxford | Vet hospitals and research | News round-up

News Desk

Harrogate residents’ fears after alleged lorry incident in area of intensive housing developments

The car damaged in the alleged incident at the junction of Wreaks Road and Kingsley Road in Harrogate which has alarmed members of Kingsley Ward Action Group.The car damaged in the alleged incident at the junction of Wreaks Road and Kingsley Road in Harrogate which has alarmed members of Kingsley Ward Action Group.

The car damaged in the alleged incident at the junction of Wreaks Road and Kingsley Road in Harrogate which has alarmed members of Kingsley Ward Action Group.

The alleged incident involving a heavy truck and a small car on a narrow residential street at the junction of Wreaks Road and Kingsley Road has alarmed members of Kingsley Ward Action Group.

Action group member Gary Tremble said: “This is a residential area and it is being treated like a building site with absolutely no regard for the residents.

“The car was in a collision while stationary with a truck which was on the wrong side of the road.

“To make matters worse, no rear license plate appears appears to be visible on the rear of the truck in the photograph I have.

“Trucks have to be stopped from using our road as part of a construction site.

“It’s dangerous. Is it going to take a death to get something done?”

Residents in the tightly packed narrow part of town between Kingsley Road and Bogs Lane near Knaresborough Road have been protesting about the situation for 30 months.

Kingsley Ward Action Group have fought a running battle against developers from early 2019, usually without success.

They say the lengthy list of new housing in the same part of town by different developers in what was once greenfield space is ill-judged and ill thought-out in regard to the overall consequences for the entire area near Harrogate High School and Bilton fields leading to Nidd Gorge.

Kingsley Ward Action Group claims local residents have had to cope with hundreds of truck movements a day along with the noise, pollution, dust and damage to the existing road system.

On top of that, some of their streets have been dug up more than once to lay cables, water pipes and other infrastructure by utility companies to cate for the new developments with all the noise and mess that that entails.

As well as more than 500 new houses, the end result, they add, will be hundreds of more cars feeding into the existing traffic congestion on nearby Knaresborough Road.

While criticised by Kingsley Ward Action Group, both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council says the Local Plan and the planning system are being followed in new housing developments.

Issues such as traffic problems and transport links are assessed an, where, there are problems, they do try to intervene within correct procedure.

In fact, Harrogate Borough Council recently attempt to block one set of plans in the area for 149 new homes at Kingsley Farm.

But, after Richborough Estates’ victory at the appeal stage, they decided to relent to avoid the financial costs of a further appeal for the council and local tax payers and the risk of defeat.

Kingsley Ward Action Group has passed on details of the alleged car and lorry incident to North Yorkshire County Councils Highways & Transportation department.

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News Desk

Creating a circular economy: Made in Britain’s sustainable Green Growth Programme – The Manufacturer

John Pearce, CEO of Made in Britain, explores the notion of the circular economy and the reality for SME and larger manufacturers, and highlights the Green Growth Programme, designed to help create a more resilient and sustainable manufacturing sector.

The UK has one of the highest circular economy scores in Europe*, but what are the key metrics and which businesses are impacting them? Where is this already happening and, crucially, what are the economic benefits to creating a ‘regenerative’ business model?

Moving on from a linear industrial model

In theory, the circular economy is simple – keep as much product, and therefore value, in the economy as possible by recycling and reusing products that will otherwise reach their usable life span. All manufacturers are reliant on raw materials, which are becoming increasingly scarce. Coupled with this the idea that businesses can keep using and wasting materials is fast becoming outdated.

“Businesses must look beyond the current ‘take- make-waste’ model and focus on interconnected circular systems that aim to redefine growth and eliminate waste. This means gradually decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources and ultimately designing waste out of the system.” Ellen McArthur Foundation

As the leading circular think tank, Ellen McArthur Foundation, points out businesses must look beyond the current ‘take-make-waste’ model and focus on interconnected circular systems that aim to redefine growth and eliminate waste. This means gradually decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources and ultimately designing waste out of the system.

Circular economy comes into the limelight

Such is the increasing profile of the circular economy that last year the European Commission (EC) launched a circular economy action plan to embed the principles into manufacturing. As a result, the EC’s Sustainable Product Policy Framework proposal, part of the European Green Deal, will empower consumers and encourage manufacturers to deliver on circularity. It claims that the EU’s 2050 climate targets cannot be achieved without fully transitioning.

UPSO bags from Carradice of Nelson Made-in-Britain

UPSO bags from Carradice of Nelson are made from upcycled lorry tarp, seatbelt and fire hose material otherwise destined for landfill. On foot or on two wheels, each UPSO bag customer is guaranteed a unique bag that will last for years. Image: Carradice of Nelson.

An impossible challenge?

Not for British SME and larger manufacturers. Achieving a circular economy is possible, but it
comes with a long list of challenges, the first being awareness. Unlike many other sectors, manufacturers cannot ignore resource scarcity. Some are already taking action, appreciating that raw material is critical to producing goods.

Businesses are already working together to move from ‘production lines’ to ‘circular systems’ that guarantee every energy and material input and output is used efficiently or upcycled into another production cycle. These are the new ‘regenerative’ manufacturers and they are already operating in the UK.

Huge collaborative shift needed for change

Companies like Aquapak are certain that circularity is gaining traction, but it will take a huge cultural shift to have a significant impact – and no one doubts the urgency of action that is needed.

Infection control bag made from Hydropol_Aquapak Made-in-Britain
This fully dissolvable infection control laundry bag for infected linen is helping Birmingham-based Aquapak tackle the challenges of circularity by utilising biodegradable Hydropol instead of plastic. Image: Aquapak

Manufacturers are already having frank discussions around the costs and benefits of circular models. The key part of the phrase ‘circular economy’ for manufacturers and businesses is the word ‘economy’ – keeping materials within the economy and eliminating waste makes sense from a business and financial perspective. But business leaders need to keep up and learn to interact with other sectors, especially the regenerative and waste handling sectors.

A mindset shift is needed as we transition to a fully circular economy. And with the countdown to COP26 (1-12 November, Glasgow) – when climate change targets will be addressed – there’s no better time than now for manufacturers in Britain to lead the world. They must embrace collaborative thinking to make a circular economy that works and makes sense for everyone.

Who’s embracing circularity?

Made in Britain is focused on creating a more resilient, sustainable and productive manufacturing sector. As a result, it has developed the UK’s first universal Green Growth Programme, in partnership with Cambridge Judge Business School, to reveal progress on sustainability.

Amongst the SMEs that are embracing the circular model is Telford-based Craemer, a leading wheelie bin manufacturer. Craemer demonstrated internal circularity when it minced up the plastic from a Manchester council’s wheelie bins and reused it to create newly-designed bins, giving their product an extra 10-15 years of life.

Rather than using the internal circular model, Blackburn-based luxury bag manufacturer, Carradice, became circular almost by accident 53 when it repurposed a stash of old lorry tarpaulins destined for landfill and turned them into bags. Within 18 months, Upso cycling bags launched, with a new customer base. Canvas costs for the regular range were increasing so it was a logical, money savvy business decision, and the SME had the agility to convert the opportunity.

FFS lined with Hydropol_Aquapak Made-in-Britain

Using a Hydropol[TM] layer inside Form Fill and Seal (FFS) pouches makes it possible to recycle 100% of their paper fibre. Image: Aquapak

Birmingham-based Aquapak is tackling some of the challenges of circularity head on by taking an innovative approach to the complicated issue of plastic recycling. The company uses a polymer called polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) which, unlike most plastics, goes straight down the drain and biodegrades safely. The company takes PVOH and turns it into a processable pellet called Hydropol, which can be used to make all manner of things recyclable, especially packaging, as part of a circular business model.

More information www.madeinbritain.org[1]

References

  1. ^ www.madeinbritain.org (www.madeinbritain.org)