In general, the Strategy appears high on recommendation but low on detailed action, and leaves much of the key decision making to Local Authorities which may continue to look at low cost economic options that do not take the holistic benefits of recycling into account. Perhaps the biggest opportunity missed in the Strategy was to embed quality as a cornerstone of sustainability in the management of England’s waste streams. Certainly there is mention of the requirement for high quality recovered paper to “favour efficient recycling”. However, other than vague references to “segregated collections or sorting of waste at, or close to, its source by households and businesses”, there is little that will require Local Authorities to build quality into their waste management practices.

CPI has concerns with the Government figure of “over 8 million tonnes”, quoted within the Strategy, for paper and card currently land filled. This figure does not appear to be supported in the annexes and CPI analysis, even on its broadest level, is well under this figure at a maximum of less than 4 million tonnes. This could have knock on impacts for the delivery of reduced carbon emissions and increased recycling as quoted within the document.

CPI notes Government is targeting other paper sector streams for producer responsibility agreements, and where necessary CPI will engage with stakeholders on these agreements. However, much of the paper materials being targeted are produced outside of the UK, and engagement further along the supply chain will be required. Increased collection levels for recovered paper will, in the short to medium term, require increased exports and in this respect the development of a “centre of expertise on export markets for recycled materials” will be an interesting development. Recovered paper is a globally traded commodity; therefore any centre of excellence will need to ensure that there is no market interference which favours the export market over the domestic market.

On the potential to introduce incentives for recycling by household; CPI will continue to raise its concerns that if a carrot and stick scheme is introduced, the collection of mixed recyclables in a large wheelie bin will lead to further serious quality issues for the recycling industry. Some householders may hide non-recyclable items in their recycling bins to save money, with the only policing of this provided by the collector. Should this not be picked up on, the economic and carbon cost will simply be passed along the recycling chain and make recycling less effective.

Peter Seggie, Recovered Paper Sector Manager at CPI, said: “It is hoped that the introduction of the new targets, new producer responsibility agreements, the requirement for new recycling infrastructure, and the focus on shared responsibility will act as a catalyst for investment, not only in recyclate sorting plants for the export market, but for genuine recycling in the UK into finished products.”

ENDS

For further information please contact Peter Seggie, Recovered Paper Sector Manager, on 07887 641481 or email pseggie@paper.org.uk.

Notes to Editors

• CPI is the voice of the paper industry in the UK, representing papermakers, tissue manufacturers, corrugated packaging producers, and recovered paper merchants.
• The Recovered Paper Sector represents three main categories within its Membership:
  • UK Mills using recovered paper as a raw material;
  • UK Integrated Recovered Paper Merchants affiliated to Papermill Groups; and
  • UK Independent Recovered Paper Merchants independent of Papermill Groups.
• The Recovered Paper Sector integrated and independent Recovered Paper Merchant Members manage around 67% of UK collected recovered paper.
• The Recovered Paper Sector Mill Members utilise around 75% of UK used recovered paper.

For additional information on the UK paper industry, in the first instance, please contact Catherine Watson, External Affairs Coordinator, on 01793 889612 or email cwatson@paper.org.uk.