The UK coatings industry reports record improvement in waste, recycling and accident rates

Figures just released from the British Coatings Federation (BCF) show a record number of manufacturing companies reported zero landfill waste, at 53%, compared to 45% of companies in the previous year.

Waste per tonne of production decreased 7.4% in 2018, with just 2.4kg per tonne of production and 9% of all waste sent to landfill.

Almost all incinerated waste was used for energy recovery and the recycling rate is at a record high, at 64% of waste disposal compared to 17% in 1996 when records began, with a 2% increase on the previous year.

Manufacturing sites also reported a record low number of injuries per 100,000 man hours in the last two years at 0.07 in 2017 and 0.11 in 2018.

This is eight times lower than the rate of 0.85 in 1996.

BCF’s Tom Bowtell said: "The industry is working continuously to reduce waste, improve recycling and eliminate accidents. I’m proud of the industry’s record improvement levels, which shows our commitment to worker safety and the environment.”

Data is gathered through BCF’s Coatings Care Programme, where nearly 40 member sites report on a variety of health, safety and environmental Key Performance Indicators.

Improvements are rewarded with the presentation of the annual BCF Coatings Care Progress and Coatings Care Overall Best Performer awards.