British rubber association shuts down

LONDON—The British Rubber and Polyurethane Products Association is ending its activities with immediate effect.

In a statement to European Rubber Journal, BRPPA director John Dorken said the specific challenges posed to the sector, particularly of a regulatory nature, had fallen away sharply over recent years.

"(It is) no longer felt justified to maintain a dedicated sectoral body to represent it on this front," Dorken said March 21.

The decision was also made in view of financial pressures on BRPPA member companies over the last two years, the industry veteran added.

The closure of BRPPA will also mark Dorken's retirement, after a career of 57 years including 25 years serving in the rubber industry.

BRPPA was launched on Jan. 1, 2006, after the British Rubber Manufacturers' Association chose to concentrate on the interests of major tire manufacturers.

The association represented United Kingdom rubber and polyurethane product manufacturers, supplying sectors such as automotive, construction, aerospace, pharmaceutical, defense, and sports and leisure.

Activities included promoting the rubber and polyurethane components industry, lobbying government and providing member services related to issues such as human resources, health and safety, and environmental matters.