Working in plastics
The UK plastics industry is the third largest sector by employers within manufacturing. The sector employs over 182,000 people.
More people are employed in the plastics indsutry than in steel, paper and glass combined. Food and Drink is the largest employer with over 450,00 and automotive comes in second with 186,000. The are more employers in the plastics industry than chemical, nuclear, pharmaceutical, , aerospace, marine, defence and mining.
Not only is plastics a huge direct employer in the UK but due to the unique role it plays in the UK manufacturing supply chain it is also a large indirect employer. For every job created in the plastics industry a total of 2.74 are created in the wider economy (source).
The British Plastics Federation (BPF) is the world’s longest running plastics trade association and represents and promotes the UK plastics industry.
A career in plastics
For a more detailed look at a career in plastics you can visit our career zone and discover your career pathway.
The BPF Associate Group members, which offer support with your recruitment needs.
In 2025, Listgrove Ltd celebrates fifty years of providing expert HR support to businesses across the plastics, packaging, and associated sectors, excelling in solving challenging talent needs and succession planning across all functions and levels of seniority, both in the UK and internationally. Call +44 (0)1789 207070 or email ryan.kirby@listgrove.com for an initial consultation and discover how Listgrove’s Human Resources can make the difference.
For further information, please visit www.listgrove.com.
Sierra 57 Consult – recruitment expert to plastics, packaging and precision engineering industries. Sierra 57 Consult are an established technical & engineering recruitment specialist supplying skilled professionals to lean manufacturing & precision engineering markets within all mainland UK & Overseas locations.
Sierra 57 Consult also offer a wide range of onsite and in-company training courses in plastic injection moulding, assured & approved for CPD by IoM3.
For further information, please visit www.sierra57consult.co.uk.