The agreement entitles all participating companies to an 80% discount on the climate change levy on the basis that they commit to, and achieve, energy efficiencies. The targets for the energy efficiency improvements have been set at the equivalent of a 40% improvement by 2010 when compared to 1990.
Alan McKendrick, president of the Paper Federation and chief executive of Aylesford Newsprint, said: “The progress we have made in partnership with the government is witness to the continuing commitment of the paper industry to minimise the impact it has on the environment.
Over the years the paper industry has made considerable energy efficiencies, reducing specific energy consumption by 50% since the 1980s. These agreements set challenging but realistic targets for the next decade and the paper industry now looks forward to working with the government to help it ensure its environmental objectives are met.
“I am delighted that the Paper Federation, together with other key trade associations, has been in the vanguard of the movement to achieve a workable solution.”
Negotiations with the government were led by the Paper Federation’s director of special projects, Bryan Bateman.
Subscribe for free