Recovered paper industry body blasts “unscrupulous” firms

Chris White, appointed president of the CPI body at its AGM in Coventry, said it has become apparent that some firms have been “ignoring the law and their duty of care”.

”It is becoming apparent that some unscrupulous operators are casting a shadow over this good work. “
– Chris White, CPI
He said this had resulting in pressure for more regulatory changes that could disrupt the work of the rest of the paper industry.

Mr White, who is commercial manager of Kent-based mill Aylesford Newsprint, took over as president of the CPI recovered paper sector body from SCA Recycling managing director Ken Stevens, who had served a two-year term.

Commenting as he was appointed, Mr White said: “The UK recovered paper industry is a great success story, and leads the way in finding overseas markets to recycle the paper that our indigenous industry cannot use. Unfortunately, it is becoming apparent that some unscrupulous operators are casting a shadow over this good work and ignoring the law and their duty of care.

“This appears to be leading to pressure for potential regulatory changes. However, there is certainty that recycling paper is the right option in terms of economic and sustainable development, as well as carbon reduction in comparison to other management options,” he declared.

The CPI itself declined to clarify what its new Recovered Paper Sector president was referring to as “unscrupulous operators”.

Sector
The CPI – the “voice of the UK paper industry” – includes papermakers, tissue manufacturers, corrugated packaging producers, and recovered paper merchants as members. Its recovered paper sector members use around 75% of the UK's recovered waste paper.

In his new capacity Mr White will be taking the lead on issues affecting the CPI's recovered fibre reprocessing paper mills, integrated recovered paper merchants, and independent recovered paper merchants.

Mr White said the Recovered Paper Sector of CPI would, under his lead, push to ensure that the UK makes the best use of its recovered paper, “and that any proposed regulatory changes are fully assessed and proportionate to any risks associated with this non-hazardous material”.

Mr White, who has been working in the recycling industry for over 35 years, said of his new role: “I am very happy to accept the Presidency of the Recovered Paper Sector. I look forward to presiding over an active Council and Membership which represents the vast majority of the industry.

“Ken presided over a period of change in the organisation, and it is now in a strong position to be active in the key areas which will impact on the industry as it goes forward,” he said.