PackagingNews

CPI director general David Workman has called for the “demonisation” of packaging to stop

In his September Briefing to Members of Parliament, Workman said that packaging materials are much lighter and more resource efficient than they were 20 years ago and are designed with space saving efficiency in mind.

Elsewhere, he said that the government needs to take action on what he describes areas four main critical areas of concern – raw materials, energy, people and water.

He said that focus on these key areas will help to ensure that the UK paper industry remains competitive in the global arena.

Quality materials

Workman highlights that the industry continues to have issues with the quality of materials from the waste stream. He calls on MPs to realise that some fundamental changes in approach are needed, including:

‧a more uniform approach to collection systems,
‧encouraging local authorities to segregate all materials into separate streams,
‧providing increased incentives to invest in the latest processing technologies,
‧ensuring that the current definition of “end of waste” for paper is retained.

Workman said: “We need to develop internationally agreed sustainability criteria for the use of wood and remove subsidies for its use in large scale energy generation.”

The Briefing continues by highlighting energy security and access to supplies of gas and electricity at internationally competitive prices as being the two overriding priorities for the papermaking sector, and that the UK’s energy policy needs to focus on exploiting its own energy resources – cleaner coal and shale gas.

Workman explained: “If the current direction on energy policy is to continue, we need to follow the example set by Germany and ensure that Energy Intensive Industries (EIIs) are not disadvantaged over the transition period.”

A further concern raised in the Briefing is that of people, with Workman stating that a major issue facing many manufacturing sectors is its age profile. He calls for action to encourage more young people to see manufacturing as a worthwhile career option and praises the efforts of government to raise literacy and numeracy levels, whilst calling for “more of the same please.”

Water needs

In conclusion, Workman addresses water as one further critical area of concern for the Industry. A secure, consistent and continuous supply of fresh water is vital to the Paper Industry.  CPI is seeking to ensure water companies become more efficient in planning water needs, a strategic water storage system and recognition that any charges should take account of water used and water returned to the environment.

Workman said: “Future regulation needs to use managing water risk as the driver for water efficiency – not simply price.”