The British Short Run Labelling Association (BSRLA) has already established its own website, private email discussion forum, and code of conduct intended to promote "ethical, fair and sustainable trade in the marketplace".

It is also investigating group buying for some raw materials, according to Dr Adrian Steele, director of Mercian Labels and the organisation's representative.

"We hope to establish a useful forum for the smaller UK label printer to discuss topical issues, including issues such as the current wave of material price increases," Steele said,

"We also want to encourage fair and honest practices in the trade to identify, isolate and eventually drive out any unethical practices that continue to operate in some sectors of the industry," he added.

The list of founder member companies includes: Lancastrian Labels; Sessions of York; Mortons Labels; TPL Labels; Commercial Label Products; and Easdale Labels.

Companies can apply for membership at the association's website.
Visit: www.bsrla.org.uk.

Story by Lauretta Roberts