Quality Assurance Document Sets Standards for Recovered Paper
A new code of practice that gives guidance on the key criteria required for the quality of recovered paper destined for UK end markets has been introduced today by WRAP, and the British Standards Institute (BSI).
A new code of practice that gives guidance on the key criteria required for the quality of recovered paper destined for UK end markets has been introduced today by WRAP, and the British Standards Institute (BSI).
Paper is a readily recyclable material. In 2006, the UK consumed 12.3million tonnes of paper and board, of which over eight million tonnes was recovered. With recycling rates within the UK increasing, it is important that recovered paper quality is maintained. The new Publicly Available Specification (PAS) document has been developed in association with key players in the paper industry to help achieve this.
PAS105 makes recommendations for, and gives guidance on, good practice for the collection, handling and processing of recovered paper intended for recycling within UK end markets. It is applicable to paper collected by local authorities, local authority contractors, community groups and charities, households and other commercial establishments.
“Quality is essential for the economic viability and overall sustainability of recycling.” says Dr Liz Goodwin, Chief Executive of WRAP.
Dr. Mike Burgess, Technical Manager for Paper at WRAP continues:
“With an increasing amount of paper being collected for recycling it is vital that recovered paper is of a high quality and fit for purpose. This document, developed with the support of participants from all fields of the recovered paper supply, is designed to help promote best practice and understanding throughout the supply chain from collection through to UK reprocessing.”
PAS 105 documents are available free of charge by contacting the WRAP helpline, or requesting the documents via the standards & specifications page on the WRAP website at www.wrap.org.uk/paper_specifications. A shorter summary document is also available on request in hard copy as well as a PDF download.
For more information on WRAP and its paper programme, visit www.wrap.org.uk/manufacturing or call the WRAP helpline on 0808 100 2040.
Editor's notes:
- WRAP works in partnership to encourage and enable businesses and consumers to be more efficient in their use of materials and recycle more things more often. This helps to minimise landfill, reduce carbon emissions and improve our environment.
- Established as a not-for-profit company in 2000, WRAP is backed by Government funding from Defra and the devolved administrations in 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 at www.wrap.org.uk.
