BAMA explores the future of aerosols
The British Aerosol Manufacturers’ Association (BAMA) has completed a major study undertaken for the aerosol industry by Forum for the Future.
The study was a follow up to a similar exercise undertaken in 2001, which has just been completed. The study resulted in a practical ‘toolkit’ for sustainability to be used by member companies in further developing their own future plans and predictions.
The process involved interviews and workshops with around 100 people from within the aerosol industry as well as from allied organisations and individuals.
Industry experts were asked to look back over the past decade or more and also to consider the next 20-25 years reviewing social trends, technological changes, economic trends and political factors. The process also asked participants to review both threats and opportunities in the coming years with participants asked to consider innovations and predictions.
Workshops have been held to introduce training skills to those who will be facilitating company workshops within their own teams. The toolkit includes presentations from the workshops, sample agendas and exercises, along with the factor cards, which were identified throughout the research sessions. Member companies are invited to use the toolkit materials to help shape their businesses for the future.
Zoe Le Grand, senior sustainability advisor of Forum for the Future, says: “It is unusual for us to undertake this type of exercise with a trade association. For me, what is interesting about it is that the aerosol industry has experienced the impact of major environmental issues in the past and so this is about the industry once again taking a proactive approach and getting ahead of the game.
“Thinking more broadly, about issues such as legislation, people are aware of what is going to affect the businesses specifically. Such factors might include: ownership by millennials, macro-resources and supply constraints and reusing products. Debating these things helps people think longer term and more broadly.
“Success for me would be new products and new ways of working, new business models, and a more resilient industry.”
Patrick Heskins, adds: “The exercise has also been useful for BAMA as it has helped guide us on the issues that our members feel will be important in the future.
“Of 45 factors identified, just 6 are matters pertaining specifically to the Association. The others are factors for the businesses to consider and our hope is that these will be taken forward by our members.
“It takes us beyond just the day to day challenges and helps establish what is truly important and not just what is urgent today. I see this as an important part of the role of an association such as BAMA.”
