Supplies of waste wood in the UK may be in decline according to new WRAP research
A new WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) study of the wood waste market in the UK reports lower arisings than previous studies, and suggests that demand for waste wood may outstrip supply in the coming years.
Released today, WRAP’s ‘Wood Waste Market in the UK’ report contains two elements; a market survey of wood waste arisings, and detailed analysis of how the market is likely to develop in the future.
The study has estimated that the quantity of wood waste arising in the UK in 2008 was between 4.5 and 4.6 million tonnes, significantly lower than earlier estimates. To compile the estimates, a survey of construction, demolition and secondary processing sectors - which took place between November 2008 and January 2009 - was compared with market sector information on waste wood end uses.
Using the experience of previous economic downturns the report estimates that waste wood arisings are likely to decline by as much as 14% from its pre-recession peak over the next year, with supplies of waste wood not recovering to their pre-recession levels for up to five years.
WRAP’s report suggests that the combined output of the three main user industries of waste wood – manufacture of wood panels and animal bedding, and electricity generation - will also fall in 2009; but that output will have recovered by 2010. With waste wood arisings lower, and the potential for a sharp rise in demand for waste wood, this could ultimately lead to price rises and wood shortages.
Marcus Gover, Director of Market Development at WRAP, said: “Our new report gives valuable insights as to the issues currently affecting the wood waste market in the UK. It brings into focus the real need to ensure we’re recovering our arisings of waste wood as efficiently and to as high a standard as possible. WRAP is keen to offer practical business guidance to recyclers and reprocessors working to meet the challenges this situation will bring. We have a range of free, confidential support available via our regional business advisors and would appeal to recyclers to contact us so we can discuss your individual needs.”
As well as giving valuable insight into the wood waste market, WRAP’s research will inform work being conducted by the Waste Protocols Project - a joint initiative involving WRAP and the Environment Agency – that could result in the development of a Quality Protocol for wood waste.
Quality Protocols make it easier for industry to turn waste into valuable quality products, improving business and resource efficiency, reducing waste to landfill and developing markets.
The Waste Protocols Project announced in June this year that wood from post-industrial and post-consumer sources would be one of four new additional materials to be included in its programme of work between 2009 and 2011. The Project aims to provide clarity on end of waste and regulations, stop materials being landfilled unnecessarily and increase the use of waste as a resource.
To download a copy of WRAP’s new study – ‘Wood Waste Market in the UK’ – visit www.wrap.org.uk/woodwaste
Editor's notes
The Waste Protocols Project is a joint project between WRAP and the Environment Agency funded by Defra, the Welsh Assembly Government and Northern Ireland Environment Agency as a business resource efficiency activity. The project was launched in May 2006.
About WRAP
- WRAP helps individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more, making better use of resources and helping to tackle climate change
- Established as a not-for-profit company in 2000, WRAP is backed by government funding from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Working in seven key areas (Construction, Retail, Manufacturing, Organics, Business Growth, Behavioural Change, and Local Authority Support), WRAP’s work focuses on market development and support to drive forward recycling and materials resource efficiency within these sectors, as well as wider communications and awareness activities including the multi-media national Recycle Now campaign for England.
- More information on all of WRAP's programmes can be found on www.wrap.org.uk