The strike at Finland’s UPM paper mills, which saw a severe paper and label supply shortage in the UK, has finally been resolved. UPM and the Paperworkers’ Union have approved a settlement proposal following the strike by almost 2000 workers which lasted almost four months. Concerns remain about how long it will take for supply to be restored. Orders already placed will take priority, with new orders likely to be accepted from this week onwards – however, lead times may still be lengthy.
GBL/BDO lobbying success!
We welcome the news that Ministers have agreed to revoke the Misuse Of Drugs (Amendment) (England, Wales and Scotland) Regulations 2021. This means that organisations in the print supply chain will not require a licence for substances containing GBL from 15 June (when the 2021 Regulations were otherwise due to come into force). The planned changes were designed to prevent the sale of bogus industrial products for illicit use and would have resulted in GBL and BDO being reclassified as Class B drugs.
The decision followed extensive representation to the Home Office carried out by the Graphics & Print Media Alliance, of which we are a member, together with the wider chemicals supply chain, notably the Chemicals Business Association and the Alliance of Chemical Associations.
The Home Office is planning to conduct a public consultation on how to move forward, notably on how to introduce a licensing requirement which has exemptions for print and other industries which legitimately use GBL. We’ll keep you posted.
Potential bank holiday changes
You may have seen news stories about the ‘Thank Holiday’ campaign to make 2022’s additional bank holiday permanent. The request, which has been supported by business groups, including the Confederation of British Industry, is apparently being considered by HM Treasury.
Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT)
PPT’s now been in place for a month and we’ve been working with our partner BPIF to ensure affected members are informed and ready to act, we’re keen to hear from you about your experiences. If you manufacture or import more than 10 tonnes of plastic in 12 months, and you’re therefore having to register, keep additional records, calculate and pay the tax, let us know how this is going.
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