Why work in the plastics industry?
What is the Plastics Industry?
Within the historical context of the Industrial Revolution, the plastics sector occupies a relatively recent time frame of the past 70 or so years. However, its positive impact on our everyday lives is quite unlike any other material. From medical, automotive and aerospace applications, right through to packaging, construction and agriculture, plastics have enabled progression and change in a variety of industries. It can often be seen (or rather 'hidden') as an industry behind industries, providing technological advances that benefit many fields and promote innovation. With this in mind, a career in the Plastics Industry could have a real impact in the world, whichever section you find yourself in...
Use the links below to find out more...
The various pathways within the industry are schematically presented here.
A comprehensive list of short training courses within the industry are listed on this page.
Highlighting excellent talent throughout the industry is always at the forefront of the BPF.
The BPF jobs board aims to further promote all current vacancies within the plastics industry.
Raw Materials Sector
A role in this 'upstream' area of the industry could range from exciting colour chemistry through to hands on manufacturing of raw material polymers, helping to supply downstream users with the ingredients and tools to innovate for everyday life.
For more information on this sector, head over to our Additives, Thermosets and Thermoplastics pages.
Machinery Sector
This sector provides the nuts and bolts for those looking to mould and shape raw materials into useful products. Furthermore, this sector also provides key equipment to the raw materials sector, as well as recycling, helping the industry full circle to further its sustainability credentials. A career in this sector could range from the manufacture of machinery (an exciting opportunity for budding engineers!) to the sale and supply of key ancillary equipment to aid moulding and testing of products. As we move to the future, 3D printing looks set to play an evermore prominent role in this sector too.
For more information on this sector, including the future of it, have a look at our Industry 4.0: Plastics and the New Industrial Revolution document.
Processing Sector
This is the real 'meat and bones' of the Plastics Industry, where raw materials are converted into the finished product applications that we encounter today. Whether it's your computer screen housing, a steering wheel or specialist aerospace parts, a career in this sector can provide a tangible and visible effect on everyday life. Engineers, apprentices, graduates and need to look no further for a fulfilling career providing products that benefit and drive growth.
For more information on processing, head over to our Plastipedia page to learn about the different techniques!
Recycling Sector
Arguably the 'youngest' sector of the industry, recycling has come a long way over the years in terms of detection, separation and increased volumes. Seeking to 'close the loop' and increase the sustainability (and self-sufficiency) of the Plastics Industry as a whole, this sector involves the collection, recycling and reuse of plastics which have reached their end of life. This could range from short life application plastics (i.e. food packaging or bottles) to longer life application plastics (i.e. window frames or cars). Through its inherent goal to increase sustainability, a career in the recycling industry could have a real positive impact on the world.
For more information on this sector, head over to our Plastics Recycling page to understand further certain aspects.
The BPF aims to provide you with information to help you embark upon a career within the plastics industry
We’re behind you at every step of the way!