packaging industry experts ponder what effect the result of the may general election might have on the industryno. the packaging industry, like all other industries in the uk, needs progrowth, longterm policies, with businesses and government working together to ensure we are equipped for and focused on the future. this should happen regardless of which party is in power. &ldquoin recent speeches at the cbi conference, all the party leaders were clear that supporting, boosting and improving manufacturing, innovation and infrastructure were key to growing the uk&rsquos economy, and thus the success of industries such as packaging. this crossparty endorsement is crucial, as for many industries, the investment cycle is longer than the political cycle.andy barnetson, director of packaging affairs, cpiyes. the policies and legislation introduced by the next government will be fundamental to the future of uk manufacturing. a long term industrial strategy must be developed and a good starting point would be to set a target for manufacturing as a percentage of gdp, say 20 by 2020. we need an energy policy based on security of supply at competitive prices and a climate change policy which does not make us uncompetitive with the rest of the world. education policy must prepare young people for the world of work and promote the idea of manufacturing as a serious career option. a new partnership needs to be developed between government and industry &ndash only by working together can we resolve the issues facing us.dick searle, chief executive, packaging federationmaybe. any change of government is inevitably going to bring different orientation towards legislation. some kind of coalition seems likely and all parties are talking about support for manufacturing although the rhetoric appears to be stronger than reality. biggest issue is world changing dramatically. issues like the cost of energy and raw materials need to be addressed. the uk government&rsquos roles in helping us address these will be a key factor. on a more personal note we will need to reform our all party parliamentary group.mike ridgway, director &ndash consumer packaging manufacturers allianceyes. because of pressure for ongoing packaging regulation from ngo&rsquos extending further throughout next year. this is also international with future eu legislation binding any uk government, of any political colour, by additional restrictions. an alcohol strategy, both at westminster and brussels, is on the cards next year together with potential &lsquohealth&rsquo taxes for certain confectionery, foodstuffs and fizzydrink products which, when marketed, will add further labelling warnings directed at the consumer. any plain packaging introduction into tobacco will be seen as a future model for further packaging regulation in other sectors.darren foley, managing director, pearlfishermaybe. in the future the packaging industry will be faced with a number of challenges, for example, resources and cost efficiencies and it will be the role of the creative industries, in conjunction with packaging and packaging manufacturers, to creatively solve these challenges. it is therefore imperative that any future government supports the creative industries, recognising the value they add to our economy and our nation&rsquos future stability, and ensure that sufficient investment is place in this area. 
