British rubber industry association closing down

London - The British Rubber and Polyurethane Products Association (BRPPA) has announced that it is ending its activities with immediate effect.

In a statement to ERJ, BRPPA director John Dorken said the specific challenges posed to the sector, particularly of a regulatory nature, had fallen away sharply over recent years.

“[It is] no longer felt justified to maintain a dedicated sectoral body to represent it on this front,” Dorken explained 21 March.

The decision was also made in view of financial pressures on BRPPA member companies over the last two years, the industry veteran added.

The closure of BRPPA will also mark Dorken’s retirement, after career of 57 years including 25 years serving in the rubber industry.

BRPPA was launched on 1 Jan 2006 after the British Rubber Manufacturers’ Association chose to concentrate on the interests of major tire manufacturers.

The association represented UK rubber and polyurethane product manufacturers, supplying sectors such as automotive, construction, aerospace, pharmaceutical, defence, and sports & leisure.

Activities included promoting the rubber and polyurethane components industry, lobbying government and providing member services related to issues such as HR, health & safety and environmental matters.