But there are some concerns that CEPI failed to consult fully with the recycling sector on the guidance and that its wording on moisture content could be seen as signalling that loads with moisture content of more than 10% might have to be rejected.
The guidance sits alongside the EN643 grading system and was published by CEPI – the European Confederation of Paper Industries which mainly represents paper mills.
In the UK, the Recycling Association, has emphasised the need for agreements between buyer and seller rather than sticking rigidly to the guidelines on moisture.
The document, issued by the Confederation of European Paper Industries, which is based in Brussels, notes that that loads with under 10% of moisture content should be accepted but above this level may not be accepted although there are agreements between buyers and sellers (see letsrecycle.com story).
Tolerance
Simon Ellin, chief executive of the Recycling Association, which primarily represents suppliers to mills, said “Firstly, the generally accepted moisture tolerance that is applied for material from the UK is 12% and not 10% – this includes a small margin for error.
“Secondly, buyers for UK material recognise that particularly in winter months, material may exceed ideal moisture limits. But these buyers make a commercial decision as to whether they want the material or not. If you impose strict limits on maximum moisture levels, it may well prevent material leaving these shores as suppliers will not want to risk massive demurrage charges from Europe or Asia.”
Speaking for the UK’s Confederation of Paper Industries, which mainly represents paper mills, Simon Weston, the CPI’s director of raw materials, said: “In effect this is nothing new and pretty much describes the status quo. Some mills may allow a further 2% margin for error before charging back to 10%. Whilst EN643 provides a widespread and generally accepted industry benchmark, ultimately this issue lies between buyer and seller.”
Supply chain
The Recycling Association also commented on the need for the whole supply chain to play its part in helping to raise quality. Mr Ellin said: “We would argue that paper mills must also be aware that recyclers are having to work with a supply chain that does not always provide the highest quality material.”
And, he called for continuing action on tackling illegal exporters: “The Recycling Association is committed to improving quality, and wants to see the UK’s environment agencies focus on illegal exporters which deliberately flout the system, while we also need to work with local authorities and other suppliers to bring overall quality up.
“That way, we can ensure that the paper recycling industry is recognised for being the resource industry it is, as part of the international circular economy.”
Related links
Confederation of European Paper Industries
Confederation of Paper Industries (UK)
The Recycling Association
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