>>Recovered Paper & Packaging 

Recovered Paper & Packaging

• Exports of Recovered Paper

Recovered paper can be shipped following the simplest export requirements under "green list" categorisation as it is deemed non hazardous. However, the Environment Agency's interpretation of "green list" recovered paper has raised issues with stakeholders, including exporters, as to the definition of "green list".

In an attempt to alleviate some of these issues, CPI has developed an Export Code of Practice based on global paper mill standards for recovered paper as a raw material. This Export Code of Practice is designed to give assurance, to the Environment Agencies and Government, that the Recovered Paper Industry will self-regulate its outputs to ensure an economically viable product that meets global standards. The Code which is based on the risk factors associated with typical Member collection techniques, is intended to ensure the output from Members' depots is of a sufficient quality for direct use in paper mills, without the need for further sorting.

Although conformity to the Code does not constitute "green list" approval by the Regulators, it goes a long way to show that those signed up to the Code have done everything in their power to ensure the material meets global paper mill standards.

• Packaging Waste

Through the Packaging Waste Directive, the European Commission has set binding recovery and recycling targets for packaging waste in Member states by 2008. These targets relate both to overall packaging recovery and recycling levels, as well as to material specific targets.

The UK, through its own Packaging Waste Regulations, has put in place a market based system to ensure national compliance with the EC Directive. The Regulations require obligated packaging producers to buy evidence to show that a set amount of packaging, proportionate to the amount they put onto the market, has been recycled from the UK waste stream. This proportion is set so as to meet the Directive's recovery and recycling targets.

Paper packaging recycling by 2006, has already eclipsed the Directive requirements for 2008 (if current performance is maintained to 2008 then this will represent a recycling rate of 76% against a Directive target of 60%). This performance marks out paper as a successful medium for sustainability and residual waste reduction. CPI calls on government to look seriously at removing paper packaging from the regulations, thereby reducing the administrative burden on an industry that has already exceeded its targets.. The removal of a material that has shown an exceptional performance will also be in line with governments "better regulation" policy and allow the regulators to concentrate on those materials struggling to meet their targets.

• Responsible Sourcing

CEPI, our European trade association, recently released a final version of "guidelines for responsible sourcing and supply of recovered paper". The document is aimed at cementing best practice during the collection and reprocessing of recovered paper to meet increasing demands from end users, particularly with regard to food contact materials.

If you would like further information regarding these specific issues please email Peter Seggie, Recovered Sector Manager pseggie@paper.org.uk

If you would like to know more about CPI, please visit our website www.paper.org.uk

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