There are a number of ways to address the plastics industry’s growing skills gap. Education is key among them, and not surprisingly the issue also played a major role at this year’s “K” fair. The German branch of producers’ association PlasticsEurope (Brussels / Germany; www.plasticseurope.org) held a number of events at its special show “Plastics shape the future” geared specifically at familiarising young people with the industry and encouraging them to embark on a career in the field.

One of the tools used in Germany to foster an understanding for plastics among young children is now being exported abroad. Launched years ago for primary school kids, “Kunos coole Kunststoffkiste” now has an English counterpart. On 23 October, representatives of PlasticsEurope and the British Plastics Federation (BPF, London / UK; www.bpf.co.uk) officially launched “Olly’s cool box of plastics.” The small blue suitcase contains several experimental tools, alongside a book setting out experiments, and is accompanied by a teachers’ booklet. The box is designed for children between the ages of six and 10.

Speaking to Plasteurope.com at the launch, BPF director general Philip Law said the kit will ultimately help the UK plastics industry bridge its growing skills gap. First launched in Germany, the “cool box of plastics” already has equivalents in Poland and Italy, and now that it is available in English, the suitcase is set to travel even further afield.