The British Plastics Federation has today launched a signal strategic document on the UK plastics industry's future which it wishes to discuss with all stakeholder groups, government in particular.

On 23 March 2012, the IOM3 organised and accompanied a group of 18 architecture students from the Bartlett School of Architecture on a visit to PVC flooring manufacturer Altro.

When the Olympic Development Authority conceived various structures for the 2012 Olympics, it had to be careful about material selection - not just for sustainability but for health reasons.

On 19 March 2012, The Rubber And Plastics Research Association (RAPRA) and The Materials Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) signed a memorandum of understanding to record the mutual intent of both organisations to use their best endeavours and resources to develop closer cooperation for the benefit of knowledge sharing across the plastics and rubber community.

Around 100 attendees enjoyed high level presentations, a commercial exhibition and leading edge demonstrations in the Polymer IRC laboratories at Bradford University

The Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers are accepting applications until the end of March for their 2012 Venture Prize. The Royal Society are also accepting nominations for a range of awards.

IOM3 and The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) have established a reciprocal membership agreement whereby their respective members can obtain the benefits of each other’s organisations. Initially the agreement is restricted to 500 members each, with the overall programme being maintained for a period of 2 years and reviewed at the end of 12 months.

Can PVC in Europe take it to the next level? Chair of the Polymer Society, Stuart Patrick, discusses ambitions for the future of the material and the progress of the European PVC Voluntary Commitment.

The organisers of the annual Plastics Industry Awards have announced details of the 2012 competition. The black-tie gala awards ceremony will be on 28 September 2012 at the London Hilton on Park Lane and the deadline for entries is 15 June 2012.

This design competition invites students to produce a poster for display at the Advances in Protective Clothing conference on 25 April 2012 at QinetiQ, Farnborough, UK.