4 April 2017

Rolling out the changes at BPIF labels

After eight years as Chairman of the special interest group - BPIF labels, John Bambery has announced that he is finally retiring. Having overseen a significant increase in membership and introduced the category of partner membership, which now includes over 30 supplier companies from the sector, John feels that the time is right to hand over the reins to someone who can take BPIF labels to the next stage of development. We are pleased to announce he is being replaced by Graham Backhouse a stalwart from the industry, with over 37 years of experience within the sector.

John's other achievements during his tenure have been to successfully launch the ‘Zero Labels 2 Landfill' initiative in partnership with PRISMM Environmental, which now has over 50 companies participating. The publication of a Good Manufacturing Practice Guide (GMP) on ink migration for the printing of labels and related packaging for the food, drinks and sensitive product sectors, and the translation from the German version of the booklet entitled ‘Best Practice for Narrow Web Printing'. The 2nd edition of the GMP on ink migration will be published shortly.

John has also been instrumental in representing the UK label sector at the FINAT National Associations' Board. It is due to his involvement that UK members have access to the AWA cost matrix on raw materials that was initiated by the Swedish Association.

A retirement dinner for John is planned for the 26 April, and this is to be followed by a Konica Minolta Open House and Seminar at the Marriott in Leicester and Soabar on 27 April. This is when Graham will be introduced to BPIF labels members. John's final duties will be to open the Technical Seminar on 17 May at the Mercuré Daventry Court Hotel at which Graham will formally take over.

Coinciding with Graham's appointment, Darren Shepherd who was recently promoted to Regional Director- North will also be responsible for BPIF Labels within his remit.