WRAP points to big future role for export markets (22.06.2007)
A research programme and advice for exporters is set to feature
in an exports division, to be created by the Waste & Resources
Action Programme (WRAP).
The idea of exporting our recyclable materials back into centres
of production in the Far East and in some cases in Europe makes
sense.
WRAP chairman, Vic Cocker,explaining current and future work by the
organisation on exports, said yesterday that: "The export markets
for recyclables are going to be critical for the delivery of the
waste strategy. But, we have to use materials efficiently in terms
of the environment and the economy."
Speaking at a conference in London on exports, he highlighted the
fact that two thirds of plastics, one fifth of glass and more than
half of recovered paper is being exported. "It is important for
WRAP to understand the economics and environmental issues and how
to reconciles conflicts of interest in these areas while promoting
awareness of compliance with controls," he said.
Strategy
Mr Cocker emphasised that exports will become more important than
ever in the future because of impacts of the waste strategy, with
material recycling rates scheduled to double by 2020. He said:
"This implies eight million tonnes of extra recycled material, of
which five million are going to be potentially exportable. It
wouldn't makes sense to have some sort of closed economic solution
- the idea of exporting our recyclable materials back into centres
of production in the Far East and in some cases in Europe makes
sense.
"In terms of the legitimacy of exports, the big issues are - does
the carbon impact of transporting outweigh the carbon benefit of
landfill? Our work so far has said that transport won't tip the
balance but we still have to do life cycle analysis work on long
distance shipments. Also we need to look at pollution, health and
safety, and ask are the materials being reprocessed in working
conditions that are acceptable and are they undermining the work of
UK reprocessors?" said the WRAP chairman.
Some questions have been asked about whether or not WRAP should be
involving itself in export markets.