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EDITORIAL
At the time of writing, I’ve just returned from chairing the 2025 World Coatings Council meeting in Frankfurt, where the CEOs of the major trade associations around the world gather to talk about how we work together for the greater good of the industry.
A key topic that came up was microplastics. I continue to be disappointed that paint was again highlighted as the major source of microplastics in the environment in a Daily Mail article which appeared in mid-March. Apparently, the source was once again the Earth Action (EA) report, which first appeared in 2022, and thanks to the internet still appears almost every time you search for information on the topic. This time it was being highlighted by a university in Toronto looking for research funding. This is frustrating, particularly when a new study from the Dutch Government published at the end of last year was a much more reasonable assessment of the impact of paint.
If the paint industry doesn’t stand up for itself, and give our side of the argument, all you’ll find online is the opinions of vested interests who promote misleading reports for their own commercial aims. We do accept there are releases of paint into the environment, but it’s just inconceivable we are a bigger issue than wear and tear on car tyres and microplastics from textiles. We drive our cars and wash our clothes almost every day, whilst painting is typically done every five years by the average household.
In light of this, I’ve written a new blog, which you can read in full on page 4, and we have also agreed at the World Coatings Council that we will invest in significant new research, on top of the excellent CEPE work already in progress, to help properly quantify our impact, to refute once and for all outlier studies like the EA Report. In other positive news, you can read our excellent member survey results on page 6, where a record 98% of members rated BCF as exceeding or meeting their needs. The survey feedback is critical to our new five-year roadmap, which was presented to the BCF Board in headlines in March and will be finalised before
BY TOM BOWTELL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE BCF
the June BCF conference. We’ve also relaunched our Coatings Careers Hub and new outreach plans, which will be an integral part of the wider BCF strategy - you can read about it on page 8.
We’re at a really important crossroads with our paint recycling ambitions. In March, the PaintCare board showed strong support for moving things forward later this year with a potential trial in Q4, assuming we can get buy-in from the retailers in the coming months.
Finally, a note on our chosen charity fundraising for 2025. June’s Annual Conference, our Charity Cycle in July and November Awards evening are all going to support charities related to teenage cancer, in memory of Callum Plummer, a Coventry University student who worked for the BCF as our Marketing Executive in 202324 on his industry placement year, and sadly lost his battle with cancer in January. The BCF team have been so strong in coping with this, especially Amy White, our talented Marketing Manager who is only a few years older than Callum, and our thoughts continue to be with his lovely family.
PAINT AND MICROPLASTICS: SEPARATING FACT FROM FICTION
A recent article in a UK tabloid newspaper referenced paints and coatings as the main source of global microplastics pollution, despite a broader swathe of reports indicating this is not the case. This article looks to review the evidence around this important topic and supplies some examples of how industry is addressing its actual contribution to the microplastics problem.
When press reports cite paint as the number one source of microplastics pollution, they are usually quoting from a non-peerreviewed Earth Action (EA) report – data from which has also been used by the European Commission - which puts the total at a much higher level than the other academic papers. Indeed, the EA authors themselves admit their report is an outlier in terms of its conclusions in positioning the size of the impact of paint compared to other sources of microplastics.
In October 2024, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment published a report that examined the sources of microplastic emissions in the environment. The report explicitly refutes the claims that paints are the main source of microplastics in the environment. The main sources of microplastics cited were tyre wear, pre-production plastic pellets, macro plastics, packaging, and textiles. Indeed, it says of the EA report that:
“Even though these emission estimates are relatively high, paint is not the largest source of microplastics, as was reported by the recent impact assessment study by the European Commission.’ (para 3.3 p50).
However, it is also fair to note that same Dutch report goes onto say:
‘Not many other studies have reported on paint so far, and it is recommended to look further into the release due to wear and maintenance in order to better understand paint microplastic distribution in air, soil and water.’ (para 3.3 p50).
The BCF agrees that more research is needed to accurately quantify the contribution of paint to microplastic pollution, and there is a role for industry to play in sponsoring that research.
This was also the conclusion of the World Coatings Council’s literature review on 36 documents on paint and coatings-related microplastics. What was consistent about the vast majority of reports reviewed was that they employ a range of different assumptions and methodologies regarding paint degradation and removal practices and are not based on scientific research.
WHAT IS INDUSTRY DOING TO ADDRESS THE MICROPLASTICS ISSUE?
Even if paint is not the number one cause of microplastic pollution, the coatings industry recognises there is always more that can be done to reduce its actual contribution. Paint manufacturers are committed to continuous improvement in the sustainability of its products. Large sums are invested every year to carry out research and development into more environmentally friendly ingredients or to ensure enhanced wear resistance to reduce the amount of degradation from coated surfaces.
We acknowledge that it is inevitable that the wear and tear of paints – from ships and boats, bridges, exterior building paints and road marking paints – could lead to some leaching of these chipped or degraded paints into the environment. This is known as ‘secondary’ microplastic release.
To help limit the impact of secondary microplastics, the BCF leads on several industry-led initiatives and campaigns to help consumers and tradespeople dispose of paint appropriately. For example, the BCF has produced a video guide with suggestions of how to reduce the loss of paint from cleaning brushes and rollers. It also runs a Safe Antifouling campaign in collaboration with Green Blue, the Royal Yachting Association, British Marine and
the Yacht Harbour Association. 'Protect, Collect & Dispose' is focused on environmental best practice when boat owners antifouling their own boats. You can learn more about safe antifouling at www.safeantifouling.com.
DO THE PAINT INDUSTRY INTENTIONALLY ADD MICROPLASTICS TO PAINT?
Most paints do not include intentionally added microplastics in their formulas. It is usually only in cases where specialist characteristics are required from an industrial coating - for example, to provide greater durability and scratch resistance, or to create anti-slip or skid properties – that microplastics would be intentionally added. This represents a very small amount of paint produced globally.
POSITIVE BENEFITS OF COATINGS TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Finally, it is worth noting that coatings themselves offer a substantial contribution to greater worldwide sustainability. Paints, coatings and printing inks play a fundamental role in saving resources: they have a huge range of integral sustainable applications, including improving the longevity of buildings and bridges and extending the life of essential items like food or drink.
But it goes beyond that: coatings technology is increasingly at the cutting edge of sustainable innovation, pioneering the creation of some of the products that enable and support our national journey to reaching Net Zero. They are used to coat wind turbines and solar panels as well as used in the advanced batteries the
automotive industry is relying on in the future.
Crucially, coatings also contribute to energy conservation directly through, for instance, reflective technologies for buildings. On vehicles, the more lightweight the coatings, the less energy consumption is required. In the case of marine paints, without anti-fouling coatings keeping hulls clear of barnacles and other debris, the world’s shipping fleet would use 40% more fuel. On top of this, antifouling coatings also stop the spread of invasive species between our oceans. You can read more about these essential uses of coatings in the BCF report below.
BCF MEMBERS REPORT UNPARALLELED SATISFACTION LEVELS IN 2025 SURVEY
WELL RESPECTED ORGANISATION, WHO SPEAK WITH ONE INFLUENTIAL VOICE FOR THE MEMBERSHIP
OUTSTANDING IN BRINGING THE INDUSTRY TOGETHER
WE FEEL YOU DO A GREAT JOB AND SET A VERY GOOD STANDARD AS AN INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
IN ANOTHER RECORD HIGH FOR THE ASSOCIATION, THE LATEST BCF SURVEY HAS REVEALED A 98% LEVEL OF SATISFACTION AMONGST ITS MEMBERS. REPORTED SATISFACTION LEVELS IN 2025 WERE UP 2% FROM THE 2023 SURVEY SCORE OF 96%, WHICH WAS ALSO 2% AHEAD OF THE 2021 EDITION.
The biennial survey provides a comprehensive 360-degree assessment of how the BCF supports its members, encouraging feedback across the full range of member benefits. Those completing the survey are requested to comment on the value of benefits provided and assess the BCF’s performance in providing those benefits.
As in previous years, respondents continued to place greatest emphasis on the federation’s communications with members, closely followed by regulatory support, lobbying efforts, engagement work with European coatings association CEPE and statistics programmes. The survey also confirms that companies continue to value BCF’s provision of seminars, webinars and workshops along with the numerous committees and groups that meet during each year. Reassuringly, members also continue to rank BCF’s highest levels of performance against these most valued services and highlight very few weaknesses in the current offer.
2025’s survey is particularly important as it was timed to coincide with the creation of the BCF’s next five year ‘Roadmap’ strategy document. This is where a series of forward-looking questions probing for views and suggestions about how the organisation should change for the future proved to be important parts of the survey. Moreover, the freeform answers – generated by asking for feedback on a SWOT-style basis – have proven a rich mine of information to help generate strategy for the coming years.
Existing priorities such as driving a sustainable industry, careers outreach to attract new talent to the industry and continued lobbying in the face of an ever-complex legislative environment, were all appreciated throughout the survey. Members also identified opportunities for BCF to lead the coatings sectors’ approach to emerging markets, especially online trading, and the embracing of technological enhancement opportunities such as those provided by AI.
The potential for further consolidation in the industry, or globalisation trends leading to offshore manufacturing and more product being imported into the UK, were both cited as threats, along with general current geopolitical and economic conditions and ongoing availability of key raw materials.
For more information on the benefits of BCF membership: or contact info@bcf.co.uk.
MEMBER SURVEY ANALYSIS
TOP 3 STRENGTHS:
1. REGULATORY SUPPORT
2. COMMUNICATION
3. INDUSTRY UNITY
SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE COATINGS INDUSTRY IS OUR BIGGEST OPPORTUNITY
GLOBALISATION OF INDUSTRY IS OUR BIGGEST PERCEIVED THREAT
LOBBYING FOR FUTURE UK REGULATION IS A KEY OPPORTUNITY MOST RESPONDENTS REPORTED THAT BCF HAS NO WEAKNESSES
COATING THE FUTURE: EMPOWERING TALENT AND BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP IN 2025
As we roll into 2025, we’re committed to improving the way we support talent development across the coatings industry.
In 2024, the BCF identified the need to address the skills gap, creating dedicated resource and hired me as Careers Coordinator, and formed the Coatings NextGen Council to influence, create and develop a comprehensive careers strategy that aims to attract and nurture the next generation of coatings professionals.
88% of members that took part in our ‘Careers in Coatings’ survey identified that the lack of awareness of both the industry as a whole and the opportunities within as the primary barrier to attracting talent, we knew action needed to be taken.
With that, the relaunch of the Coatings Careers Hub is an important milestone in our broader careers strategy for 2025 and beyond. The new and improved platform will serve as a key resource for those looking to enter or advance in the sector. This updated hub is packed with new features and tools that make it easier than ever to connect talent with opportunity.
At the heart of this relaunch is the goal to improve functionality for our members and provide valuable resources for hopeful recruits. We’ve integrated the hub into your BCF member profiles making utilising this free member benefit easier and more streamlined than before.
The Coatings Careers Hub is the primary resource promoted at all Careers Outreach events - more opportunities advertised will result in a greater visibility of the industry. So, in order to make the industry more visible, we need help from you, our members, to interact with the hub, post live vacancies and assist in sharing success stories and industry innovation to position the coatings industry as a dynamic, innovative and sustainable sector.
For more information on how you can support the BCF Careers Strategy ‘Coat Your Future’ please scan the QR code.
Leah Elvin, Administrator and Careers Coordinator
DAVID PARK Public Affairs Manager
Following the General Election last July, there was a need to increase our political engagement and outreach to make contacts with new MPs and Ministers. The time since has been a whirlwind of activity and it is satisfying to report that the BCF has managed to meet with most of the new key Ministers.
Tom met with the Defra Chemicals Minister, Emma Hardy MP, before Christmas as part of a wider delegation to talk about UK REACH. As well as representatives from the various chemicals associations, it was good that Make UK, the organisation representing manufacturers, was also in the room to explain just how important chemicals and formulations like coatings are to the finished products Ministers want to see the UK making. It was more proof of our ‘essential coatings’ messaging delivered through a third party. It is clear Defra is still listening, but we should not expect a decision anytime soon as some of the solutions now being looked at seem interlinked with discussions with the EU about possible broader changes to the Trade and Co-operation Agreement, which commence in May.
Tom has also met twice with the Department for Business and Trade Industry Minister, Sarah Jones MP, whose brief covers the chemicals sector. She has also been briefed on the importance of ‘getting UK REACH right’ and she and her Department are keen to help us press Defra on the issue. David Park also met Douglas Alexander MP, the Trade Minister, in February, and followed up on the Government’s previous pledge to try and find a ‘bespoke deal for chemicals’ in the upcoming EU talks.
POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT RAMPS UP
At the same time, we have also been building contacts with the new intake of MPs, focussing largely on the large new cohort of Labour MPs. I have been holding a series of 1-1 meetings in Westminster to brief them on the coatings sector, its role and importance, and what it needs to see from Government in future. This has meant mainly targeting MPs with a member’s site in their constituency, but also those who sit on the relevant Commons Select Committees like Business and Trade, Defra, Treasury, Education and Skills, or Science and Technology. Other meetings through third-party roundtables and other similar events have boosted contacts still further and more MPs are hearing about BCF and the coatings sector each week. We are getting close to having built the same number of relationships that we had in the previous Parliament, and we have ambitious targets to meet in terms of breadth and depth of political contacts over the next year or so.
Finally, a big thank you to those members who have also met with their own new MPs or have site visits lined up. As I keep saying, you as members can have a different relationship with your MP than we as BCF can: at the end of the day, we are a lobbying organisation; you are a local employer. It really does help if MPs have seen firsthand how parts of the coatings sector work and hear directly from you as a business about the key issues and concerns you have. If you have not arranged an MP visit yet but would like to, please feel free to contact me at david.park@bcf.co.uk and I will be pleased to talk you through what a good visit might look like and also help with contacts and logistics.
In addition to attending the European Coatings Show and helping deliver the first-ever World Paint and Coatings Week, BCF has been representing members at other industry events around the globe. Taking leading roles in international organisations raises the profile and effectiveness of BCF at home and abroad, which, in turn, makes it easier to promote and deliver on our members’ policy needs and priorities.
BCF CEO, Tom Bowtell, is also the incumbent President of the World Coatings Council. Meanwhile, David Beckford, Managing Director of Pronto Paints and former President of the BCF, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Board of CEPE. Back in February, both Tom and David attended a CEPEorganised event in the European Parliament, which lobbied MEPs and the EU Commission about key issues affecting the coatings sector and the wider chemicals industry.
In January, Tom took part in the World Coatings Summit in Singapore, where he chaired sessions and led a discussion on market data, innovation, and the common challenges currently facing the coatings industry around the world. He also chaired the annual World Coatings Council meeting in Frankfurt in March, where the various national coatings associations shared issues of concern and plans to help promote the sector more strongly in future in various ways.
WORLD PAINT AND COATINGS WEEK
Learn more about World Paint and Coatings Week and where to follow the World Coatings Council and its members at:
#WorldPaintAndCoatingsWeek
The inaugural World Paint and Coatings Week was officially launched at the European Coatings Show (ECS) on its opening day by Tom Bowtell, CEO of the BCF and President of the World Coatings Council (WCC). The campaign week was organised through the WCC in cooperation and partnership with its various national coatings association members from around the globe.
Running from 24th – 28th March, World Paint and Coatings Week focused on engaging with the public through social media, although other engagement events may also be organised in some countries. The week was split into five themes, one for each day: essential coatings; sustainable coatings; innovative coatings; valuable coatings; and careers in coatings. National coatings associations posted about how coatings collectively contribute to these areas, while individual companies shared case studies about how their own products help make the world a better place. It created a critical mass of activity to increase the reach of the key messages and ensure more people learn about the importance of coatings than individual organisations working on their own could achieve.
The launch backdrop of ECS 2025 – the largest show on record, with over 1,200 exhibitors from over 60 countries and tens of thousands of delegates in attendance – served to demonstrate the strength of the coatings sector globally. But Bowtell explained that the rationale of World Paint and Coatings Week was to reach out beyond the people attending the convention centre this week and explain to them – the general public and policy- and decision-makers – just how important coatings are to the global economy and society.
Speaking at the launch, Tom Bowtell said:
“I am thrilled to be launching the first World Paint and Coatings Week here at the European Coatings Show in front of so many friends and colleagues. All of us who work in the industry know just how important coatings are to the economy and to everyday life. Almost every solid object will have a coating that is designed to make it look better, work better, or last longer – or a combination of all three. However, too often this crucial contribution is overlooked, or not understood, by the general public. World Paint and Coatings Week sets out to rectify that.
“So, I encourage everyone involved in the sector to follow the World Coatings Council on social media, share their posts, and to join in with your own company case studies explaining how they are crucial to society. Whether it is through job creation or helping in the drive towards greater sustainability, working at the cutting edge of innovation or providing essential coatings that enable other parts of industry to function. The Week is already a success, and I look forward to it growing in scale and scope in future years.”
14TH MARCH 2025
THE SLATE, UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK SPONSORED BY
Friday 14th March saw over 100 delegates gather for our second Road to Net Zero Seminar which built on the foundations of launch of the Net Zero Roadmap in November 2023 and focussed on scope three emissions.
The morning session opened with speakers on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive along with the challenges and opportunities this presents to upstream scope three emissions. We also explored the Together for Sustainability initiative which focuses on the promotion of sustainability practices in the chemical industry’s supply chain and seeks to establish standardised auditing and assessment. Cadent joined us to explore the role Hydrogen can play in decarbonisation and projects that were underway which may be of interest to our members and then we went on to hear what’s been done in the automotive industry, with particular focus on how organisations have engaged their supply chains in delivering sustainable outcomes. Following this, presenters were joined by raw material suppliers and retailers for a panel discussion on the role of the full supply chain in delivering a reduction in emissions.
The afternoon session focussed on packaging, and we were joined by PackUK for an overview on how the Extended Producer Responsibility and Recycling Assessment Methodology supported a circular economy. Again, this was followed by a panel session with representatives across plastic and metal packaging materials.
While both sessions explored very different topics, there were some clear themes that came out across all discussions. Collaboration, data and consistency were identified as topics that need support across the supply chain and the BCF will look to explore further how we can support this across the industry.
We’ve had some great feedback on the event and several members have been in touch for support on starting their net zero journey.
MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR NET ZERO ROADMAP:
CALLUM’S STORY
Written by Amy White, BCF Marketing Manager
Callum joined the BCF team in July 2023 for his 12 month placement year as our Marketing Executive. As soon as Callum’s CV and portfolio came through, Sophie and I knew from then that he was who we were going to hire. He came in for the interview, and as nervous as he was, when we came to discussing his photography, he had a quiet confidence in his work. He came across as very humble and he didn’t know how perfect for the role he was.
Once he stepped into the role, Callum absolutely thrived. He quickly made up new skills within marketing, but he truly had a love for photography. In his time with us, he was the sole photographer for large scale industry awards, conferences and seminars, responsible for documenting some milestone events in history for our industry, even including at the House of Commons. It was amazing to watch him embrace this role at events and become a director with the delegates, engaging them in the experience and getting wonderful output as a result. His photos were circulated in numerous trade and national press outlets.
Callum was also responsible for BCF’s social media channels and helped us begin to build what is now the new Coatings Careers Hub. He produced almost all of the materials for our Essential Coatings campaign, and our first ever industry Net Zero Roadmap; his contributions will be embedded in BCF’s history.
Callum was an talented graphic designer too. Not only did he excel in the day-to-day marketing tasks, his contributions were even awarded in a prestigious ceremony for the Trade Association Forum’s 2024 Publication of the Year Award, chosen from all trade associations in all sectors across the UK.
Outside of work, Callum was hugely passionate about wildlife and animals, and was always travelling the country to take photos for his portfolio. He was also a huge lifelong Coventry City fan, a season ticket holder for most of his life.
In April 2024, Callum was tragically diagnosed with cancer. He kept in close contact with us throughout this time, and we know from him and his family that he stayed incredibly positive in the face of his illness. Callum fought so hard, but lost his battle after eight months in January 2025. He was only 22 years old.
He was exceptionally talented beyond his years - for him to have had such a far reaching impact in not just BCF but throughout our industry, in such a short time is a true testament to his character and talent. We are all so proud of him.
This is not the end of Callum’s story; it’s the beginning of his legacy.
At all three BCF flagship events, we will be fundraising for charities that all directly supported Callum and his family when they needed it most: Teenage Cancer Trust, Myton Hospice and Young Lives vs Cancer. We hope that our members and stakeholders will join us in supporting these charities for a cause that holds great personal meaning for the BCF team.
We’re also launching the BCF Rising Star Award in 2025 in Callum’s memory, to recognise those early in their careers that inspire others with their dedication and enthusiasm, just like he did.
We’re delighted to be using this Award to celebrate Callum’s life and the achievements of others who, like him, show great promise for a bright future in our industry.
CHARITY PARTNERS
You can find out more about our charity partners below, and our upcoming events and how you can support our fundraising on the following pages.
The Teenage Cancer Trust offers unique care and support, designed for and with young people. They fund specialised nurses, youth workers and hospital units in the NHS, so young people have dedicated staff and facilities to support them throughout treatment.
They run events for young people with cancer to help them regain independence and meet other young people going through something similar. They also provide easy-to-understand information about every aspect of living with cancer as a young person.
Myton Hospice focuses on enhancing life when cure is no longer an option; supporting people living with a wide range of terminal illnesses, and their families, from the point of diagnosis to end of life.
By focusing on patient wellbeing and seeing them and not the illness, Myton aim to help them reengage with their lives and give them more quality time with their families and loved ones.
Young Lives vs Cancer help families find the strength to face everything cancer throws at them.
They work hard to provide support that’s easy to access and meets individual needs. They shape the work we do around six core principles: coping with diagnosis, financial support, free accommodation for families during treatment, education support for young people during and after treatment, bereavment support and campaigning for policy change.
For more information and to secure your place, visit:
2025
Thursday 5th June at the Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth
We are pleased to announce that ticket sales are now open for the BCF Annual Conference 2025. This year’s event will bring together industry leaders and experts for in-depth discussions on the key issues shaping the coatings sector.
The conference will explore the political and economic outlook for the industry, innovations in automation and artificial intelligence, advancements in sustainability and regulatory developments, as well as a comprehensive review of the year and the challenges ahead.
TICKETS
EARLY BIRD (UNTIL 08TH MAY)
EXC ACCOMMODATION (+ VAT)
£399
INC ACCOMMODATION (+ VAT)
£549
STANDARD (AFTER 08TH MAY)
EXC ACCOMMODATION (+ VAT)
£449
INC ACCOMMODATION (+ VAT)
£599
The event is open to Full and Associate member companies. We provide one discounted ticket per BCF Full member company (Paint, Inks and Wallcoverings manufacturers).
Sponsored by:
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
DR DANIEL THORNILEY, DT-GLOBAL BUSINESS
CONSULTING
Global political and economic outlook
CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
GRAEME CHAPLIN, BANK OF ENGLAND UK economic landscape
MARJANEH ZARREHPARVAR, PAINTCARE INC
PaintCare: Successfully recycling paint in the US for 15 years
NICK FERRARI
Award-winning TV and radio broadcast host and journalist
REBECCA DIAMOND, B&Q (KINGFISHER GROUP)
Sustainability: A customer’s view
HELEN ANDERTON, INX INTERNATIONAL
Launching the BCF’s Careers in Coatings Strategy
ASTON UNIVERSITY
Biobased solutions for the coatings industry
ANDREW ROSER, AKZONOBEL
Launching the BCF’s Careers in Coatings Strategy
DISCUSSION PANEL - INNOVATION, AUTOMATION AND AI IN THE UK COATINGS INDUSTRY
TOM BOWTELL, BCF
JEFF HOPE, AKZONOBEL AUTOMATED SYSTEMS GROUP, WARWICK
MANUFACTURING GROUP (WMG)
CHRISTOPHER PILGRIM, INNOVATE UK
BJARKE RUSE, GO AUTONOMOUS
CHESFORD GRANGE, KENILWORTH Chesford Grange is a unique hotel based in Warwickshire. Even though you may feel a million miles away, the hotel is near the M40 and M69, and is just 5 miles from Warwick Castle and 13 miles from Birmingham Airport.
FRIDAY 4TH JULY 2025
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
On Friday 4th July, BCF will host its fifth charity bike ride, with teams from many of its member companies coming together for a fantastic cause. This exciting event, starting from the BCF’s Coventry office, is an opportunity to build teamwork, enhance fitness, and raise much-needed funds for Myton Hospice, an organisation dedicated to providing compassionate end of life care.
This year’s ride holds even more significance as it is held in memory of our dear colleague, Callum Plummer, who tragically passed away earlier this year after a battle with cancer. Callum was cared for by Myton, and their support provided great comfort to him and his family during one of the most difficult times of their lives. For the BCF team, this cause is deeply personal and we are committed to honoring Callum’s memory by raising more funds than ever before for Myton. As a leader in compassionate care, Myton ensures that patients are not only cared for but are also involved in decisions about their care, creating a truly dignified experience for all.
The bike ride will feature three routes designed to accommodate all abilities: 100km, 52km and 35km. The routes will take riders through the stunning Warwickshire countryside and picturesque villages, offering a scenic challenge for all participants.
In 2024, the event raised over £19,000, and we are hopeful this year’s ride will be just as successful. After registering, participants will receive further information about fundraising opportunities, route details, and overnight accommodation options for those wishing to arrive the evening before. Additionally, secure bike storage will be available at the BCF office the night before the ride. Every registered rider will also receive a BCF-branded jersey in their chosen size.
Not keen on riding but still want to be involved?
We have volunteer opportunities available! If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out to us for more details.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors: INX International, Dacrylate Paints, Hubergroup, Indestructible Paints and Tronox Pigments for their continued support.
There are still 3 sponsorship slots available, so if you’re interested in sponsoring this event, please get in touch.
We look forward to seeing you in Coventry this July to ride, raise funds, and make a difference in honour of Callum’s memory.
SIGN UP BEFORE 2ND MAY TO SECURE YOUR JERSEY TO SIGN UP FOR THE RIDE, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE BELOW TO REGISTER NOW: DONATE NOW VIA JUSTGIVING
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO ENTER:
THE 15TH ANNUAL
BCF AWARDS 2025
WEDNESDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2025
AT THE CARDEN PARK HOTEL IN CHESHIRE
SPONSORED BY: SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN! ENTER BEFORE MONDAY 12TH MAY
The BCF are delighted to announce our 2025 Award submissions are now open! You can read more about each of our 13 categories on the following page.
2025 AWARD CATEGORIES:
NEW FOR 2025: RISING STAR SPONSORED BY DACRYLATE PAINTS
Launching in 2025, the BCF Rising Star Award will celebrate young individuals within a BCF member company, honouring employees who demonstrate exceptional potential, outstanding performance, and a strong commitment to their professional development early in their careers. This award acknowledges those who have made significant contributions to their teams and the organisation, inspiring others with their dedication and enthusiasm.
SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION
The Sustainable Innovation Award recognises and celebrates commitment to the BCF Sustainability Policy through the launch of innovative and sustainable products, processes or services. Sustainability is an all-encompassing term covering environmental, economic, and social aspects of responsibility, with broad objectives of economic growth and increased employment prospects, enhanced social conditions and an improved living environment – all achieved while minimizing the use of harmful materials and without depleting valuable resources.
RACE TO NET ZERO SPONSORED BY XYNTRA
Our Race to Net Zero Award recognises applicants’ own contributions to achieving the coating industry’s overall pledge to reaching Net Zero by 2050, which will be judged principally by the reduction demonstrated, or the projected reduction, of emissions (scope 1, 2 and 3) which are defined by the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol using data that is no older than 2018, due to the implementation of company policies, new standards, best practice and sustainable initiatives.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award will be given to a BCF member company which has clearly demonstrated an outstanding and successful charity or CSR campaign across any aspect of social responsibility.
COATINGS CARE PROGRESS
The Coatings Care Progress Award is presented to the company that has made the most significant year on year improvement in its performance on the same health, safety and environmental criteria.
COATINGS CARE OVERALL BEST PERFORMER SPONSORED BY VERLINGUE
The Coatings Care Overall Best Performer Award is presented to the company that has demonstrated best in class performance across a range of key performance indicators, including VOC emissions, energy consumption, waste and recycling, and accident and incident statistics.
MARKETING CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR
This Award will be given to a BCF member company that has produced and delivered an innovative and effective marketing campaign that clearly meets organisational goals. The judges are looking for a measurable campaign that has demonstrable impact on the target audience.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
BCF’s Customer Service Award recognises the growing importance of customer service as a differentiator in the paints, coatings, inks and wallcovering industries.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION SPONSORED BY BASF
The Diversity and Inclusion Award will be awarded to a BCF member company that has demonstrated an awareness and consideration of ED&I in their business. This award will recognise the efforts of a member company to champion equality and fairness.
EXCELLENCE IN TRAINING
The BCF Excellence in Training Award is presented for a company initiative rather than an individual (which is recognised through the Student of the Year Award). Now in its eighth year, entries for both BCF training and non-BCF initiatives will be considered.
STUDENT OF THE YEAR
This award, for our Coatings Training Institute (CTI) students, is decided by our industry-respected tutors. This award is presented to the CTI student who, in the opinion of the tutors, has consistently demonstrated the highest level of understanding and achieved outstanding scores in examinations and practical work when completing their training modules.
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR SPONSORED
BY
STORT GROUP
Apprentice of the Year will be awarded to an apprentice currently employed at a BCF member company who best demonstrates how they’ve used their apprenticeship to achieve great personal and professional development.
YOUNG LEADER OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY FENTON PACKAGING
Now in its eighth year, the BCF’s Young Leader of the Year Award will recognise an exceptional individual under the age of 35 working within a BCF member company who has proved to be an effective, innovative and impactful leader.
BELLE IS BCF’S RISING STAR
The BCF had the incredible honour of attending the 2025 Trade Association Forum Awards on Thursday 27th February, where we were proudly shortlisted for Team of the Year, Diversity and Inclusion, and most excitingly, to celebrate our very own Belle Lake as a Rising Star.
We couldn’t be prouder of Belle and everything she has accomplished over the past seven years. Her unwavering dedication, passion, and hard work have not only played a key role in shaping the BCF’s growth but have also made a significant and lasting impact on the community. Belle’s leadership in the Community Heartbeat Trust Defibrillator Campaign has been truly inspiring, raising awareness, saving lives, and bringing people together. She has gone above and beyond to make a difference, and her commitment to helping others is nothing short of remarkable.
Belle, your talent and dedication shine so brightly, and we are incredibly honoured to have you as part of our team. Your recognition as a Rising Star finalist is so well deserved, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will continue to achieve.
CONGRATULATIONS, BELLE!
WRITTEN BY IAN BIRCH, BCF CONSULTANT
In October 2024, after 42 years in the paint industry, I decided to retire from full-time employment. I had recently been sitting on a committee with the BCF which was discussing the impact of the changes in the building regulations, in particular, Approved Document B (ADB) and how they are affecting the paint industry and building owners postGrenfell.
After a meeting with Tom Bowtell, I was asked if I would chair The Building Regulations Task Force Group and help form and implement the strategies for the BCF in dealing with ADB. I am doing this on a part–time consultancy basis.
The main topics we are dealing with are as follows:
FOR INTERNAL MEANS OF ESCAPE (LININGS)
We are developing a new test substrate, nominally called the red board. This is a painted substrate made of multiple layers of differing coatings. It is designed to replicate the rapid flame spread that can be experienced if the build-up of coatings in a building is not managed over several re-decorations. This work has become necessary for a few reasons:
(i) The original multi-layer test substrate, known as the Warrington Class 4 Blue Board is no longer available. Hence coatings manufacturers could not test new systems on a recognised flammable substrate.
(ii) The removal of National Class testing being recognised in ADB for reaction to fire systems – effective 2nd March 2025.
RETIREMENT, REGULATIONS AND REDEFINING FIRE SAFETY IN COATINGS
(iii) These changes in ADB mean that all new testing has to be done to Euro classifications, and the industry needs a substrate to test to the newer requirement which is Euro Class B – s3, d2.
We are now producing a 3rd batch of the ‘red board’ some of which will be A-B tested at different AKAS laboratories and the rest will be available for the BCF manufacturer members.
The aim is to gain full acknowledgement of this test substrate as a standard and get it referenced in a future version of ADB.
FOR EXTERNAL WALL SURFACES
Amendments to ADB in 2019 introduced a higher fire rating requirement of Euro Class A1 or A2 for these surfaces on buildings with a height of over 11 metres. The introduction of this requirement has had a significant impact on the coatings industry. Traditional, organic–based masonry and other trim coating systems
cannot attain the A1 / A2 fire rating. This has meant that painting the external surfaces with conventional coating systems has stopped. To our current knowledge, only silicate–based systems could currently achieve this rating, but these have to be applied onto a bare, non-combustible substrate to achieve it currently. Essentially, this means that existing buildings will need to have all of the current coatings removed (by shotblasting or other means) before a highrise building can be refurbished.
Work is being identified to gather evidence as to whether external coating systems are a real-world fire risk. This will involve simulation and some large-scale fire tests and take some time but we aim to be able to present this evidence to Government in the future and possibly attain an alteration to the rules.
BCF STRENGTHENS MEMBER CONNECTIONS WITH SITE VISITS IN 2025
BCF keeps in touch with its members in various ways. From our Board, our Council and Committee structure, through regular information emails, and by issuing surveys, most recently our biennial member survey. Plus old fashioned phones calls! All of these means of communication enable us to keep up to speed with members' priorities.
However, nothing quite beats a site visit to learn how members are really doing and to have a bit more time to discuss, one-on-one, the issues affecting individual businesses. We know from the recent members survey feedback that these are particularly valued by members too and so we have made it a BCF team priority to get out and about and make more visits over the course of 2025.
Already this year, our new Head of Membership, Matt Peters, has been working his way around the country. In partnership with CEO Tom Bowtell, he has visited AkzoNobel in Slough, PPG in Birstall, and Sherwin Williams in Reading, all as part of BCF’s development of its PaintCare ambitions. He has also visited Thomas Howse in Rowley Regis and AkzoNobel Industrial Coatings in Blackburn, the latter to hand over the Apprentice of the Year certificate to Elliott Taylor, who unfortunately couldn’t attend the BCF awards night to collect his prize last year.
The regulatory team made a number of site visits last year and Sustainability Manager Zoe Slade recently visited Associate member Berry Global in Leamington Spa, which is Europe’s leading manufacturer
of plastic paint containers. Their Leamington facility uses a closed-loop system to mechanically process domestically recovered household waste polypropylene (PP) back into packaging. Zoe learned a lot about the recycling process to better understand what measures are taken to ensure the quality of the end product.
Matt and the rest of the BCF team have several visits already lined up for the coming weeks but we would love to get more in the diary for the rest of the year. If you would like some of the BCF team to visit your site and talk to us about your particular priorities on ‘home turf,’ we would very much like to come and see you. Feel free to contact any of the team directly – especially if there is a particular angle you want to focus on that you think one of them might be best suited to discuss. Or buttonhole one of us at the next council or committee meeting you might be attending. Alternatively, email Belle at belle.lake@bcf.co.uk and she will be able to liaise with the team and arrange for the right person or people to visit you on a day that suits you best, and to work with you to put together the most beneficial agenda.
We look forward to visiting more of you soon and maybe putting together a collage of photos from those visits in the next edition of Covered.
New members
If you would like to find out more about the opportunities available to our members, and the support we provide, please contact Belle Lake at belle.lake@bcf.co.uk.
Associate members
Nivalis-Tech
Ice Pigging is a pipeline cleaning process utilising a two-phase ice and liquid slurry which forms the Ice Pig. The slurry is pumped through the pipe like a liquid, but moves through pipework like a solid, removing contaminants and fouling and carrying them out of the pipe within the Ice Pig. Nivalis design and build equipment and also provide Ice Pigging as a service.
www.nivalis-tech.com
Macro Polymers
Macro Polymers is a Government-recognized Export House and an ISO-certified leader in manufacturing synthetic resins for paints, printing inks, and adhesives. With over five decades of expertise, our advanced facilities deliver consistent quality and uninterrupted supply, supporting diverse global markets, including Europe, Middle East and North America. We offer customized solutions, adhering to stringent quality standards at every stage. Trust Macro Polymers for innovative, reliable resins backed by cutting-edge R&D and a legacy of excellence.
www.macropolymers.com
Racing Colours Ltd
Established in 1999, Racing Colours Limited supply colour pigments, preparations and resins to the printing and coatings industries.
We welcome your business small or large and we aim to offer our customers a friendly, efficient service supplying products that you can trust.
We have a great deal of experience in the industry and will work with you to find a product that suits your needs.
www.racingcoloursuk.co.uk
Shearwater Chemicals
Shearwater Chemicals is a sales agency and business consultancy focused on the graphic arts and industrial coatings sectors.
Partnerships are currently in place with Indulor and Van Meeuwen Additives, offering high-quality products and excellent services for the UK and Ireland markets.
Van Meeuwen Additives’ core competencies are developing and producing functional coatings for rigid extruded PET sheets and films used in food packaging applications. Indulor’s core competencies are developing and producing emulsions, solutions and polymers.
Upcoming events and meetings
Are you looking to upskill your team? Are you thinking about developing your coatings industry knowledge?
For summer 2025, we will be launching a new sustainability module on BCF’s online learning platform, The Coatings Training Institute.
The module will explore the science behind global warming and climate change and why it’s important for your business as well as outline the steps you can take to start to understand your emissions and make changes to reduce the impact of your organisation.
The Coatings Training Institute offers 57 modules of study across 4 levels, from Foundation to Advanced. Browse our module catalogue on our website.
Purchasing six modules at any level awards students with our International Certificate of Coatings Technology once completed, and gives a 10% discount when buying six or more modules. This discount is available for both BCF and non-BCF members.
