MP for Penrith and The Border, Dr Neil Hudson, met with leaders at Innovia Films, a world-leading Cumbrian firm with a factory based in Wigton, to discuss the great work being done to boost the county’s economy, employ local people and find a sustainable future for plastic.
Innovia Films is a major producer of speciality films. It holds a leading global position in the markets for high performance coated packaging, tobacco overwrap, graphic media solutions, label and security films. The Wigton site is one of the biggest in the world with a 60,000-tonne capacity and one of just two research and development centres run by the international business. Other major sites are based in Australia, Mexico and Poland.
The firm employs hundreds of local people across a range of departments and has strong ties to local schools, hosting enterprise weeks for Cumbrian youngsters and supporting a large number of young adults through apprenticeships, degree courses and other personal development programmes.
The Penrith MP recently helped produce a report on ending the toll of plastic waste, alongside his colleagues on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee. The committee called for an end to the export of plastic waste through – among other things – increasing the nation’s capacity to recycle it domestically, so Dr Hudson was heartened about the progress being made locally in the recycling sector.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said:
“It was a privilege to meet with the team at Innovia and deepen my understanding of their operation. I am so impressed by the scale of the business and just what a key global player they are.
“Moreover, what struck me was not just what a thriving international business we have here in Cumbria, but how well the team works with the local community by providing high-skilled, high paying jobs; supporting school initiatives; and putting our youngsters through apprenticeships, training courses and even university degrees.
“Having just put recommendations to Government on the reduction of plastic waste, I was also heartened to see that progress was being made from our industry-leaders on the important issue of recycling and it is clear to me that Innovia is dedicated to sustainability.”
Dr Hudson has long called for tailored industry support to keep British firms competitive amid global inflationary pressures. Prior to the Spring Statement last year he wrote to the Chancellor on VAT action, fuel duty and fuel costs among other issues and has kept up his support for heavily energy-reliant companies such as Innovia. The visit helped the Penrith MP further understand local energy consumption which can then inform his important work in Westminster.
