Page 42 - Plastics news December 2023

MACH 2024 to highlight engineering-based manufacturing technologies

with companies of all sizes such as
SMEs, start-ups, and large-scale man-
ufacturers. Its goal is to enhance pro-
ductivity and conserve time, money,
and energy.
“The MTA is part of a united front
of UK manufacturing organisations,
along with the Manufacturing Tech-
nology Centre (MTC) and MACH
2024 Headline Sponsor Lloyds Bank,
to increase the uptake of technologies
such as automation and robotics,”
James Selka DL, CEO of the MTA,
shared. “Only by embracing what the
ACH 2024 will be focused on which will have dedicated stands hubs are trying to achieve will the
Mthe use of the latest technology within the various exhibition zones, UK restore its position as a sovereign
to seize growth opportunities (Cour- will each focus on a particular type manufacturer, re-establishing itself as
tesy MTA) of technology including automation a major player on the global stage.”
The Manufacturing Technologies As- and robotics, data and Artificial Intel- Selka continued, “To have the High
sociation (MTA) has announced that ligence, energy efficiency, Additive Value Manufacturing Catapult Cen-
MACH 2024 will to take place April Manufacturing, and tooling. tre running our Knowledge Hubs is
15-19, 2024, at the NEC Birmingham, The MTC at Ansty Park, Coventry, an indication of the importance these
UK. In addition to showcasing engi- represents one of the largest public- organisations place on our initiative,
neering-based manufacturing tech- sector investments in UK manufac- and with MACH 2024 providing the
nologies, the event will introduce the turing, with facilities showcasing in- showcase and the opportunity to see
MTA’s Knowledge Hubs initiative. novative manufacturing processes the latest technology live and in ac-
The Knowledge Hubs aim to educate and technologies in a dynamic envi- tion, we couldn’t ask for anything bet-
manufacturers on when and how to ronment. The AMRC, located across ter.”
adopt new technologies. The hubs, various sites in Yorkshire, collaborates

How does plastic fit into the larger picture of climate change?

From discarded bags to ocean-drifting
bottles, the visible impacts of single-
use plastics are unmistakable. While
we’re well aware of the plastic pol-
lution crisis, what often goes unno-
ticed is its role in exacerbating global
warming.
Our growing appetite for plastics is
driving an increased demand for pet-
rochemical products, warns the Inter-
national Energy Agency.
Despite efforts to cut back on fos-
sil fuels, the consumption of plastics
lastic's link to climate change is closer look at its multifaceted role in is projected to surge, potentially ac-
Pcrucial and complex, requiring a environmental changes. counting for 20% of oil consumption

42 PLASTICS NEWSASTICS NEWS December 2023
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