Major food and drink manufacturers in the UK met with the Environment Agency at a seminar hosted by the Food and Drink Federation in Central London last week to discuss how the industry has responded to tightened pollution regulations.
The seminar centred around the Pollution, Prevention and Control (PPC) Regulations 2000 for England and Wales, focusing on how they will affect the industry and how companies should be applying the best available techniques to prevent and control pollution.
Currently existing food and drink manufacturers are required to apply for a PPC permit by 1 June to 31 August 2004 for installations treating and processing animal raw materials and by 1 January to 31 March 2005 for installations treating and processing vegetable raw materials.
According to the organisers, the aim of the conference was to provide manufacturers with the chance to learn about the permit application process, both from the regulator's and operator's perspective. This insight will ensure companies know the level and type of information required from them and ultimately make the process more efficient.
Dr Martin Bigg (head of process industry regulation at the Environment Agency) gave the keynote address on IPPC in the food and drink industry, while British Sugar and British Bakeries shared their experiences of using the EA's PPC guidance and making a permit application.
FDF deputy director general Martin Paterson said: "This event allowed manufacturers to discuss the regulator's requirements face-to-face on a case-by-case basis. We hope the know-how they have gained will streamline permit applications in 2004."