Mr Morley spoke of WRAP's new role in waste minimisation as a priority in helping the government reach its targets to reduce waste and increase recycling.
 Environment minister Elliot Morley (right) with WRAP chairman Vic Cocker |
He said: “I am very confident in the job that WRAP is doing to help to achieve these targets. We are leading the way in some areas, such as reducing carbon dioxide emissions, but we are behind in recycling. We need to be up with the best. Recycling levels are rising but so is the amount of waste.”
The recycled products market development agency was given an expanded role in May 2003, when DEFRA awarded the programme a further 16.2 million. Its new wider remit includes waste minimisation, kerbside recycling, organics and waste awareness (see letsrecycle.com story).
WRAP decided it needed a second office suite when it doubled its workforce this year. The new offices will house the 50 new staff hired by WRAP to deliver its new programmes.
Jennie Price, chief executive of WRAP, said: “Banbury has proved itself to be an excellent location for WRAP, with good transport links and a skilled workforce from which to recruit.”
During his visit, Mr Morley unveiled a commemorative plaque made by the Recycled Bottle Glass Centre from an Italian wine bottle turned into sheet glass.
Compost specifications
Mr Morley also gave his support to the WRAP's organics programme by attending a pre-launch for its composting specifications and products. The new standards are based on the BSI PAS 100 and aimed are at increasing the market for compost in the landscaping sector (see letsrecycle.com story).
Also present at the pre-launch were representatives from the landscape industry, including Paul Kerr, chief executive of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI).
Mr Morley said: “The government is committed to increasing the amount of composting in the UK. Landscaping is a growth sector and we welcome WRAP’s work and the professional input from organisations such as BALI in developing these specifications.”
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