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On Tuesday 18^th May, NEPIC hosted Government representatives during two significant events to support positive steps forward for Teesside’s chemical industry.

Following the announcement in March 2021 of Teesside’s Freeport bid success, NEPIC welcomed representatives from Government’s Freeport Taskforce to Wilton. The meeting, which formed part of a two-day visit to the region, allowed officials to meet with the companies who represent the largest cluster of process, chemical and energy companies in the UK.

NEPIC Chief Executive Officer, Philip Aldridge, said:

“We were delighted to host colleagues from MHCLG today following Teesside’s successful freeport bid that will pave the way for long term success of new and existing industries in the region.

“This meeting allowed us and our members the opportunity to not only showcase the outstanding manufacturing and R&D capabilities that exist in this region, but also share the unique set of challenges faced by industry and asks for a successful freeport model that will support the long term, sustainable growth of manufacturing on Teesside.

“Teesside is already a great place for new and existing chemical processing companies to invest, however, tax zone status within a freeport will enhance its attractiveness to investors. We believe the freeport designation will put Teesside’s chemical processing sector on the map and support global marketing.”

Earlier in the day, NEPIC hosted its annual Industry-MPs meeting and welcomed Jacob Young, MP for Redcar and Peter Gibson, MP for Darlington along with representatives from CF Fertilisers, ConocoPhillips, ReNew ELP, bp, TVCA, Micropore Technologies, Alpek Polyester, Mitsubishi Chemicals, Huntsman Polyurethanes, Sembcorp UK, BOC and Womble Bond Dickinson.

During the virtual roundtable, sector challenges and opportunities were discussed covering decarbonisation, plastics recycling, EU-exit, energy pricing and UK REACH.

Following the meeting, Philip Aldridge, said:

“This session is a key date in the NEPIC calendar and offers industry the opportunity to provide updates to our regional MPs and seek support in relation to policy and regulatory issues facing the sector – and ensure our core messaging and asks are understood and represented in the house.”

The chemical industry is strategic to the whole of UK manufacturing supporting sectors such as Automotive, Healthcare, Food & Drink, Telecoms, Clothing, etc. We emphasised this to our regional MPs, that our sector in not just important regionally, but nationally as well.

“As an industry we must remain competitive to ensure our long-term future , said NEPIC Chief Executive, Philip Aldridge.

NEPIC believes that via decarbonisation and other forms of ‘green’ technology such as bioprocessing, the Teesside chemical industry can grow. Adding the Freeport to this mix will add to the region’s attractiveness for inward investment.

“In the longer term, the market opportunities that present themselves will put the UK at the forefront of the industries of the future. Processing and recycling of materials, building new forms of energy, such as a hydrogen economy, and managing carbon in closed loop systems present significant innovation and investment opportunities.”

Philip added:

“Alongside the direct impacts for the North East sit countless opportunities for our vibrant supply chain. Teesside leading the way in Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage and is well placed to position itself as a national plastics recycling hub; capitalising on the significant manufacturing, product development and recycling capabilities that set us ahead of the field.

“Industry’s expertise and knowhow – along with existing infrastructure – will also support ambitions to decarbonise domestic heating and transport and establish Teesside as a global leader in hydrogen technology.

“As industry looks to capitalise on the grand challenges that will see it at the fore of industrial innovation, and we rely on Government support in overcoming the immediate barriers.”