The Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) welcomes the introduction of PAS 105 “Recovered Paper Sourcing and Quality for UK End Markets”.  It is an excellent example of secondary raw material supply chain co-operation in building quality and sustainability into the recycling process for waste paper.  CPI estimates that there is still over 2 million tonnes of paper and card available for recovery from England’s municipal waste stream alone (1).  It is imperative that quality is built into the process now, to ensure that the material is recovered in such a way that provides the best economic and environmental option for the entire recycling chain. Significant carbon reduction can be achieved by recycling this material instead of landfilling or incinerating it, but only if the material is of a quality that can allow efficient reprocessing.

Waste paper from the municipal waste stream currently makes up around 35% of the total recovered paper collected in the UK, but this is set to rise to around 45%. This was one of the key drivers in developing a quality framework for the municipal sector, as high growth is expected and most of the UK reprocessors’ problems stem from this source. PAS 105 sets out clear advice for all the stakeholders in the paper recycling chain and recommends actions that should be taken to minimise cross contamination from non-paper streams, and take advantage of the excellent economic, environmental and carbon benefits available from effective paper recycling.

Peter Seggie, CPI’s Recovered Paper Sector Manager, said “It was a pleasure to work with all the stakeholders in developing a document that sets out the key criteria for quality management for recovered paper through the whole recycling process. It was clear throughout that there was consensus on the need for a reference document that highlighted the key points in the recycling process, and offered advice to the entire recycling chain on good management practices. To this end, the document can be deemed a clear success.” He added, “With further growth in waste paper recovery expected in the municipal sector over the coming years, the document should minimise the risks of failing to take advantage of what is a simple material to recycle.”

Calculations based on England’s Waste Strategy 2007

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.
• 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.