Mike is an FIOM3-qualified Graduate and Postgraduate Polymer Technologist, having studied at Burton Technical College and the Institute of Polymer Technology and Materials Engineering at Loughborough University. In 1988, Mike joined Plastribution as a Trainee Technical Sales Executive, subsequently transitioning into product management, and in 1998, he was appointed Business Development Director. Mike advanced to the role of Managing Director in 2000, a period during which Plastribution experienced significant growth, culminating in its recognition as the UK's largest distributor in 2009. In 2025, he assumed the role of Executive Chairman and has since focused on strategic leadership within the organisation. Mike's contributions extend to industry associations; he became a member of the BPF Council in May 2005 and joined the SFC in January 2009. He served as Chairman of the BPF Distributors & Compounders Group from 2007 until 2012 and was elected Vice-President of the BPF in May 2012. From June 2013, he held the office of President for two years. As the longest-serving member of the BPF Council, Mike currently serves as Honorary Treasurer.
Attending
Material & Packaging Innovations
Gauging the future: Moving towards more sustainable technologies
Wednesday, Jun 3, 2026
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Europe/London
Hall 10 | L120 : Interplas Insights Stage
Material & Packaging Innovations
From event carpeting to award-winning furniture: Circular economy in action
Whilst there is pressure (and legislation) on film extruders and converters to produce more sustainable products (films and packaging) there are other pressures when it comes to the manufacturing processes from reducing energy consumption to using technologies that fit the sustainability model.
Learning Objectives
This presentation will show how gauging is helping the industry move towards more sustainable technologies.
As the winner of the 2025 British Plastics Federation/Worshipful Company of Horners David Williams Award, Future Makers presents the Carpet Creates project, a pioneering example of circular design and sustainable innovation in the UK plastics industry.
Learning Objectives
This presentation will explore the challenges and opportunities of implementing circular economy principles in high-volume industries like events, highlighting innovative approaches to material recovery, granulation, pilot pelletisation and thermoforming.