The Committee is made up of representatives from different sectors affected by the Packaging Waste Regulations and advises Defra on the development of the Regulations and packaging recycling from an industry perspective.
During his time in the post Mr Lisney has steered the Committee to consider the supply chain implications of packaging recovery in order to meet packaging recycling targets. However, he said he feels this is the “ideal time” to step down.
“I have helped set the UK on the road to compliance by 2017 but with the EU consultation on packaging targets to be debated, agreed and delivered on a timetable up to 2030 I think this needs new thinking and some new blood,” he said.
“I hope that we have ensured that the UK is prepared for the type of debate that will be necessary in the future as it is inevitable that the greater amounts of recovery of packaging will need a shift in the way material is recovered from the household and commercial sectors in a way that is cost efficient as the current methods and also environmentally sensible.”
He added: “I have been very impressed with the support and information the packaging industry has given me. My fellow committee members have put in a great deal of time to ensure that packaging polices assist recovery and I am also very grateful for the teams in the devolved assemblies for their help in explaining policy needs. With help like that it makes the job of a Chair much easier.”
The ACP has achieved a number of aims over the past five years under the command of Mr Lisney including:
- Reporting on the effective use of packaging in terms of its function and amount used, especially in comparison to other EU countries;
- Recommending changes to deal with a spike in glass prices in 2011/12 which were implemented in 2013;
- Assisting the plastics industry to develop a roadmap in conjunction with WRAP in order to meet 2017 targets; and,
- Providing an update on the operation of the packaging waste recovery note (PRN) system to obligated industries.
Applications
Defra is now on the hunt for a new chair and 12 members to sit on the Committee. A revised remit has been developed as a result of suggestions made by Mr Lisney and the existing members. All members will participate on a voluntary basis except the chairman who is paid £350 per day for a maximum of 28 days per year. The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday October 5 2014.
Subscribe for free