| Author (Person) | Carstens, Karen |
|---|---|
| Series Title | European Voice |
| Series Details | Vol.9, No.35, 23.10.03, p22 |
| Publication Date | 23/10/2003 |
| Content Type | News |
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By Karen Carstens Date: 23/10/03 PAPER recycling has already reached high levels in Europe and any further increments are becoming increasingly difficult, according to the Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi). It has urged the European Commission to ensure an EU strategy on waste recycling and prevention due out next year sets a "supportive and stable" framework for the sector. According to the latest available statistics, 2002 saw a 0.6% increase in European paper recycling to reach 52.7%. The sector will need to achieve average growth of 1.1% over the next three years if it is to meet a voluntary target set three years ago of 56% recycling by 2005. The tonnage of recovered paper collected and utilized in paper mills both increased in 2002. The sector remains committed to a "continuous increase" in recycling, but has already achieved a great deal, Cepi stresses. Research completed earlier this year showed that 19% of paper products are non-collectable and non-recyclable, it says, setting a ceiling of around 80% on potential collection. Compared with this, Europe's 2002 collection rate already equates to 70% of the technical potential, the association says. What is not collected cannot be recycled, according to Cepi, so the maximum achievable rate will be somewhat lower than 80%. In this context, Cepi is calling for next year's EU strategy to recognize and further support the industry's existing voluntary commitment to recycling. Any targets should be set for materials rather than for products, and for the EU rather than for individual countries, it says. Policies should focus on supply rather than on demand, for example stimulating separate collection. Article forms part of a survey on recycling. |
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| Subject Categories | Environment |
