CPI responds to new support for the ceramics and chemicals sectors

The Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) is pleased to see that the Government has recognised the energy cost crisis affecting British manufacturing, with support announced today for the ceramics and chemicals sectors to become more energy efficient.  

However, limiting this support to two sectors is a missed opportunity and we strongly urge that the eligibility rules are widened to include papermaking.

More broadly, we urge the Government to take a fresh look at its approach to industrial policy. We need a more inclusive, long-term strategy that benefits a broader range of industrial sectors, with interventions made at an earlier stage – not just when there is a crisis of site closures.

Alex Veitch (CEO) said:

“The UK has a successful paper industry, providing high quality manufacturing jobs and enabling a sustainable, circular economy. Yet even in our sector we are also seeing several closures and pressure on sites to secure the investment required for long-term viability. In a highly competitive, global marketplace it is vital the Government widens eligibility rules to help secure UK paper production."