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EDITORIAL
Well, 2026 hasn’t started out as we’d hoped. It was supposed to be a year of stability, of gradual return to growth, with lower inflation, lower interest rates and consumers having more money to spend.
At time of writing, the war in the Middle East shows few signs of ending, despite the ceasefire talks. With the price of oil elevated for several months now, input costs to our sector are really under pressure. Every $10 on the oil price is said to equate to a 5% rise in raw material costs for the paints, coatings and printing ink industries. For our energy intensive wallcovering members, the rise in the cost of gas is a major concern – which also affects all our members in rises to general energy costs.
The first half of the year has been a busy one for the BCF. We had a successful Net Zero Roadmap update launch in February, thanks to the work of Sustainability Manager Zoe Slade, (see page 12). We also held our 2026 Parliamentary reception in Westminster, with over 130 guests, including 20 MPs and two Ministers. It was Jane Ryder from SherwinWilliams’ first event as our new President, and thanks go to David Park, for making it such a success (see page 6 for a review of this event).
I’d also like to say a special thank you to Sharon Harte for her impactful two and a half years as our President. Her support and sound counsel have been invaluable and particularly her help driving forward our ED&I, careers and PaintCare initiatives, which are stronger as a result. Thank you Sharon.
Talking of PaintCare, we met with Jeremy Blake, CEO of Pack UK, the body tasked with running the Packaging EPR system, and recycling Minister Mary Creagh in March. They both strongly support our launch of PaintCare, as one of the first Government recognised take back schemes. We emphasised our need to have Amber lane EPR fees, not Red, in order to successfully launch PaintCare. The PaintCare Board meets in early July to review the results of the West Midlands trial, which got off to an excellent start, thanks to the work of Ben McClelland and Leah Elvin. We will also be outlining the critical path to PaintCare’s national launch, which will be discussed at the same Board meeting.
I was delighted to see Emma Scott-Hendy promoted to Head of Operations earlier this year, and we’re very happy to have Dena Purcell in the Executive Support Assistant role, who has settled in well. Also new is Ben Delaney, who joined us in January as Head of Membership. Ben has already made a big impact, and many of you will get to know him at one of our upcoming events, be it the annual conference in June, or our charity bike ride in July. Our marketing team continue to do a great job to raise the industry profile, most recently with the second World Paint and Coatings Week in March, which saw over 30,000 total impressions during the week!
Our regulatory team, Kathryn Tearle and Ciara Dempsey have been doing a great job supporting members with the many regulatory challenges we face, despite the team being one member down, a vacancy we are pleased to have now filled with our new Regulatory Affairs Manager Kamila Rahman, who joined us in May - you can get to know her on page 22.
We are pushing back on UK REACH, albeit an improvement on current legislation, has significant burdens which disadvantage UK manufacturers versus their EU counterparts. We continue to lobby for closer alignment with the EU, and removal of unnecessary bureaucracy.
Hopefully you’ll have submitted your entries for the BCF 2026 awards, which closed for entries in May with the Awards Dinner in November in Leeds. We were thrilled to have our own awards success, being announced as UK Trade Association of the Year 2026 at the TAF Awards in February. I’m so proud of our team for achieving this fantastic accolade once again. Rest assured we won’t rest on our laurels, and remain focussed on driving the agenda of our members to ensure the future sustainable success and competitiveness of our fantastic industry.
WORLD PAINT AND COATINGS
HOW BCF TURNED GLOBAL INTO REAL-WORLD IMPACT
This year saw World Paint and Coatings Week (WPCW) take place between 23rd – 27th March. This was the second year of the awareness campaign and we saw increased participation from members and stakeholders both in the UK and around the world.
Organised through the World Coatings Council, WPCW was devised as a way to give the industry a single media and campaign hook on an annual basis. This year’s theme highlighted the power of coatings and each day we focussed on a different aspect of that power: in essential downstream industries, in architecture and infrastructure, innovation and careers, sustainability and, indeed, the whole economy.
As a global campaign, much of the activity was online and via social media: it is the multiplier effect of everyone using hashtags and sharing content over a short period that makes WPCW a success. This year saw much more success, including a notable increase in online activity, more member involvement in using their own content and talking about their products, and national associations from across the world being creative and communicating the widepsread importance and power of coatings as widely as possible.
In addition to social media activities, in-person events largely aimed at policy-makers took place. Here in Britain, we held a reception in the House of Commons (see more about that in the next article), and in the US several meetings were held on Capitol Hill and in State Legislatures.
BCF’s own performance gave the campaign real momentum. Across LinkedIn, BCF achieved 30,633 total impressions during the week, made up of 12,564 organic impressions and 18,069 paid impressions, while clicks reached 2,130 in total. Paid promotion alone delivered a reach of 10,056 across the Essentials, Sustainability and Careers themes, with the careers content proving the strongest paid campaign at 10,461 impressions. The standout organic moment was the Parliamentary Reception post, which generated 4,100 impressions, 149 likes and 1,977 engagements, helping to make BCF the strongest overall LinkedIn performer in comparative WPCW reporting by total visibility. Offline, that digital success was matched by the highly successful Parliamentary Reception in the House of Commons on day two of the week, attended by more than 20 MPs and Peers alongside around 150 guests from across the coatings sector. The event gave BCF a valuable platform to highlight the importance of coatings to the UK economy, showcase progress on sustainability and PaintCare, and reinforce key policy messages directly with ministers, parliamentarians and stakeholders. Together, the online campaign and in-person engagement demonstrated how WPCW can amplify both industry awareness and policy influence when digital activity is backed by real-world advocacy.
So - a big thank you to all members who helped us make this year’s World Paint and Coatings Week a success. If you have any ideas for how we can progress the campaign next year, please do get in touch.
COATINGS WEEK: GLOBAL AWARENESS
WORLD COATINGS COUNCIL WASHINGTON MEETING
The World Coatings Council (WCC) is constituted of various national and regional coatings trade associations, with both the BCF and CEPE in membership. Its overarching purpose is to improve communication and coordinate policy on matters of international concern to the paint and printing inks industry. Over the past three decades the WCC has established itself as a global voice for the industry, in particular engaging with the United Nations on relevant topics. BCF’s CEO, Tom Bowtell, is currently the organisation’s President.
The Council also provides a forum for exchange of ideas and cooperation on major issues and priorities facing the industry. This year’s Annual Meeting of the WCC in Washington D.C. was a good example of the valuable insights that emerge from collaborative discussions with colleagues from around the world.
A whole day was set aside for a Paint and Packaging Recycling Workshop, with national trade associations sharing what schemes and projects they are currently delivering or working on. The USA, Canada and Australia all have mature operating models of paint recycling schemes with plans for expansion and further innovation. BCF updated on progress of its own plans for PaintCare in the UK, and the Brazilian trade association presented on its own planned scheme, Retornatinta. Other countries updated on various schemes that look to work within Extended Producer Responsibility parameters to find more workable and proportionate solutions for dealing with waste paint and packaging.
Other parts of the annual meeting addressed issues relating to UN initiatives and guidance, as well are regulatory concerns from around the world. And members were able to informally discuss the issues currently most relevant to them and their member companies.
BCF CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT PAINTCARE SCHEME AT PARLIAMENTARY RECEPTION
The British Coatings Federation hosted a highly successful Parliamentary Reception in the House of Commons Terrace Pavillion on Tuesday 24th March.
The event, kindly hosted by Adam Jogee MP, Member of Parliament for Newcastle-under-Lyme, was attended by Industry Minister, Chris McDonald MP; Minister for Waste and Recycling, Mary Creagh MP; along with more than 20 other MPs and Peers. They joined with around 150 guests from across the coatings sector, with key stakeholders from a range of sectors and organisations. The strong attendance reflected the growing recognition of the essential role our sector plays in the UK economy and in delivering the Government’s Industrial Strategy.
Taking place on Day 2 of World Paint and Coatings Week, the reception served as a platform to highlight the vital contribution coatings play in advancing sustainability. It provided an ideal opportunity to showcase the progress our industry is making toward a more sustainable future and to demonstrate how coatings innovation underpins so many of the UK’s environmental and economic ambitions.
Jane Ryder, BCF President and Vice President & General Manager, Consumer Brands Group – Europe at Sherwin-Williams UK, Tom Bowtell, BCF CEO and Adam Jogee MP all delivered wellreceived speeches. Tom Bowtell focussed on the key policy challenges facing the coatings sector, including: rocketing energy and raw material prices; rising employment costs; the need for support for the green energy transition; a longterm focus on skills and training, especially STEM subjects and relevant apprenticeships; and for the Modern Industrial Strategy to recognise the importance of supply chains.
Tom went on to call on the government to find a less cumbersome and costly solution for UK REACH that accepts registrations in the EU as valid in the UK, as part of a wider move towards a Swiss Model approach.
The event also provided an opportunity to update guests on the regional trial of the BCF’s PaintCare initiative, which launched this month. PaintCare UK is the UK’s first voluntary, industry-led takeback scheme for leftover decorative paint and packaging, delivered by the BCF on behalf of paint
manufacturers in partnership with participating retail and trade outlets. Notably, the BCF were able to demonstrate the scheme’s progress to Waste and Recycling Minister Mary Creagh, and discuss some regulatory challenges that must be addressed to achieve a nationwide rollout.
Speaking after the event, Jane Ryder commented:
“This was my first event as BCF President, and it was great to see so many BCF members joining us at our Parliamentary Reception. I am very grateful to Adam Jogee MP for sponsoring the event and for helping us to make it happen. I was also delighted that Industry Minister, Chris McDonald, and Waste and Recycling Minister, Mary Creagh, both gave us so much of their time to come and hear more about the coatings industry and the needs and ambitions of its members.”
Tom Bowtell added:
“I am really pleased with the turnout for the reception, with more than 20 MPs coming to hear more about our sector and to speak with our members and other stakeholders. It was a good opportunity to put firmly on record the concerns our sector still has with UK REACH and to urge the government, even at a very late hour, to rethink its proposals, which currently look as though they will still add significant burdens onto industry. I was also particularly pleased to be able to talk to both Ministers McDonald and Creagh about the coatings sector's ambitions for our PaintCare initiative. If we can get this right, it will be a major win for the sector and for government in creating a more circular economy.”
TO READ OUR NEW 2026 ESSENTIAL COATINGS REPORT, SCAN THE QR CODE HERE.
NEW BCF PRESIDENT FOCUSES ON RECYCLING & REFORM
Jane Ryder, Vice President & General Manager of Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group Europe, took over as the new President of the British Coatings Federation earlier in 2026, and will serve for a twoyear term. Her first engagement was to host the BCF’s Parliamentary Reception at the end of March, where over 130 guests and 20 MPs were present, which was a huge success.
Talking about her new role, Jane said:
“I’m thrilled and honoured to be the new BCF President; under Sharon Harte’s guidance, the BCF is in really good shape, with a fantastic team, strong finances and a track record of successful representation of the sector. I look forward to helping the BCF team continue to provide quality regulatory support and information to our members over the next couple of years.
“In particular, though, I am excited to help launch the BCF’s new leftover paint and packaging recycling programme, PaintCare, during my two-year term, as well as continuing to represent the industry’s needs to Government on improving UK Chemical regulations. There is lots to be done and lots to look forward to.”
Jane succeeds Sharon Harte, Managing Director of Dacrylate Paints, who had been BCF’s first female President in the Federation’s 100-plus-year history. Sharon was named in the 2024 Women in Trade Associations Powerlist, providing external recognition for her important contribution.
Sharon commented:
“It has been a real privilege to serve as President of the British Coatings Federation. During that time, we’ve made significant progress together - from advancing our industry’s journey towards net zero,
to strengthening representation and achieving greater diversity at the Board level.
I’m particularly proud that the BCF has continued to grow in influence and impact, reflected not only in the successful delivery of our five-year strategic roadmap to 2025 and the development of our new strategy through to 2030, but also in national recognition - including being named Trade Association of the Year in both 2023 and 2026, and with CEO Tom Bowtell recognised as CEO of the Year in 2024.
We have also strengthened our focus on the power and future of the sector, from careers outreach to young people through initiatives like the NextGen Council, to embedding our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Charter.
None of this would have been possible without the phenomenal BCF team and the dedication of the many volunteers who give their time and expertise across our committees - they are the backbone of the Federation’s success.
I know I am leaving the BCF Board in excellent and safe hands with Jane. Whilst there are undoubtedly challenges ahead for the sector, I am confident that under Jane and Tom’s leadership, the Federation will continue to step up for its members and build on our strong momentum.”
UK PAINT BRANDS PILOT GROUNDBREAKING LEFTOVER PAINT RETURN SCHEME
For too long, millions of litres of leftover paint have been left sitting unused in sheds and garages across the UK - primarily because, for the majority of the UK population, there has been no simple, accessible way to reuse or recycle it responsibly.
At the same time, consumer and trade demand for practical, effective sustainability solutions has never been higher. People want to do the right thing, but they need systems that make it easy. For the first time, leading UK paint manufacturers and retailers are coming together to trial a new, industry-led solution designed to fundamentally improve what happens to paint at the end of its life.
PaintCare UK, a voluntary, industry-funded take-back scheme run by the British Coatings Federation (BCF) on behalf of UK paint manufacturers, will be trialled in the West Midlands Combined Authority area from March 2026. The pilot will allow consumers and tradespeople to return leftover decorative paint and empty packaging to selected participating retailers, helping to unlock reuse and recycling at scale.
The PaintCare pilot brings together major paint brands - Dulux, Johnstone’s Paint, Crown Paints, Craig & Rose, Valspar and Little Greene - working in collaboration with retail partners including B&Q, Brewers Decorator Centres, Dulux Decorator Centres and Johnstone’s Decorating Centres. Together, they aim to test a practical, scalable model that could help transform the paint category towards a more circular, sustainable future.
The time-limited regional pilot will run for approximately three months and is designed to test and evaluate:
• Consumer participation and convenience
• In-store collection models
• Logistics and treatment solutions
• Opportunities for paint reuse and packaging recycling
PaintCare is working with waste and recycling partner Biffa to manage the safe collection, transport and treatment of returned paint and packaging. Around £0.5 million has been invested in the trial, underlining the paint industry’s commitment to delivering real, system-level change rather than incremental fixes.
(From left to right) Dr Stephen Snaith, Director of PaintCare; Tom Bowtell, CEO of the BCF; Ben McClelland, Operations Manager of PaintCare. (Image credit: B&Q/Ian Tuttle Photography)
THE PAINTCARE WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST UPDATES
Clear PaintCare return areas will be signposted in participating stores. Paint and empty packaging must be handed directly to a member of staff. Details of accepted paint types and conditions are available in store and at www.paintcare.org.uk.
Collections began in February with a phased introduction across participating stores through March 2026. PaintCare intends to use the lessons learned from the trial to inform a planned national rollout.
Independent modelling undertaken by sustainability consultancy Resource Futures indicates that, when fully operational, PaintCare has the potential to deliver significant environmental and social benefits. Based on current assumptions, the scheme is expected to reduce carbon emissions associated with the take-back and treatment of leftover paint by around 50% compared to current disposal routes, while also supporting job creation and volunteering opportunities across the reuse and recycling system. Further details on the methodology and assumptions will be shared as the scheme develops.
The trial represents an important step towards a long-term ambition to reuse or recycle 75% of leftover paint by 2032, compared with an estimated 2% today, and to significantly improve the recycling of paint packaging across the UK.
BCF and PaintCare will work closely with government and relevant agencies throughout the trial, sharing insights on what works well and where regulatory or practical barriers may need to be addressed to enable a viable national scheme.
Commenting on the launch, Tom Bowtell, CEO of the British Coatings Federation, said:
“For too long, it has been too difficult for people to do the right thing with leftover paint. This trial marks a major step forward - not just for our industry, but for consumers and tradespeople who want simple, practical ways to reduce waste.
“What makes PaintCare particularly powerful is the level of collaboration across brands and retailers. By working together, we can test solutions at a scale that would not be possible individually and use real evidence from this trial to help shape a system that works nationally.”
VISIT
NET ZERO: Understanding the Industry Footprint and Advancing Scope 3 Strategy
On Tuesday 24th February, more than 80 BCF members gathered in Liverpool for the third Road to Net Zero seminar. Building on previous events, this year’s focus was firmly on understanding the coatings industry’s carbon footprint, measuring progress to date, and identifying how the sector can accelerate emissions reductions, particularly across Scope 3.
Bringing together businesses from across the coatings value chain, the seminar explored how improved data, deeper insight and greater collaboration are shaping the industry’s journey to Net Zero.
FROM MEASUREMENT TO MOMENTUM
Opening the event, BCF Sustainability Manager Zoe Slade reflected on how the sector has progressed since the first Roadmap to Net Zero launched in 2023. What began as a high-level understanding of the scale of the challenge has evolved into a more robust, data-driven picture of where emissions arise and where action can have the greatest impact.
Greater engagement from members has strengthened the industry evidence base, enabling the sector to move from ambition toward delivery through efficiency improvements, waste reduction and supply chain collaboration. While economic and political uncertainty creates short-term pressure, the central message was clear: longterm climate planning must continue regardless of market conditions.
BCF CEO Tom Bowtell launched the Roadmap to Net Zero – 2026 Edition, highlighting five years of
READ THE 2026 ROADMAP UPDATE HERE:
progress since the sector committed to achieving net zero by 2050. Thanks to significantly improved emissions data, BCF was able to revise the industry carbon footprint first published in 2023. The updated analysis confirmed that Scope 1 and 2 emissions have already fallen by around half since 2018.
Crucially, the refreshed footprint also underlined the scale of the remaining challenge. Scope 3 emissions, linked to raw materials, processing, logistics and end-of-life, account for up to 98% of total emissions, making them central to the industry’s decarbonisation pathway.
The updated roadmap establishes revised Scope 1 and 2 reduction milestones, sharpens the focus on Scope 3 action, and documents industry innovation in formulation design, renewable energy adoption, recycling technologies and skills development. It also tracks the expansion of the PaintCare initiative, with retailer trials launched in early 2026, and outlines the policy support needed to unlock further emissions reductions.
CHALLENGING BUSINESS AS USUAL
Professor Jo Meehan (University of Liverpool Business School) challenged businesses to move beyond incremental change and consider how existing business models contribute to environmental impact. She encouraged integrating sustainability into core decision making through systems thinking, accountability and collective action.
ROAD TO
NET NERO SEMINAR 2026
TACKLING SCOPE 3 AT SCALE
Sessions on Scope 3 emissions highlighted practical approaches to reducing the industry footprint. Presentations from AkzoNobel and TradePrint demonstrated the importance of supplier engagement, improved data quality, embedding emissions into procurement, and coordinating multiple levers; from material choice and energy transition to efficiency and circularity.
Panel discussions reinforced that transparency and progress matter more than perfection, and that industry wide collaboration and standardisation will be critical to accelerating change at scale.
LOOKING AHEAD
Closing reflections returned to the themes of ambition, coordination and resilience. The seminar demonstrated that while the coatings industry faces a complex emissions profile, it also has the data, capabilities and collaborative momentum needed to accelerate progress towards net zero.
BCF ROADMAP TO NET ZERO (2026 EDITION) HIGHLIGHTS:
~50% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions since 2018, exceeding original 2030 expectations.
Up to 98% of total industry emissions sit in Scope 3.
Raw materials and upstream supply chains are the single largest contributor to the footprint.
Improved member data enabled a full recalibration of the industry baseline since 2023.
Net Zero target: 2050, with milestones set across the 2020s and 2030s.
YOUR AWARD-WINNING TRADE ASSOCIATION
The British Coatings Federation (BCF) has been named Trade Association of the Year at the 2026 Trade Association Forum (TAF) Awards, reaffirming its position as one of the UK’s leading and consistently high-performing trade bodies. This latest win adds to BCF’s strong track record at the TAF Awards, having previously secured multiple wins across various categories in recognition of its leadership, member engagement, and impact across the coatings, inks, and wallcoverings sectors.
Held on 26th February at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, the TAF Awards celebrated excellence across the UK association community, bringing together more than
400 industry professionals to recognise outstanding achievements.
In addition to winning the headline award, BCF were Highly Commended in the Event of the Year (Under 500 Attendees) category for its 2025 Charity Cycle: Ride Warwickshire, which raised over £25,000 for The Myton Hospices.
Tom Bowtell, Chief Executive of the British Coatings Federation, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be named Trade Association of the Year once again. This award reflects the engagement of our members and the collaborative spirit that drives everything we do. I’m so lucky to work with
such a dedicated and talented team - everyone has contributed to making us such a brilliant organisation that I’m so proud to lead.”
The TAF Awards are the UK’s premier celebration of trade association excellence, recognising organisations that demonstrate strong governance, member value, innovation, and sector leadership.
BCF’s repeated success at the awards underscores its long-standing commitment to championing the coatings industry, supporting members through policy engagement, sustainability initiatives, skills development, and best-practice programmes.
BCF wins UK Trade Association of the Year for the fourth time under CEO Tom Bowtell’s leadership
BCF CEO TOM BOWTELL
HONOURED BY THE
STATIONERS’ COMPANY
British Coatings Federation CEO, Tom Bowtell, has been admitted as a Freeman of The Stationers’ Company, marking a notable personal milestone and a proud moment for the wider sector. The honour recognises his contribution to industries connected to communication, content and print, and reflects the strong links between BCF’s work and the wider communications landscape.
Founded in 1403, The Stationers’ Company has a long and influential history in printing, publishing and communication, later receiving its Royal Charter in 1557 and playing an important role in the development of the book and print trades. Today, it continues to bring together professionals from across the communications and content industries, creating opportunities for collaboration, mentorship and exchange. Tom’s admission as a Freeman is both a fitting recognition of his leadership and a reminder of the enduring importance of the industries BCF represents.
Tom commented: “It’s a real honour to become part of one of the London Guilds, particularly The Stationers’ Company, given that printing inks, represented by the British Coatings Federation, are still essential to a huge amount of the work of communication, whether that is the printed word or the food packaging we see every day. Thanks to my sponsors, former Master Tony Mash and Bettine Pellant, for your support.”
BCF CONFERENCE 2026
4TH JUNE AT WHITTLEBURY PARK IN TOWCESTER
The British Coatings Federation (BCF) 2026 Annual Conference brought senior figures from across the UK coatings industry together around a clear message: collaboration across the supply chain is essential to tackling the sector’s biggest challenges. Speakers explored how businesses can respond collectively to market pressure, regulatory change, sustainability demands, supply disruption, digital risk and the need for strong leadership.
Held on Thursday 4th June at Whittlebury Park in Towcester, the conference brought together expert speakers from across the coatings value chain and beyond, underlining BCF’s role in convening the conversations and partnerships needed to address shared challenges. From raw materials and chemicals to sustainability, packaging, cybersecurity and leadership, the programme showed how joined-up thinking will be critical to the industry’s future success.
The conference opened with remarks from BCF President Jane Ryder, before turning to the wider market and political context shaping the sector. Dan Murad of ChemQuest shared insight into global coatings industry performance, forecasts and the drivers likely to influence future growth, while David Park’s political update helped delegates better understand the evolving UK political landscape and consider how BCF is navigating this to effectively communicate with decision-makers.
The second session focused on supply chain and sustainability challenges and opportunities. Mais Haddadin and Jane Smith of FGENexantECA explored the future of the European chemicals supply chain and the balance between growth and sustainability. Reg Adams of Artikol then provided a primer on TiO2 for the coatings industry, before Sam Reeve of Resource Futures discussed circularity for packaging in the UK. In the afternoon, delegates heard from keynote
speaker Guillermo Christensen on good cybersecurity and AI governance, offering a timely perspective on risk, resilience and responsible innovation as digital technologies become more embedded in business operations. The final keynote came from Dee Caffari, whose talk, ‘Going against the tide’, closed the main speaker programme with reflections on endurance, leadership and navigating uncertainty.
BCF CEO Tom Bowtell also reviewed the year and outlined the future challenges facing the sector, before BCF President Jane Ryder closed the conference. The event concluded with the annual drinks reception, industry dinner and entertainment from comedian Dominic Holland, giving delegates further opportunity to connect with industry peers and continue the day’s discussions. During the evening, a charity raffle was held to fundraise for BCF’s charity partner, The Myton Hospices, raising over £2,000.
Commenting after the event, BCF CEO Tom Bowtell said: “A strong theme running through this year’s conference was the importance of collaboration. The challenges facing our industry, whether around supply chains, sustainability, regulation, digital risk or future growth, cannot be tackled in isolation. BCF’s role is to bring the industry together, connect different parts of the sector, and lead collaborative action on the issues that matter most.”
The BCF Annual Conference remains one of the federation’s flagship events, bringing together decisionmakers from across the paints, coatings, printing inks and wallcoverings sectors to share insight, strengthen networks and support collaborative progress on the key issues shaping the industry’s future.
The BCF would like to thank lead sponsor Terrafend, and sponsors The Rakem Group, IMCD and Orr & Boss for their support.
PROUD TO PRESENT
THE BCF AWARDS 2026
Celebrating Excellence in the Coatings Industry
With 12 diverse award categories, there truly is something for every part of our industry - from technical innovation and sustainability to marketing, people development, and community impact. We will be announcing the award winners on Thursday, 12th November 2026 at The Queens Hotel in Leeds. Thanks to our sponsors: Verlingue, Lisam, Paleus Acrylics, Invopak and Fenton Packaging.
Categories:
Rising Star
Sustainable Innovation
Race to Net Zero
Corporate Social Responsibility
Coatings Care Progress
Coatings Care Overall Best
Performer
Marketing Campaign of the Year
Customer Service
Excellence in Training
Student of the Year
Apprentice of the Year
Young Leader of the Year
OUR 2026 AWARD ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED. FINALISTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE SUMMER. CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS.
INTERESTED IN ENTERING FOR 2027 AND WANT TO JOIN US FOR THE CELEBRATIONS THIS YEAR? CONTACT US TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST ONCE TICKET SALES GO LIVE.
BCF CHARITY BIKE RIDE
FRIDAY 3RD JULY 2026
JOIN US FOR OUR SIXTH CHARITY CYCLE
On Friday 3rd July, BCF will host its sixth 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.
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 2025, the event raised over £25,000, 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.
SPONSORED BY:
WHY RIDE FOR MYTON HOSPICES?
Myton provides vital, compassionate care for people living with terminal illness and their families. Every mile you ride helps support their incredible work.
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.
Last year, thanks to the incredible generosity and effort of our members, we raised over £25,000 for Myton. We’re aiming to go even further this year, and every rider plays a part.
If you’d like to start fundraising early or share your support with colleagues, friends, and family, you can do so via our JustGiving page:
DONATE AND FUNDRAISE VIA JUSTGIVING:
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors: INX International and Invopak.
We look forward to seeing you in Coventry this July to ride, raise funds, and make a difference in honour of Callum’s memory.
TO SIGN UP FOR THE RIDE, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE BELOW TO REGISTER NOW:
MEET THE TEAM
DENA
PURCELL, EXECUTIVE SUPPORT ASSISTANT
I have been with the BCF for three months now as an Executive Support Assistant and am thoroughly enjoying settling in and finding my feet in a new industry. Each day brings opportunities to learn, and I’ve been fascinated by just how much coatings touch everyday life it’s something I’m really enjoying getting behind.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to gain a broad and varied background across a number of disciplines which helps me navigate my current role. Most recently, I spent 5 years in Operations Management, with earlier experience spanning Supply Chain & Planning, Purchasing Coordination, Credit Control, and Customer Service. I’ve also had the opportunity to contribute to two large-scale SAP implementation projects during this time.
What I value most is working with people - building strong relationships, understanding different dynamics, and using that insight to support and collaborate in the most effective way. I have been a qualified Mental Health First Aider since 2019 and feel privileged to have been able to support colleagues when they needed it most.
Outside of work, I’m married to Noel, and we have three grown-up sons between us, we have a wonderful two and half year-old grandson and another grandchild on the way! Our brood of five Cockapoos certainly keep us busy and keep us fit with all the walking. In my spare time, I enjoy line dancing and have recently started Ballroom and Latin.
KAMILA RAHMAN, REGULATORY AFFAIRS MANAGER
I’m stepping into my new role at the British Coatings Federation with a career nearly spanning 20 years, built across some of the most demanding corners of chemical regulation, product stewardship and sustainability. My foundations were shaped during my years at AkzoNobel Packaging Coatings, where I specialised in food contact compliance and supported the metal coatings business in navigating EU and Member State requirements. That experience taught me how to interpret complex legislation, assess raw materials, guide product launches and communicate regulatory expectations clearly across global teams, skills that have supported my growth in the regulatory environment.
Since then, I’ve broadened my scope across the chemical industry, from early REACH registration work at Chemtura Ltd to SVHC substitution strategy at Rolls Royce, and most recently leading regulatory and sustainability activities at Aquapak Polymers. Alongside my industry experience, I bring a strong technical foundation from my background in Chemistry and additional training through NEBOSH Environmental and General Certificates, which have strengthened my approach to risk, health & safety and environmental management.
Outside of work, life is just as full. I’m a mum to two teenagers, captain of my local netball team, and I like to stay actively involved in charity fundraising. I also have a real love for interior decorating, all of which keep me creative and connected to my community.
CHEMUK
20-21ST MAY 2026
NEC, Birmingham
At ChemUK 2026, BCF speakers played a prominent role in discussions on industrial strategy, regulation and sustainability. Tom Bowtell addressed the future direction of chemicals policy, Ciara Dempsey spoke on UK REACH, and Kathryn Tearle explained developments in EU CLP. Zoe Slade also contributed to the sustainability agenda, highlighting how carbon considerations and environmental performance are increasingly influencing innovation, product development and business decision-making across the sector.
CBS Arena, Coventry SURFEX
9-10TH JUNE 2026
At Surfex 2026, BCF speakers showcased the breadth of the federation’s expertise across regulation, careers, sustainability and public affairs. Kathryn Tearle covered CLP and hazard communication, outlining key regulatory developments, while Leah Elvin spoke about careers in coatings and attracting new talent. Zoe Slade explored the sector’s path to Net Zero, and David Park examined the political and policy issues likely to shape the industry in the years ahead.
BCF AT TRADE SHOWS
NEW MEMBERS
If you would like to find out more about the opportunities available to our members, and the support we provide, please contact info@bcf.co.uk.
Full member
Emissiv Ltd
Emissiv is a UK startup offering innovative radiative cooling coatings that reflect solar radiation and emit IR heat efficiently through the earth’s atmospheric window , lowering surface temperatures passively. Our focus is on coatings that can slash cooling costs, cut emissions, and enhance asset durability - a clean, scalable solution for roofing, infrastructure and energy systems in the drive toward net-zero.
www.emissiv.co.uk
Associate members
A trusted specialist in rigid packaging for the paints and coatings industry for over 80 years. From our UK manufacturing facility in Manchester, we produce high-quality lever lid and rectangular tins, and we supply an extensive range of rigid plastic, steel, and tinplate containers. Invopak is a family-owned business that delivers quality products, a platinum service and competitive prices.
invopak.co.uk
Associate members
Artemyn UK Ltd
Artemyn is a new company but with deep industrial roots. Born in 2024, Artemyn brings together decades of mineral expertise. With 47 sites in 17 countries, 2 R&D centres (UK and US), and over 30 scientists and engineers, Artemyn combines global reach with technical excellence. Its mission is clear: to use its knowledge of kaolin, carbonates, talc, and magnesium hydroxide to deliver next-generation minerals that help industries including paint and coatings transition to more sustainable solutions.
www.artemyn.com
Since 1974, LAIEX, based in Valencia (Spain), has specialized in water-based polymerisation; we are manufacturers of base raw materials: acrylic, vinyl and veova polymers, thermoformed styrene-butadiene latexes, and their compounds. With more than 250 solutions, the emulsions we manufacture are the main binding agent in the final products of sectors such as: automotive, carpets, textile finishers, printing, paints and coatings, adhesive, asphalt, mortars, etc. We are present in over more than 40 countries.
laiex.com
Invopak
LAIEX S.L
UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINGS
All BCF meetings are now face-to-face at our offices in Coventry unless otherwise stated. Visit our website to keep up to date with latest meetings, events and to register. July
The
Package
Quality Products
Platinum Service
Competitive Prices
Made by Invopak
THE VOICE OF A £4 BILLION UK INDUSTRY
Representing 200+ manufacturers, suppliers, and innovators across paints, coatings, printing inks, and wallcoverings.
The BCF champions the sector’s interests, strengthens its future, and empowers members with the insight and influence needed to thrive.
WHY JOIN THE BCF?
Expert Support: Technical, scientific, and regulatory guidance from industry-leading specialists.
Policy Influence: A powerful lobbying voice shaping UK policy and defending members’ interests.
Sustainability Leadership: Practical tools, Net Zero roadmaps, and environmental best practice.
Market Intelligence: Exclusive data, forecasts, and benchmarking to support strategic decisions.
Skills & Careers: Training pathways, apprenticeships, and workforce development resources.
Networking & Growth: High-value events, forums, and business development opportunities.
Strengthen your business. Shape the industry. Join the UK’s authoritative coatings voice.
Learn more and apply for membership at coatings.org.uk
