BAMA explores the future of aerosols The British Aerosol Manufacturers’ Association (BAMA) has recently completed a major study undertaken for the aerosol industry by Forum for the Future. BAMA undertook the latest Future of Aerosols study as a follow up to a similar exercise undertaken in 2001. The newly completed Future of Aerosols 2 has resulted in a practical “toolkit” for sustainability to be used by member companies in further developing their own future plans and predictions. The process has involved interviews and workshops with approximately 100 people from within the aerosol industry as well as from allied organizations and individuals. Industry experts were asked to look back over the past decade or more and also to consider the coming 20-25 years while 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 were held to introduce training skills to those who will be facilitating company workshops within their own teams. The “toolkit” includes presentations from the 32 Spray February 2016 workshops, sample agendas and exercises, along with the factor cards that were identified throughout the research sessions. Member companies are invited to use the toolkit materials to help shape their businesses for the future. “It is unusual for us to undertake this type of exercise with a trade association,” said Zoe Le Grand, Senior Sustainability Advisor for Forum for the Future, who led the training workshops. “For me, what is interesting 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 businesses specifically. Such factors might include ownership by millennials, macro-resources, supply constraints and reusing products. Debating these things helps people think longer term and more broadly. “Success for me would entail new products and new ways of working, new business models and a more resilient industry.” Patrick Heskins, BAMA Chief Executive explained, “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 six are matters pertaining specifically to BAMA. The others are factors for businesses to consider and our hope is that these will be taken forward by our members.” Heskins added that this kind of future thinking offers a huge benefit to 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,” he concluded. “I see this as an important part of the role of an association such as BAMA.” Heskins More information: http://www.bama.co.uk Spray
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