As we bid farewell to another exciting year in our industry, which has been challenged in some ways by the War on Plastics and China’s National Sword, and in other ways by the proliferation of digitalisation, we look ahead to what lies in store for 2019.
One thing that EPPM readers can look forward to in 2019 is a new design and with it, a new Editor, as after nearly five truly enjoyable years I have decided the time is right to step down. It has been more than a pleasure leading this 21-year-old industry publication for a quarter of its life, after taking over from my colleague and friend David Gray in 2014. EPPM has been my identity for so long, and I can honestly say I have put my heart and soul into it. I haven’t been able to please everybody, but I am proud to say EPPM will be turning 21 looking better than ever, with a community that is wider and more engaged than when I started.
It’s a gift indeed to get to travel all over the world, getting to know hundreds of you along the way – most of you at the big industry shows. Fakuma is without doubt my favourite, and the latest edition was no exception, as we collectively enjoyed the warm weather in Friedrichshafen as visitors and exhibitors. I savoured it, knowing I might not be back in 2020.
RB B&W
My canny trade press colleagues, the publicity managers of the big companies and events who have always impressed me with their stamina and ability to shepherd the unruly media at every meeting, and of course the wonderful team here at Rapid Plastics Media, have all shaped my experience as Editor of EPPM and will shape its future. I thank these colleagues and friends in particular as I say farewell.
So, in closing, those who know me will be aware I feel passionately about two subjects in particular: sustainability and equality. I am to take a step back from plastics, joining the millions of civilians that are scrutinising our world on both these points. I hope plastics processors are honest with all of us about what is going to help undo some of the damage we as society have done to our planet, and I hope plastics processors are honest about what is fair within their businesses to women, to minority groups, to those who are differently-abled.
Thank you, dear readers.
