Solid Steps: SHAPA Joins CAFA

London, UK — Climate Action for Associations (CAFA) welcomes the Solids Handling and Processing Association (SHAPA) to the CAFA Collective, a dynamic network of professional bodies and trade associations collaborating to accelerate climate action across industry and business.

SHAPA, the UK's leading specialist association for the solids handling and processing industry, represents a diverse membership of equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and consultants. Since its establishment in 1981, SHAPA has been a unifying voice for innovation, best practice, and sustainable growth in the bulk materials handling sector—a critical part of the wider manufacturing and processing industries.

"Joining CAFA reflects SHAPA’s commitment to supporting our industry’s transition toward sustainable and low-carbon practices. As a leading voice for manufacturers in the bulk solids handling and processing sector, we recognise the importance of reducing environmental impact — not only within our own operations but also by empowering our members to adopt cleaner, more efficient technologies. Through this collaboration, we aim to drive meaningful progress and help shape a more sustainable future for materials handling in the UK and beyond."— Louise Smallwood, General Secretary at SHAPA

SHAPA’s members are at the forefront of developing and delivering technical solutions for material processing, and their involvement in the CAFA Collective will enhance efforts to embed sustainability into the design, operation, and management of solids handling systems.

“SHAPA brings deep technical expertise and a long-standing commitment to industry advancement. Their proactive approach to collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing makes them an important addition to the CAFA Collective. The solids handling sector has a vital role to play in reducing industrial emissions and improving resource efficiency—and SHAPA is well placed to lead that charge.”— Ali Heppenstall, CEO and Founder of CAFA

As a member of the CAFA Collective, SHAPA will work alongside fellow associations to align sustainability strategies, share insight, and drive coordinated action across sectors. Through this partnership, SHAPA will leverage CAFA’s tools, learning resources, and convening power to further support its members — enabling them to meet both commercial and environmental goals in an evolving regulatory and market landscape.

About SHAPA

SHAPA (Solids Handling and Processing Association) is the UK's leading trade association for companies in the solids handling and processing sector. With a commitment to technical excellence, education, and innovation, SHAPA promotes best practices and supports members in navigating industry developments. SHAPA champions collaboration, training, and sustainability as key pillars for the future of the sector.

About CAFA

Climate Action for Associations (CAFA) is the only dedicated network and resource hub focused on sustainability and net zero for the membership sector. CAFA equips professional bodies and trade associations with the guidance, tools, and peer-to-peer connections they need to take meaningful climate action and support their members in doing the same.

If you're a membership organisation wishing to know more about what you can do to support your members with sustainability and addressing climate risks, join Climate Action for Associations here.