Mr Smith, who is a director at Kent-based recovered paper company SCA Recycling, was elected to the role at the CPI's annual general meeting in Birmingham last week (April 21), and takes over from Chris White – formerly of Aylesford Newsprint – whose presidency, which originally began in 2007, ended at the event.
EU end-of-waste criteria for recovered paper offers a perfect opportunity to think of recovered paper in a new light, but only if this is introduced effectively at an EU level
Steve Smith, president, CPI Recovered Paper Sector
As he accepted the presidency, Mr Smith said that, while the potential for end-of-waste criteria to be introduced for the material represented an opportunity for the sector, exactly how any rules were introduced was particularly important.
Paper is one of the priority materials identified for the development of end-of-waste rules under the revised EU Waste Framework Directive, alongside ferrous, copper and aluminium scrap and glass.
And, Mr Smith said: “EU end-of-waste criteria for recovered paper offers a perfect opportunity to think of recovered paper in a new light, but only if this is introduced effectively at an EU level; this will be a key opportunity during my presidency.”
Development
The CPI Recovered Paper Sector's membership is largely drawn from UK mills using recovered paper and recovered paper merchants, and Mr Smith, who has worked at SCA since July 1993 and now has responsibility for finance and human resources, vowed to ensure that the sector was not “hemmed in by excessive interference”.
“The CPI Recovered Paper Sector will play a key role in ensuring development is not hampered,” he said.
Highlighting examples of positive development in the sector, he said: “It is fantastic to see major investment in UK paper recycling by the likes of Palm Paper and SAICA, strong EU investment and rapid Far East growth in recovered paper use.
“All of these markets will continue to play a massive role in the success of paper recycling in the UK and provide stability of market demand for collectors,” he added.
Tribute
Paying tribute to Mr White's leadership as president of the Sector during the economic “turmoil” of 2008 and 2008, Mr Smith claimed the organisation had emerged stronger and “more unified” than ever.
“It will be my role to continue this progress and ensure the industry continues to be regarded as a key asset in the UK's green revolution and a delivery vehicle for significant environmental benefit,” he said.
And, he also welcomed the opportunity to work with Neil Clarke, managing director of Cheshire-based paper merchants Recycling UK Ltd, who will serve as his vice-president.
He commented: “I am especially pleased that I will have a strong vice-president in Neil and look forward to working with him. Our different backgrounds and responsibilities will allow us to look at industry issues from different perspectives, truly reflecting our Sector's diverse membership.
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