Images_Digital_Edition_April_2020

INDUSTRY NEWS www.images-magazine.com 12 images APRIL 2020 Like us on Facebook: @imagesmaguk UK Budget 2020: Plastic packaging tax from 2022 In the spring budget, the government announced that UK retailers and businesses will face a new plastic packaging tax from April 2022. The chancellor, Rishi Sunak, said companies will pay an excess of £200 per tonne of plastic packaging used if it’s made up of less than 30% of recycled plastic. The tax is projected to increase usage of recyclable plastic by 40% in the coming years. www.gov.uk Companies face a new plastic tax from 2022 Livingstone International has appointed Christopher Roy as its new sourcing manager. “Chris has a wealth of experience in sourcing garments globally and, having lived in Asia for over 10 years, has a large database of contacts available to expand Livingstone’s sourcing capabilities,” said the company. Chris added: “I am delighted to have joined the team at Livingstone International, and look forward to developing new sources and products for our clients.” www.livingstoneinternational. co.uk Mutoh Europe has announced the retirement of Kenji Yasuhara , and the appointment of Mitsuo Takatsu as the company’s new managing director. Kenji retired as managing director of Mutoh Europe and Mutoh Deutschland on 31 March, and will retire from his responsibilities as Mutoh executive officer at the end of April. He joined the Mutoh Group in 2014, working as Mutoh Deutschland’s general manager from 2014-2016, and has been the company’s MD since 2017. On 1 April, Mitsuo Takatsu became managing director of Mutoh Europe and Mutoh Deutschland. He will be overseeing all sales, sales support, logistics, marketing, product and application support, as well as after- sales support activities, for Mutoh throughout the EMEA business area. Mitsuo joined Mutoh in August 2019, and had previously worked for Panasonic for 35 years. www.mutoh.eu The British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) has announced that Jon Birrell is to step down as CEO in April and intends to return to commercial life. The BPMA commented: “His knowledge, input and passion for the promotional merchandise industry has been a great asset to the BPMA during his tenure. “This move comes in the midst of significant progressive work being undertaken by the BPMA centred around sustainability and end-user research, linking both with industry standards.” The BPMA said that Carey Trevill was recruited to manage these projects, and has been asked to step in as interim CEO for the coming year. “With a strong marketing and industry body background, Carey has been a long- time supporter of the BPMA through her previous roles, which include leading a marketing trade association.” www.bpma.co.uk CHANGING FACES Christopher Roy [L-R] Kenji Yasuhara and Mitsuo Takatsu Jon Birrell