There has been a lot of discussion and coverage in the press recently about the fall in the prices that we've seen for recyclates.  The price falls are dramatic and it is understandable that they cause concern. 

However, there is no need for this to undermine public confidence in the value of recycling, nor lead to unacceptable environmental consequences, and we should ensure this does not happen.

My view is that resource efficiency and recycling are even more important during an economic downturn. 

Waste prevention has to be the starting point - as it means we use fewer resources (and therefore save on costs of materials) and we don't have to pay for disposal or recovery. 

For materials that are collected for recycling, we need to ensure there is demand from end users. 

Recyclate can compete with virgin materials and increasingly consumers want to see recycled content in products such as packaging materials.  

Just as an example, the retailers have a role to play here in continuing to demand packaging with recycled content as this provides a 'pull' through the supply chain and helps to ensure that the things we all put out for recycling will continue to be used effectively.

I'm not under-estimating the seriousness of the current market conditions. They are serious and we need to monitor them closely to ensure as smooth a passage as we can. 

WRAP is playing its part by ensuring a good dialogue between all the interested parties.  We are constantly monitoring what is happening in the market place and I would urge anyone who has information or wants information to get in touch with us.