BCF’s UK Coatings Industry’s Net Zero Roadmap Honored

The British Coatings Federation (BCF) secured a win in the Publication of the Year category at the 2024 Trade Association Forum (TAF) Awards ceremony in London, in front of more than 350 delegates.

The Publication of the Year Award was presented to BCF for the in-house production and design of the UK coatings industry’s first-ever edition of their Road to Net Zero document, a substantial and comprehensive report that outlines the industry’s progress so far in reducing carbon emissions, the baseline and targets, and practical information for members on how they can measure and reduce their carbon footprint.

The Roadmap concludes with recommendations for government to support the industry on this journey, and what is needed from the wider supply chain to ensure that the industry is successful.

BCF were also Highly Commended for TAF’s Diversity and Inclusion Award for their work with their members promoting a more diverse workforce in the UK coatings industry. BCF have historically recognised talent within the industry and existing initiatives through their Diversity and Inclusion, Young Leader of the Year, and Apprentice of the Year Awards at their annual BCF Awards ceremony.

In 2021 BCF formed its ED&I Committee, made up of members who support work in the area, such as the BCF Board of Directors’ commitment to championing ED&I within their companies as senior representatives in the industry to build a more balanced, high-performing sector.

Now in its 21st year, the Trade Association Forum Awards are supported by the Department of Business and Trade and recognise excellence, innovation and best practice amongst Trade Associations in the UK.

Tom Bowtell, CEO of the BCF, commented on the win: ‘I’m immensely proud of how well the team worked together to create an outstanding document which I’m delighted to see has now been given this well-earned recognition. I wanted to particularly note the contributions of Patricia Durany-Fernandez, BCF’s Sustainability Manager, for researching and writing the Roadmap and to BCF’s Marketing team for their creative output to make the publication a resounding success.’

Emily Wallace, Chief Executive of the Trade Association Forum and one of the head judges on the panel said: ‘The BCF is an excellent association going from strength to strength. The judges were particularly impressed with how they are driving  the debate about sustainability in the sector with their guide to net zero, and thought that the design and practicality of this publication was more than just an informative publication; it encouraged action to be taken.’